dainty, incisive, concave, cryptic, palpable: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 2 set 34. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. dainty · adjective/ˈdeɪnti/

   delicate and pretty in appearance or texture

   She wore a dainty bracelet that sparkled delicately on her wrist.

   Synonyms: delicate, exquisite, pretty

   Origin: from Middle English 'dainté', from Old French 'deinté', from Latin 'dignitas' meaning 'worthiness'

2. incisive · adjective/ɪnˈsaɪsɪv/

   clear and direct in analysis or expression

   Her incisive commentary on the economic crisis shed light on the underlying issues that many had overlooked.

   Synonyms: keen, penetrating, sharp

   Origin: From Latin 'incisivus', meaning 'cutting', from 'incidere', meaning 'to cut in'.

3. concave · adjective/kənˈkeɪv/

   curved inward like the inside of a bowl

   The bottom of the bowl has a concave surface that helps to hold the soup without spilling.

   Synonyms: depressed, hollow, sunken

   Origin: From Latin 'concavus', meaning 'hollow, curved inward', from 'com-' (with) + 'cava' (hollow).

4. cryptic · adjective/ˈkrɪp.tɪk/

   having a meaning that is mysterious or obscure

   The cryptic message left by the anonymous sender left everyone puzzled about its true meaning.

   Synonyms: enigmatic, mysterious, obscure

   Origin: from the Greek 'kryptikos', meaning 'able to conceal'

5. palpable · adjective/ˈpælpəbl/

   capable of being touched or felt distinctly

   The tension in the room was palpable, as everyone awaited the announcement with bated breath.

   Synonyms: tangible, noticeable, perceptible

   Origin: from Middle English 'palpable', from Latin 'palpabilis', from 'palpare' meaning 'to touch, stroke'