feral, coincidental, hysterical, elliptical, pastoral: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 2 set 185. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. feral · adjective/ˈfɛr.əl/

   relating to or resembling a wild animal or wild state

   The feral cats prowled the alleyways in search of food, their eyes glowing in the moonlight.

   Synonyms: wild, untamed, savage

   Origin: from Latin 'feralis', meaning 'of the wild, savage' derived from 'ferus' meaning 'wild, savage'

2. coincidental · adjective/koʊˈɪn.sɪ.dənt.əl/

   occurring by chance without intention or design

   It was purely coincidental that we both decided to visit the same café on the same day.

   Synonyms: fortuitous, accidental, incidental

   Origin: from Latin 'coincidens' (present participle of 'coincidere', meaning 'to coincide')

3. hysterical · adjective/hɪˈstɛr.ɪ.kəl/

   affected by uncontrolled extreme emotions often characterized by laughter or crying

   The crowd became hysterical with laughter when the comedian told his funniest joke.

   Synonyms: frantic, agitated, wild

   Origin: Late 19th century from Greek 'hystera' meaning 'uterus', reflecting the historical association of emotional instability with women's reproductive health.

4. elliptical · adjective/ɪˈlɪp.tɪ.kəl/

   having the shape of an ellipse or resembling an ellipse

   The track at the stadium is designed in an elliptical shape, allowing for smoother racing dynamics.

   Synonyms: oval, egg-shaped, oblong

   Origin: from the Latin 'ellipticus', from Greek 'elleiptikos', meaning 'deficient, ellipsis'.

5. pastoral · adjective/ˈpæstərəl/

   relating to the keeping or grazing of sheep or cattle

   The pastoral landscape was dotted with grazing sheep, moving leisurely across the green hills.

   Synonyms: agricultural, rural, pastoralist

   Origin: From Latin 'pastoralis', meaning 'of a shepherd', from 'pastor', meaning 'shepherd'.