SAT Vocabulary Level 2 — Set 146

Set 146 of SAT Vocabulary Level 2 covers 5 words: illiterate, conceivable, tenacious, glacial, adventurous. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. illiterate · adjective/ɪˈlɪt̬.ər.ət/

   unable to read and write

   Many adults in the region are still illiterate, struggling to find jobs that require basic reading and writing skills.

   Synonyms: uneducated, unschooled, ignorant

   Origin: from Latin 'illiteratus', meaning 'unlettered', composed of 'in-' meaning 'not' and 'literatus' meaning 'lettered, educated'

2. conceivable · adjective/kənˈsiː.və.bəl/

   capable of being imagined or thought of

   It is conceivable that humans could colonize Mars within the next century.

   Synonyms: imaginable, thinkable, possible

   Origin: from Old French 'conceivable', from Latin 'concipere' which means 'to take in, conceive'.

3. tenacious · adjective/təˈneɪ.ʃəs/

   holding firm to a purpose or opinion

   Despite numerous setbacks, her tenacious spirit kept her pursuing her dreams relentlessly.

   Synonyms: persistent, determined, resolute

   Origin: from Latin 'tenax', meaning 'holding fast', from 'tenere', meaning 'to hold'

4. glacial · adjective/ˈɡleɪʃəl/

   relating to or derived from a glacier or glaciers

   The scientists studied the glacial deposits to understand the climate changes over the past millennia.

   Synonyms: icy, cold, arctic

   Origin: from Latin 'glacies' meaning 'ice'

5. adventurous · adjective/ədˈvɛn.tʃər.əs/

   willing to take risks or try new experiences

   Her adventurous spirit led her to explore the jungles of South America, where she tried zip-lining for the first time.

   Synonyms: daring, courageous, venturesome

   Origin: The word 'adventurous' originates from the Latin word 'adventura', meaning 'a thing about to happen', derived from 'advenire', 'to arrive'.