SAT Vocabulary Level 2 — Set 317

Set 317 of SAT Vocabulary Level 2 covers 5 words: diurnal, ephemeral, inept, venerable, ferocious. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. diurnal · adjective/daɪˈɜrnəl/

   active during the day and sleeping at night

   Many birds are diurnal creatures, taking to the skies during daylight to forage for food.

   Synonyms: daily, daytime, light-active

   Origin: from Latin 'diurnalis', from 'diurnus' meaning 'of the day', which is derived from 'dies' meaning 'day'

2. ephemeral · adjective/ɪˈfɛm.ər.əl/

   lasting for a very short time

   The photographer captured the beauty of the ephemeral flowers that bloomed in the spring, knowing they would fade within days.

   Synonyms: transitory, fleeting, short-lived

   Origin: Derived from the Greek word 'ephemeros,' meaning 'lasting only a day.'

3. inept · adjective/ɪˈnɛpt/

   lacking skill or ability

   Despite his enthusiasm, his inept handling of the situation only made things worse.

   Synonyms: incompetent, clumsy, unskilled

   Origin: from Latin 'ineptus', meaning 'unsuitable or unfit'

4. venerable · adjective/ˈvɛnərebl/

   worthy of respect due to age, character, or wisdom

   The venerable professor shared his insights on ethics with a room full of eager students.

   Synonyms: respected, esteemed, revered

   Origin: From Middle English 'venerable', from Latin 'venerabilis', meaning 'worthy of respect or reverence'.

5. ferocious · adjective/fəˈroʊʃəs/

   savagely fierce or cruel

   The ferocious storm whipped across the coastline, uprooting trees and flooding streets.

   Synonyms: fierce, savage, brutal

   Origin: from Middle French 'feroce', from Latin 'ferox' meaning fierce or wild