opinionated, humane, futile, esoteric, opportunistic: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 2 set 234. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. opinionated · adjective/əˈpɪn.jə.neɪ.tɪd/

   having strong personal beliefs or opinions that are often expressed and not easily swayed

   Her opinionated views on politics often sparked lively debates among her friends.

   Synonyms: dogmatic, biased

   Origin: The word 'opinionated' originates from the word 'opinion,' which comes from the Latin 'opinio', meaning 'belief' or 'judgment'.

2. humane · adjective/hjuˈmeɪn/

   having or showing compassion or benevolence

   The organization's humane approach to animal rescue has saved countless lives.

   Synonyms: compassionate, benevolent, kind

   Origin: The word 'humane' originates from the Latin word 'humanus', meaning 'human' or 'of man', which is derived from 'homo', meaning 'man'.

3. futile · adjective/ˈfjuː.taɪl/

   having no useful result or effect

   After several futile attempts to fix the old car, he realized it was time to buy a new one.

   Synonyms: pointless, useless, vain

   Origin: Originates from Middle English 'futil', from Latin 'futilis', meaning 'leaky, vain, worthless'.

4. esoteric · adjective/ˌɛsəˈtɛrɪk/

   intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialized knowledge or interest

   The professor delivered an esoteric lecture on quantum mechanics that was difficult for most students to grasp.

   Synonyms: arcane, cryptic, obscure

   Origin: derived from the Greek word 'esoterikos', meaning 'belonging to an inner circle'

5. opportunistic · adjective/ˌɑːpərˈtjunɪstɪk/

   taking advantage of opportunities as they arise often with little regard for principles or consequences

   His opportunistic behavior during the negotiations shocked everyone, as he seemed more focused on personal gain than on reaching a fair agreement.

   Synonyms: exploitative, shrewd, calculating

   Origin: derived from the Latin word 'opportunus', meaning 'favorable', combined with the suffix '-istic'