recurrent, poignant, utmost, infallible, enigmatic: meanings and examples

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

1. recurrent · adjective/rɪˈkɜrnt/

   occurring repeatedly or regularly

   Her recurrent headaches prompted her to seek medical advice.

   Synonyms: repetitive, periodic, recurring

   Origin: from Latin 'recurrentem', present participle of 'recurrere', meaning 'to run back' or 'to return'

2. poignant · adjective/ˈpɔɪnjənt/

   evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret

   The film's poignant depiction of loss left the audience in tears as they reflected on their own experiences.

   Synonyms: touching, moving, emotional

   Origin: from Middle French 'poignant', present participle of 'poindre', meaning 'to prick, pierce'; related to Latin 'pungere', meaning 'to prick'.

3. utmost · adjective/ˈʌt.moʊst/

   of the greatest or highest degree or amount

   The team put forth their utmost effort to complete the project on time.

   Synonyms: maximum, supreme, greatest

   Origin: Middle English 'utmoste', from Old English 'ūtmest', superlative of 'ūta' meaning 'outer' or 'outside'

4. infallible · adjective/ɪnˈfæləbl/

   incapable of making mistakes or being wrong

   She always trusts her infallible instincts when making decisions.

   Synonyms: unerring, flawless, impeccable

   Origin: from Latin 'infallibilis', from 'in-' meaning 'not' and 'fallere' meaning 'to deceive or err'

5. enigmatic · adjective/ˌɛnɪɡˈmætɪk/

   difficult to understand or interpret

   The artist's latest painting is filled with enigmatic symbols that left viewers puzzled about its true meaning.

   Synonyms: mysterious, puzzling, cryptic

   Origin: from Latin 'enigmatis,' which comes from Greek 'ainigma' meaning 'riddle' or 'fable.'