SAT Vocabulary Level 2 — Set 261

Set 261 of SAT Vocabulary Level 2 covers 5 words: superficial, penal, nascent, troublesome, tidy. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. superficial · adjective/ˌsuː.pɚˈfɪʃ.əl/

   lacking depth of character or understanding

   Her interest in the topic seemed superficial, as she only skimmed the surface of the complex issues involved.

   Synonyms: shallow, surface, trivial

   Origin: from Latin 'superficialis', meaning 'of the surface', from 'superficies', meaning 'surface'

2. penal · adjective/ˈpiː.nəl/

   relating to, involving, or prescribing punishment for offenders

   The government proposed a new penal code aimed at reforming sentencing practices for non-violent offenders.

   Synonyms: punitive, corrective, disciplinary

   Origin: from Latin 'poenalis', derived from 'poena' meaning 'penalty or punishment'

3. nascent · adjective/ˈnæs.ənt/

   emerging or coming into existence

   The nascent technology sector in the region is attracting significant investment from venture capitalists.

   Synonyms: emerging, budding, incipient

   Origin: from Latin 'nascens', present participle of 'nasci' meaning 'to be born'.

4. troublesome · adjective/ˈtrʌb.əl.səm/

   causing difficulty or annoyance

   The troublesome issues during the project caused delays that affected the entire team.

   Synonyms: problematic, inconvenient, challenging

   Origin: Middle English, from trouble + -some

5. tidy · adjective/ˈtaɪ.di/

   in a state of neatness and order

   After organizing her workspace, she felt a great sense of satisfaction knowing it was now tidy and efficient.

   Synonyms: neat, orderly, organized

   Origin: from Middle English 'tidy', derived from Old Norse 'tidig', meaning 'well-arranged or timely'