evocative, sentimental, glib, unidentified, elusive: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 2 set 295. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. evocative · adjective/ɪˈvɑːkəˌtɪv/

   bringing strong memories, feelings, or images to mind

   The evocative imagery in the poem brought back cherished memories of my childhood vacations by the seaside.

   Synonyms: suggestive, redolent, expressive

   Origin: Originates from the Latin word 'evocativus', which means 'calling out'.

2. sentimental · adjective/ˌsɛntəˈmɛntl/

   excessively prone to feelings of tenderness, sadness, or nostalgia

   Despite not being a particularly sentimental person, he couldn't help but get emotional while looking through old family photos.

   Synonyms: emotional, nostalgic, sappy

   Origin: From Latin 'sentimentalem' (nominative singular masculine) meaning 'of feeling', from 'sentire' meaning 'to feel'.

3. glib · adjective/ɡlɪb/

   smooth-talking or fluent in a superficial or insincere way

   Despite his glib assurances about the project's success, many employees remained skeptical of his true intentions.

   Synonyms: smooth, insincere, slick

   Origin: from Middle Dutch 'glibberig', meaning slippery or slimy

4. unidentified · adjective/ˌʌnɪˈdɛntəˌfaɪdɪd/

   not recognized or established

   The police discovered an unidentified vehicle near the crime scene, raising suspicions about its connection to the incident.

   Synonyms: unknown, unrecognized, nameless

   Origin: The word 'unidentified' originates from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not', combined with 'identify', which comes from the Latin 'identificare', meaning 'to make identical'.

5. elusive · adjective/ɪˈlusɪv/

   difficult to find, catch, or achieve

   The elusive goal of achieving world peace seems further away than ever.

   Synonyms: fleeting, evasive

   Origin: from Latin 'elusivus', meaning 'to evade or escape'