SAT Vocabulary Level 2 — Set 60

Set 60 of SAT Vocabulary Level 2 covers 5 words: commonplace, submissive, verbose, nocturnal, mystical. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. commonplace · adjective/ˈkɑːmənpleɪs/

   occurring often or frequently

   In urban areas, high-rise buildings have become a commonplace sight, dominating the skyline.

   Synonyms: ordinary, frequent, usual

   Origin: from Middle English 'comounplace', from Old French 'comun' (common) and 'place', meaning a place of common occurrence or thought.

2. submissive · adjective/səbˈmɪsɪv/

   willing to yield to the authority or control of others

   In many cultures, women have been expected to adopt a submissive role within the family hierarchy.

   Synonyms: compliant, docile, obedient

   Origin: from Latin 'submissus', meaning 'submissive or humble', from 'sub' (under) + 'mittere' (to send)

3. verbose · adjective/vɜrˈboʊs/

   using more words than necessary

   The professor's verbose explanation left the students more confused than enlightened.

   Synonyms: wordy, long-winded, loquacious

   Origin: Derived from Latin 'verbosus', meaning 'full of words', from 'verbum', meaning 'word'.

4. nocturnal · adjective/nɑkˈtɜrnəl/

   active during the night

   Owls are well-known for their nocturnal habits, often hunting for food under the cover of darkness.

   Synonyms: night-active, nighttime, night-loving

   Origin: from Latin 'nocturnalis', from 'nocturnus', meaning 'of the night', from 'nox' (genitive 'noctis') meaning 'night'

5. mystical · adjective/ˈmɪstɪkəl/

   relating to mysteries or esoteric knowledge often associated with spirituality or the supernatural

   The mystical experiences reported by the participants often left them with a profound sense of peace and understanding.

   Synonyms: mystic, spiritual, arcane

   Origin: from the Late Latin 'mysticus', from Greek 'mystikos', meaning 'of secret rites' or 'hidden'