SAT Vocabulary Level 3 — Set 115

Set 115 of SAT Vocabulary Level 3 covers 5 words: unflagging, ignominious, illusory, turgid, unpretentious. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. unflagging · adjective/ʌnˈflæɡɪŋ/

   showing persistent effort and not diminishing in energy or determination

   Her unflagging dedication to the project inspired the entire team to work harder and remain focused on their goals.

   Synonyms: unwavering, tireless, persistent

   Origin: from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' + 'flagging', the present participle of 'flag' meaning 'to tire or lose energy'.

2. ignominious · adjective/ɪɡ.nəˈmɪn.i.əs/

   deserving or causing public disgrace or shame

   The politician faced an ignominious downfall after the scandal was exposed, leading to widespread public outrage.

   Synonyms: shameful, disgraceful, humiliating

   Origin: from Latin 'ignominia', meaning 'dishonour, disgrace' (from 'in-' meaning 'not' + 'nomen' meaning 'name')

3. illusory · adjective/ɪˈluːzəri/

   not real or based on something that is not real

   The spectacular views from the mountaintop proved to be illusory, as they disappeared into a thick blanket of fog.

   Synonyms: deceptive, delusive, imaginary

   Origin: from Latin 'illusorius' meaning 'deceitful', from 'illusio' meaning 'deception'.

4. turgid · adjective/ˈtɜrʤɪd/

   swollen or distended, especially due to high fluid content

   The turgid leaves of the plant signaled that it had absorbed plenty of water after the recent rain.

   Synonyms: swollen, distended, inflated

   Origin: From Latin 'turgidus', meaning 'swollen' or 'distended'.

5. unpretentious · adjective/ˌʌn.prɪˈtɛn.ʃəs/

   not attempting to impress others with an appearance of greater importance or merit than is actually possessed

   The restaurant's unpretentious atmosphere made it a favorite among locals looking for good food and friendly service.

   Synonyms: modest, simple, humble

   Origin: The word 'unpretentious' is derived from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'pretentious', which comes from the Latin 'praetendere', meaning 'to pretend or to claim'.