SAT Vocabulary Level 2 — Set 216

Set 216 of SAT Vocabulary Level 2 covers 5 words: murky, illustrious, tolerant, perennial, wary. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. murky · adjective/ˈmɚ.ki/

   not clear or transparent; cloudy or blurred

   The lake was so murky that we couldn't see the fish swimming beneath the surface.

   Synonyms: cloudy, dim, obscure

   Origin: Middle English, from Old English 'myrc' meaning 'dark, murky, dim'

2. illustrious · adjective/ɪˈlʌstrəs/

   well-known and distinguished for past achievements or quality

   The university has a long history of producing illustrious graduates who have made significant contributions to society.

   Synonyms: renowned, famous, celebrated

   Origin: from Latin 'illustrious', from 'illustrare' meaning 'to illuminate, to make clear'

3. tolerant · adjective/ˈtɑːlərənt/

   having an open-minded attitude toward opinions or behaviors that differ from one's own

   The tolerant community welcomed people from various cultural backgrounds, fostering an atmosphere of acceptance and understanding.

   Synonyms: open-minded, accepting, broad-minded

   Origin: Latin 'tolerans', present participle of 'tolerare', meaning to bear or endure

4. perennial · adjective/pəˈrɛn.i.əl/

   lasting or existing for a long or apparently infinite time

   The city's perennial problem of traffic congestion continues to frustrate commuters every day.

   Synonyms: everlasting, eternal, enduring

   Origin: from Latin 'perennis', from 'per-' (through) + 'annus' (year)

5. wary · adjective/ˈwɛri/

   cautious or careful about possible dangers or problems

   She was wary of making investments after witnessing so many people lose money in the stock market.

   Synonyms: cautious, alert, careful

   Origin: from Middle English 'weri', related to Old English 'wær', meaning 'cautious' or 'aware'.