detrimental, nutritious, eerie, innumerable, counterfeit: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 2 set 312. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. detrimental · adjective/ˌdɛt.rəˈmɛn.təl/

   causing harm or damage

   The lack of exercise can have a detrimental effect on one's health.

   Synonyms: harmful, damaging, injurious

   Origin: from Latin detrimentalis, from detrimentum meaning 'loss, damage'

2. nutritious · adjective/nuˈtrɪʃəs/

   providing nourishment or health benefits

   Eating a variety of nutritious foods is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

   Synonyms: nourishing, healthful, beneficial

   Origin: from Middle French 'nutritif', from Latin 'nutritivus', from 'nutrire' meaning 'to nourish'

3. eerie · adjective/ˈɪri/

   strange and frightening

   The abandoned house had an eerie silence that made everyone hesitant to enter.

   Synonyms: uncanny, spooky, creepy

   Origin: The word 'eerie' originated from the Scots word 'eirigh', meaning 'fearful' or 'spooky'.

4. innumerable · adjective/ɪˈnuː.mər.ə.bəl/

   too many to be counted or countless

   The night sky was filled with innumerable stars, creating a breathtaking view.

   Synonyms: countless, countless, myriad

   Origin: from Latin 'innumerabilis', from 'in-' meaning 'not' + 'numerabilis' meaning 'countable'

5. counterfeit · adjective/ˈkaʊn.tə.fɪt/

   a fraudulent imitation of something valuable

   The market was flooded with counterfeit goods that deceived many unsuspecting shoppers.

   Synonyms: fake, imitation, fraudulent

   Origin: From the Middle English 'countrefeite', derived from the Latin 'contra' meaning 'against' and 'facere' meaning 'to make'.