beneficent, irreproachable, contrite, palatable, unintelligible: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 3 set 111. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. beneficent · adjective/bɪˈnɛfɪsənt/

   generating good or doing good deeds

   The beneficent organization provided meals and shelter to the homeless in the community.

   Synonyms: benevolent, charitable, altruistic

   Origin: from Latin 'beneficent-', the present participle of 'beneficere', meaning 'to do good' (from 'bene', meaning 'well' + 'facere', meaning 'to do or make')

2. irreproachable · adjective/ˌɪrəˈproʊtʃəbl/

   incapable of being criticized or accused

   The attorney's conduct during the trial was irreproachable, earning her the respect of both the judge and the jury.

   Synonyms: blameless, impeccable, faultless

   Origin: from late Middle English, from Latin 'irreprochabilis', from 'in-' meaning 'not' + 'reprochare' meaning 'to reproach'

3. contrite · adjective/kənˈtraɪt/

   feeling or showing sorrow and remorse for a wrong done

   After forgetting her best friend's birthday, Jenna felt truly contrite and apologized sincerely for her negligence.

   Synonyms: repentant, remorseful, sorry

   Origin: From Latin 'contritus', meaning 'worn out, ground down', from 'con-' (together) + 'terere' (to grind).

4. palatable · adjective/ˈpæl.ə.tə.bəl/

   pleasant to taste or acceptable to the mind

   The chef created a palatable dish that delighted all the guests at the dinner party.

   Synonyms: tasty, agreeable, acceptable

   Origin: from Latin 'palatabilis' meaning 'pleasing to the palate', derived from 'palatum' meaning 'palate'

5. unintelligible · adjective/ˌʌnɪnˈtɛlɪdʒəbl/

   impossible to understand or comprehend

   The instructions were so poorly written that they were completely unintelligible to anyone who tried to read them.

   Synonyms: incomprehensible, unclear, obscure

   Origin: from the Latin 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'intelligibilis' meaning 'able to be understood'