SAT Vocabulary Level 2 — Set 71

Set 71 of SAT Vocabulary Level 2 covers 5 words: infernal, obese, mediocre, ineffective, erratic. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. infernal · adjective/ɪnˈfɜr.nəl/

   relating to hell or the underworld

   The infernal noise from the depths of the cave seemed to echo with the cries of lost souls.

   Synonyms: hellish, diabolical, nether

   Origin: from Latin 'infernālis', from 'infernus' meaning 'of hell' or 'below'

2. obese · adjective/oʊˈbiːs/

   having an excessive amount of body fat

   Many health experts agree that the number of obese children has risen dramatically in recent years due to poor dietary choices and lack of exercise.

   Synonyms: overweight, fat, corpulent

   Origin: from Latin 'obesus', meaning 'having eaten well', from 'ob-' (over) + 'edere' (to eat)

3. mediocre · adjective/ˌmiːdiˈoʊkər/

   of only average quality not very good

   Despite the hype, the movie turned out to be quite mediocre in terms of its storyline and character development.

   Synonyms: average, ordinary, middling

   Origin: from Latin 'mediocris' meaning 'midway, ordinary'

4. ineffective · adjective/ˌɪnɪˈfɛktɪv/

   not producing the desired effect or result

   Despite their best efforts, the team's approach was ultimately ineffective in solving the project's major issues.

   Synonyms: inefficient, unproductive, futile

   Origin: Late Middle English, from Old French 'ineffectif' or directly from Latin 'ineffectivus', from 'in-' meaning 'not' + 'effectivus' meaning 'effectual' or 'producing effect'.

5. erratic · adjective/ɪˈrætɪk/

   irregular or unpredictable in behavior or performance

   The weather in this region is notoriously erratic, with sudden storms and unpredictable temperature shifts.

   Synonyms: unpredictable, inconsistent, irregular

   Origin: Latin 'erraticus' meaning 'wandering' or 'straying'