The company faced an unprecedented surge in demand for its products during the pandemic.
synonyms
unparalleledexceptionalnovel
word origin — The word 'unprecedented' comes from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'precedent,' which originates from the Latin 'praecedent-' meaning 'going before.'
unprecedented, decadent, arcane, negligent, unobservable: meanings and examples
Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 2 set 327. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.
unprecedented · adjective/ʌnˈprɛsɪˌdɛntɪd/
never done or known before
The company faced an unprecedented surge in demand for its products during the pandemic.
Synonyms: unparalleled, exceptional, novel
Origin: The word 'unprecedented' comes from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'precedent,' which originates from the Latin 'praecedent-' meaning 'going before.'
decadent · adjective/ˈdɛkədənt/
characterized by a decline in morals or values often associated with indulgence and excess
The decadent lifestyle of the elite often leads to a disconnection from the struggles of ordinary people.
Synonyms: dissolute, immoral, depraved
Origin: from Latin 'decadentem', the present participle of 'decadere' meaning 'to fall or decline'
arcane · adjective/ɑrˈkeɪn/
known or understood by very few; mysterious or secret
The scholars gathered to discuss the arcane rituals of ancient civilizations, which few people had ever understood.
Synonyms: mysterious, obscure, esoteric
Origin: from Latin 'arcanus', meaning 'secret', which is derived from 'arca', meaning 'chest' or 'box'.
negligent · adjective/ˈnɛɡlɪdʒənt/
failing to take proper care in doing something
The company was found negligent in its safety protocols, leading to a serious accident at the factory.
Synonyms: careless, reckless, inattentive
Origin: from Latin 'negligens', present participle of 'neglegere' meaning to disregard or neglect
unobservable · adjective/ˌʌnəˈzɜrvəbl/
not able to be seen or perceived
In quantum mechanics, certain phenomena are unobservable by traditional means, leaving scientists to rely on theoretical models.
Synonyms: invisible, imperceptible, hidden
Origin: from Latin 'unobservable' where 'un-' means 'not' and 'observable' comes from 'observare' meaning 'to watch, observe'