elegant, fatal, scholarly, stern, pedestrian: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 1 set 86. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. elegant · adjective/ˈɛl.ɪ.ɡənt/

   graceful and stylish in appearance or manner

   The elegant dress she wore to the gala turned heads and captivated everyone in the room.

   Synonyms: graceful, stylish, refined

   Origin: from Latin 'elegans', meaning 'graceful' or 'choice'

2. fatal · adjective/feɪtəl/

   resulting in death or capable of causing death

   The accident was so severe that it resulted in a fatal injury to the driver.

   Synonyms: deadly, lethal, mortal

   Origin: from Latin 'fatalis', meaning 'decreed by fate'

3. scholarly · adjective/ˈskɑː.lɚ.li/

   relating to or characteristic of academic study or research

   The professor published a scholarly article that contributed significantly to the understanding of climate change.

   Synonyms: academic, learned, erudite

   Origin: The word 'scholarly' originates from the Middle English 'scolerly,' derived from the Latin 'scholaris,' which comes from 'scholar,' meaning a student or pupil.

4. stern · adjective/stɜrn/

   having a strict or severe manner or appearance

   The teacher's stern expression made it clear that late submissions would not be tolerated.

   Synonyms: severe, harsh, strict

   Origin: from Old English 'styrne', meaning 'stern, grave, or severe'

5. pedestrian · noun/pəˈdɛstəriən/

   a person walking particularly in an urban environment

   The city council implemented new safety measures to protect **pedestrians** crossing the busy intersection.

   Synonyms: walker, foot traveler, wayfarer

   Origin: from Latin 'pedester', meaning 'on foot', from 'pes', meaning 'foot'