averse, potent, mischievous, incessant, intelligible: meanings and examples

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

1. averse · adjective/əˈvɜrs/

   having a strong dislike or opposition to something

   She is averse to taking risks in her investment strategies, preferring safer options.

   Synonyms: disinclined, opposed, resistant

   Origin: from Latin 'aversus', past participle of 'avertere', meaning 'to turn away'

2. potent · adjective/ˈpoʊ.tənt/

   having great power, influence, or effect

   The scientist discovered a potent new drug that effectively combats the disease.

   Synonyms: powerful, strong, influential

   Origin: from Latin 'potens', which is the present participle of 'posse', meaning 'to be able'.

3. mischievous · adjective/ˈmɪs.tʃə.vəs/

   showing a playful desire to cause trouble or annoyance

   The mischievous child hid behind the curtain, giggling as he plotted to jump out and scare his unsuspecting parents.

   Synonyms: playful, naughty, impish

   Origin: Middle English, from 'mischievous' derived from Old French 'mischief' and from Latin 'maledictus' meaning 'wrongdoing'.

4. incessant · adjective/ɪnˈsɛsənt/

   continuing without pause or interruption

   The incessant rain caused flooding in many neighborhoods, leaving residents stranded.

   Synonyms: uninterrupted, ceaseless, constant

   Origin: from Latin 'incessans', the present participle of 'incessare', which means 'to cease' with the prefix 'in-' meaning 'not'.

5. intelligible · adjective/ɪnˈtɛl.ɪ.dʒə.bəl/

   capable of being understood

   The instructions were so clearly written that they were completely intelligible to everyone in the class.

   Synonyms: comprehensible, understandable, clear

   Origin: From Latin 'intelligibilis', from 'intelligere' meaning 'to understand'.