frail, hospitable, brisk, attentive, gruesome: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 2 set 332. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. frail · adjective/freɪl/

   weak and delicate

   The frail elderly man needed assistance to cross the street safely.

   Synonyms: weak, delicate, fragile

   Origin: derived from Middle English 'frayl', from Latin 'fragilis', meaning 'easily broken'.

2. hospitable · adjective/hɑːsˈpɪtəbl/

   welcoming and generous to guests or visitors

   The hospitable hosts prepared a lavish dinner to ensure all their guests felt welcome and comfortable.

   Synonyms: welcoming, friendly, accommodating

   Origin: from Middle French 'hospital' (meaning 'hospitality'), from Latin 'hospitale' (meaning 'hospitable or relating to a guest'), from 'hospes' (meaning 'guest, host')

3. brisk · adjective/brɪsk/

   quick and active; lively and energetic

   She took a brisk walk in the morning to energize herself for the day ahead.

   Synonyms: lively, energetic, quick

   Origin: The word 'brisk' originated in Middle English, likely from the Old French 'brusque', meaning 'sharp' or 'tart'.

4. attentive · adjective/əˈtɛntɪv/

   paying close attention to something or someone

   The teacher was very attentive to her students' needs, ensuring that everyone understood the lesson.

   Synonyms: watchful, observant, heedful

   Origin: from Middle French 'attentif' and Latin 'attentivus', meaning 'paying attention to'

5. gruesome · adjective/ˈɡruːsəm/

   causing horror or disgust especially because of involvement with death or injury

   The detective was shocked by the gruesome details of the crime scene, which revealed the extent of the violence involved.

   Synonyms: horrific, ghastly, macabre

   Origin: The word 'gruesome' originates from the Middle English term 'gruesom,' derived from the verb 'grue,' which means to shudder or feel horror.