Many birds are diurnal creatures, taking to the skies during daylight to forage for food.
synonyms
dailydaytimelight-active
word origin — from Latin 'diurnalis', from 'diurnus' meaning 'of the day', which is derived from 'dies' meaning 'day'
diurnal, ephemeral, inept, venerable, ferocious: meanings and examples
Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 2 set 317. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.
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'
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.'
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'
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'.
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