immense, definite, enormous, massive, transparent: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 1 set 36. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. immense · adjective/ɪˈmɛns/

   extremely large or great in size or degree

   The immense size of the mountain left the hikers in awe.

   Synonyms: enormous, massive, gigantic

   Origin: from Latin 'immensus', meaning 'unmeasured'; from in- 'not' + mensus 'measured'

2. definite · adjective/ˈdɛfɪnɪt/

   clearly defined or determined

   The committee reached a definite decision about the new policy, ensuring that everyone understood the plan moving forward.

   Synonyms: clear, certain, specific

   Origin: from Latin 'definitus', which is the past participle of 'definire', meaning 'to limit, determine, or define'

3. enormous · adjective/ɪˈnɔr.məs/

   very large in size, quantity, or extent

   The museum displayed an enormous collection of ancient artifacts that attracted visitors from all over the world.

   Synonyms: huge, massive, gigantic

   Origin: from Latin 'enormis' meaning 'out of the norm, irregular, excessive'

4. massive · adjective/ˈmæsɪv/

   very large in size, weight, or extent

   The team discovered a massive mountain range that stretched for hundreds of miles.

   Synonyms: huge, enormous, immense

   Origin: from Middle French 'massif', from Latin 'massivus' meaning 'bulky, solid'

5. transparent · adjective/trænˈspɛr.ənt/

   able to be seen through; clear or easily understood

   The glass is so transparent that you can easily see the beautiful garden outside.

   Synonyms: clear, see-through, lucid

   Origin: from Latin 'transparens', present participle of 'transparere', meaning 'to show through'