transitory, chaste, balmy, irascible, secretive: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 3 set 102. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. transitory · adjective/ˈtrænsɪˌtɔri/

   lasting for a short time

   The transitory nature of happiness often leads people to seek it out in fleeting moments.

   Synonyms: temporary, fleeting, brief

   Origin: from Latin 'transitorius', meaning 'passing over, transient', derived from 'transire', meaning 'to go across, to pass'.

2. chaste · adjective/tʃeɪst/

   abstaining from extramarital or especially from all sexual intercourse

   She chose to remain chaste until marriage, believing it was the right decision for her faith.

   Synonyms: pure, virtuous, modest

   Origin: Middle English, from Old French 'chaste', from Latin 'castus', meaning 'pure, unmixed'.

3. balmy · adjective/ˈbɑː.mi/

   soothing or pleasant in manner or atmosphere often referring to mild weather

   On a balmy evening, we strolled along the beach listening to the gentle waves of the ocean.

   Synonyms: mild, soothing, pleasant

   Origin: from Middle English 'balmy', from Old French 'balme', from Latin 'balsamum', referring to a fragrant resin or ointment

4. irascible · adjective/ɪˈræs.ɪ.bəl/

   easily provoked to anger

   The irascible old man would often yell at the neighborhood children for simply playing too close to his yard.

   Synonyms: irritable, short-tempered, touchy

   Origin: The word 'irascible' comes from the Latin 'irascibilis', which is derived from 'irasci' meaning 'to become angry'.

5. secretive · adjective/ˈsiː.krɪ.tɪv/

   tending to conceal feelings or intentions

   Despite his secretive nature, I could sense he was hiding something important from me.

   Synonyms: reserved, reticent, discreet

   Origin: from the Latin 'secretivus' meaning 'to keep secret', derived from 'secretus' meaning 'hidden or concealed'