SAT Vocabulary Level 2 — Set 178

Set 178 of SAT Vocabulary Level 2 covers 5 words: innate, monstrous, abysmal, minuscule, conducive. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. innate · adjective/ɪˈneɪt/

   existing in one from birth natural or inherent

   Her innate talent for music was evident from a very young age, as she could play the piano beautifully with little instruction.

   Synonyms: inborn, natural, hereditary

   Origin: from Latin 'innatus', meaning 'born in' or 'natural'

2. monstrous · adjective/ˈmɑːnstrəs/

   extremely ugly or cruel in a way that causes shock or disgust

   The monstrous cruelty displayed by the villain left the audience in shock and horror.

   Synonyms: grotesque, hideous, abhorrent

   Origin: from Middle English 'monstrous', from Old French 'monstruos', from Latin 'monstruosus', from 'monstrum' meaning 'monster'

3. abysmal · adjective/əˈbɪzməl/

   extremely bad or poor in quality

   The student's performance on the exam was abysmal, reflecting a lack of preparation and understanding of the material.

   Synonyms: atrocious, dreadful, terrible

   Origin: from the Latin 'abyssus', meaning 'bottomless' or 'depths', combined with the suffix '-al' to form the adjective.

4. minuscule · adjective/ˈmɪnəˌskjul/

   extremely small or tiny

   Despite their minuscule size, the seeds can grow into giant trees.

   Synonyms: tiny, minute, miniature

   Origin: from Latin 'minusculus', meaning 'somewhat small', a diminutive of 'parvus', meaning 'small'

5. conducive · adjective/kənˈduːsɪv/

   having the quality of bringing about or promoting something

   The quiet atmosphere of the library is conducive to studying and concentration.

   Synonyms: favorable, beneficial, advantageous

   Origin: from Latin 'conducere' meaning 'to lead together, contribute'