SAT Vocabulary Level 2 — Set 157

Set 157 of SAT Vocabulary Level 2 covers 5 words: nimble, potable, derogatory, concomitant, idealistic. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. nimble · adjective/ˈnɪm.bəl/

   quick and light in movement or action

   The dancer was incredibly nimble, effortlessly leaping across the stage with grace and agility.

   Synonyms: agile, spry, deft

   Origin: Middle English, from Old English nimelan meaning 'to take, capture'; related to nim, meaning 'quick, light.'

2. potable · adjective/ˈpoʊtəbl/

   suitable for drinking

   The hikers brought enough potable water to last them through the trek.

   Synonyms: drinkable, consumable, safe to drink

   Origin: from Latin 'potabilis', meaning 'drinkable', from 'potare', meaning 'to drink'

3. derogatory · adjective/dɪˈrɑɡəˌtɔri/

   showing a critical or disrespectful attitude

   His derogatory remarks about her work only served to undermine her confidence.

   Synonyms: disparaging, belittling, demeaning

   Origin: derived from the Latin 'derogare', meaning 'to detract or take away from'.

4. concomitant · adjective/kənˈkɑːmɪtənt/

   occurring or existing at the same time as something else

   The rise in social media usage has been accompanied by a concomitant increase in concerns about privacy.

   Synonyms: simultaneous, accompanying, coincident

   Origin: Late Latin 'concomitantem' meaning 'accompanying' from 'con-' (together) + 'comitari' (to accompany)

5. idealistic · adjective/aɪˌdiːəˈlɪstɪk/

   believing in or pursuing noble ideals especially unrealistically

   His idealistic vision for a world without poverty often led him to overlook the practical challenges involved in making it a reality.

   Synonyms: utopian, visionary, romantic

   Origin: From 'ideal' + '-istic', where 'ideal' originates from the Latin 'idealis' meaning 'existing as an idea' or 'perfect'.