SAT Vocabulary Level 1 — Set 316

Set 316 of SAT Vocabulary Level 1 covers 5 words: unexpected, ambiguous, charitable, eminent, miniature. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. unexpected · adjective/ˌʌnɪkˈspɛktɪd/

   not anticipated or foreseen

   The unexpected news of her promotion took everyone by surprise during the meeting.

   Synonyms: unforeseen, surprising, sudden

   Origin: The word 'unexpected' originates from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'expected,' which comes from the Latin 'expectare,' meaning 'to look out for or wait for.'

2. ambiguous · adjective/æmˈbɪɡ.ju.əs/

   having more than one possible meaning or interpretation

   The instructions were ambiguous, leaving everyone confused about what was required.

   Synonyms: vague, unclear, equivocal

   Origin: The word 'ambiguous' originates from the Latin word 'ambig(u)us,' meaning 'having double meaning,' derived from 'amb-' (around) + 'agere' (to drive, to act).

3. charitable · adjective/ˈtʃær.ɪ.tə.bəl/

   generous in giving to those in need or seeking to help others

   The charitable organization provided food and shelter to the homeless during the winter months.

   Synonyms: generous, benevolent, philanthropic

   Origin: Middle English, from Old French 'charitable', from Latin 'caritativus', from 'caritas' meaning 'dear, cherished, affection'.

4. eminent · adjective/ˈɛm.ɪ.nənt/

   famous and respected within a particular sphere or profession

   The conference featured an eminent scientist who shared groundbreaking research on climate change.

   Synonyms: prominent, renowned, distinguished

   Origin: from Latin 'eminens', which is the present participle of 'eminere', meaning 'to stand out, project, or be prominent'

5. miniature · noun/ˈmɪnəˌtʃʊr/

   something that is much smaller than usual

   The artist created a stunning miniature of the famous landmark, capturing every detail in its tiny form.

   Synonyms: model, replica, miniature version

   Origin: The word 'miniature' comes from the Latin 'miniatura', which means 'smallness' and is derived from 'minutus', meaning 'small'.