The researchers developed a groundbreaking technology that revolutionized renewable energy sources.
synonyms
innovativepioneeringrevolutionary
word origin — The word 'groundbreaking' is derived from the combination of 'ground,' meaning the earth or soil, and 'breaking,' referring to the act of breaking new ground or starting a new venture. It has been used since the late 19th century to describe innovative projects.
SAT Vocabulary Level 2 — Set 249
Set 249 of SAT Vocabulary Level 2 covers 5 words: groundbreaking, unavoidable, contagious, solitary, corrosive. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.
groundbreaking · adjective/ˈɡraʊndˌbreɪ.kɪŋ/
very innovative or pioneering in a field or area
The researchers developed a groundbreaking technology that revolutionized renewable energy sources.
Synonyms: innovative, pioneering, revolutionary
Origin: The word 'groundbreaking' is derived from the combination of 'ground,' meaning the earth or soil, and 'breaking,' referring to the act of breaking new ground or starting a new venture. It has been used since the late 19th century to describe innovative projects.
unavoidable · adjective/ˌʌnəˈvɔɪdəbəl/
certain to happen and unable to be avoided
The consequences of poor planning are often unavoidable, leading to missed deadlines and increased costs.
Synonyms: inevitable, inescapable, certain
Origin: from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' + 'avoidable', derived from the Latin 'evadere' meaning 'to escape'
contagious · adjective/kənˈteɪ.dʒəs/
capable of being transmitted from one individual to another
The flu is a highly contagious virus that spreads easily among people in close proximity.
Synonyms: infectious, communicable, transmittable
Origin: from Latin 'contagiosus', from 'contagio' meaning 'infection' or 'touching'
solitary · adjective/ˈsɑː.lɪ.tɛr.i/
being alone or isolated
After years of living in the city, he decided to retreat to a solitary cabin in the woods for some peace and quiet.
Synonyms: alone, isolated, unaccompanied
Origin: from Latin 'solitarius', from 'solus' meaning 'alone'
corrosive · adjective/kəˈroʊsɪv/
capable of causing damage to materials or living tissues through chemical action
The factory dealt with several corrosive chemicals that required strict safety measures to protect the workers.
Synonyms: caustic, harmful, acrid
Origin: from Latin 'corrosivus', meaning 'to gnaw or eat away'