meek, pivotal, dismal, destitute, tedious: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 2 set 256. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. meek · adjective/mik/

   quiet, gentle, and submissive in nature

   Despite her meek demeanor, she was a strong advocate for her beliefs.

   Synonyms: humble, gentle, submissive

   Origin: from Old Norse 'mjúkr', meaning 'soft' or 'gentle'

2. pivotal · adjective/ˈpɪv.ə.t̬əl/

   of crucial importance in relation to the development or success of something else

   Her research provided pivotal insights that would ultimately shape the future of climate policy.

   Synonyms: critical, essential, vital

   Origin: from Latin 'pivotalis', derived from 'pivot' which comes from the Old French 'pivot' meaning 'a pivot, a turning point'.

3. dismal · adjective/ˈdɪzməl/

   gloomy or dreary; causing a mood of misery or sadness

   The dismal weather kept everyone indoors, casting a pall over the weekend plans.

   Synonyms: gloomy, dreary, bleak

   Origin: from Middle English 'dismal', derived from Latin 'dies mali' meaning 'evil days'

4. destitute · adjective/ˈdɛstəˌtut/

   lacking the basic necessities of life

   After losing his job, he found himself destitute and without a place to live.

   Synonyms: impoverished, needy, indigent

   Origin: Middle English 'destitute' from Latin 'destitutus', past participle of 'destituere' meaning to abandon or forsake; 'de-' meaning down from or away, and 'stituere' meaning to set up or establish.

5. tedious · adjective/ˈtiː.dɪ.əs/

   too long, slow, or dull; tiresome or monotonous

   The process of reviewing hundreds of pages of documents was incredibly tedious and seemed to drag on forever.

   Synonyms: boring, monotonous, tiresome

   Origin: From Latin 'taediosus', meaning 'weary, tiresome'.