lucid, understandable, flammable, unwilling, fraught: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 2 set 111. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. lucid · adjective/ˈluː.sɪd/

   clear and easy to understand

   The professor gave a lucid explanation of the complex theory, making it easy for the students to grasp the concepts.

   Synonyms: clear, understandable, coherent

   Origin: from Latin 'lucidus', meaning 'light' or 'clear', derived from 'lux', meaning 'light'

2. understandable · adjective/ˌʌndərˈstændəbl/

   capable of being understood

   It's completely understandable why she felt overwhelmed with all the changes happening at work.

   Synonyms: comprehensible, clear, intelligible

   Origin: From Middle English, combining 'understand' (from Old English 'understandan', meaning 'to stand among, to stand in the midst of', with 'able', from Latin 'habilis', meaning 'able' or 'capable of')

3. flammable · adjective/ˈflæm.ə.bəl/

   capable of being easily ignited and burning quickly

   The warehouse stored a large quantity of flammable liquids, making it essential to follow all safety protocols.

   Synonyms: combustible, inflamed, ignition-prone

   Origin: Derived from the Latin 'flammare', which means 'to set on fire', combined with the suffix '-able', indicating capability.

4. unwilling · adjective/ʌnˈwɪlɪŋ/

   not ready or eager to do something

   She was unwilling to share her personal information with strangers.

   Synonyms: disinclined, reluctant, resistant

   Origin: from un- 'not' + willing

5. fraught · adjective/frɔt/

   filled with or likely to result in something undesirable

   The project was fraught with difficulties, causing delays and budget overruns.

   Synonyms: laden, filled, burdened

   Origin: Middle English 'fraught', from Old English 'frāht' meaning 'to bear' or 'to load'