hectic, perceptive, gauche, salient, enterprising: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 2 set 46. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. hectic · adjective/ˈhɛktɪk/

   characterized by intense activity, confusion, or haste

   After a hectic day at work, I was relieved to finally relax at home.

   Synonyms: frantic, frenetic, chaotic

   Origin: The word 'hectic' originates from the Greek word 'hektikos,' meaning 'habitual,' 'active,' or 'pertaining to activity.' It entered the English language in the late 14th century.

2. perceptive · adjective/pərˈsɛp.tɪv/

   having or showing sensitive insight

   Her perceptive observations during the meeting highlighted issues that most of us had overlooked.

   Synonyms: sharp, insightful, observant

   Origin: From Latin 'perceptivus', meaning 'able to perceive', from 'percipere' meaning 'to seize, understand'.

3. gauche · adjective/ɡoʊʃ/

   lacking social grace or ease

   His gauche remarks during the dinner party made everyone uncomfortable.

   Synonyms: awkward, clumsy, unsophisticated

   Origin: French, literally meaning 'left', from the Latin 'sinister' meaning 'left, unlucky'.

4. salient · adjective/ˈseɪ.li.ənt/

   most noticeable or important

   The salient features of the new policy were highlighted during the meeting.

   Synonyms: prominent, notable, conspicuous

   Origin: from Latin 'salientem', the present participle of 'salire' meaning 'to jump' or 'to leap'.

5. enterprising · adjective/ˈɛntərpraɪzɪŋ/

   having or showing initiative and resourcefulness

   The enterprising entrepreneur launched a new tech startup that quickly gained popularity.

   Synonyms: ambitious, resourceful

   Origin: From the word 'enterprise', derived from Middle French 'entreprendre', meaning 'to undertake'.