clandestine, combustible, formidable, unfamiliar, affluent: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 2 set 115. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. clandestine · adjective/klænˈdɛstɪn/

   kept secret or done secretively, especially because illicit

   The organization held clandestine meetings to discuss their plans without attracting attention.

   Synonyms: secret, covert, furtive

   Origin: From Latin 'clandestinus', meaning 'hidden, secret', from 'clam' meaning 'secretly'.

2. combustible · adjective/kəmˈbʌstəbl/

   able to catch fire and burn easily

   The warehouse stored large quantities of combustible materials, posing a significant fire hazard.

   Synonyms: flammable, ignitable, inflammable

   Origin: from Latin 'comburere', meaning 'to burn up', from 'com-' (altogether) + 'urere' (to burn)

3. formidable · adjective/fɔrˈmɪdəbl/

   inspiring fear or respect through being impressively powerful or large

   The team's formidable strength made them the favorites to win the championship this year.

   Synonyms: imposing, intimidating, awesome

   Origin: from Latin 'formidabilis', meaning 'fearful', from 'formidare' meaning 'to fear'

4. unfamiliar · adjective/ʌnˈfɪlɪr/

   not known or recognized

   As she walked through the unfamiliar streets of the city, she felt a mix of excitement and anxiety.

   Synonyms: unknown, unrecognized

   Origin: from the late Middle English 'unfamiliar', from the Latin 'un-' meaning 'not' + 'familiaris' meaning 'of a family, domestic'

5. affluent · adjective/ˈæfluənt/

   having a great deal of money and wealth

   The affluent families in the neighborhood often host extravagant parties and charity events.

   Synonyms: wealthy, rich, prosperous

   Origin: The word 'affluent' comes from the Latin 'affluens', which means 'flowing' or 'abundant', derived from 'affluere', meaning 'to flow to'.