credulous, personable, autocratic, winsome, prostrate: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 3 set 126. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. credulous · adjective/ˈkrɛdʒ.ə.ləs/

   having too great a readiness to believe things

   His credulous nature often led him to fall for the latest internet scams without questioning their legitimacy.

   Synonyms: gullible, naive, unsuspecting

   Origin: From Latin 'credulus', meaning 'believing, trusting', from 'credere', meaning 'to believe'.

2. personable · adjective/ˈpɜr.sə.nə.bəl/

   having a pleasant appearance and manner that makes people like you

   Her personable demeanor made it easy for her to connect with clients and build lasting relationships.

   Synonyms: charming, amiable, attractive

   Origin: Early 19th century: from French 'personnable', from 'personne' which means 'person'

3. autocratic · adjective/ˌɔtəˈkrætɪk/

   relating to a ruler who has absolute power

   The autocratic regime silenced dissent and ruled with an iron fist.

   Synonyms: dictatorial, despotic, authoritarian

   Origin: Derived from the Greek word 'autokratēs', meaning 'ruling by oneself' (auto- 'self' + kratos 'power')

4. winsome · adjective/ˈwɪn.səm/

   charmingly attractive or appealing

   The winsome smile of the child instantly warmed the hearts of everyone in the room.

   Synonyms: charming, appealing, delightful

   Origin: Originating from Middle English 'winsome' meaning 'pleasing, agreeable', derived from the Old English 'wynn' which means 'joy, pleasure'.

5. prostrate · adjective/ˈprɑːstreɪt/

   lying stretched out on the ground with one's face downward

   After the long marathon, the exhausted runner lay prostrate on the grass, gasping for breath.

   Synonyms: prone, recumbent, supine

   Origin: From Latin 'prostratus', past participle of 'prostrare' meaning 'to lay out, lay flat'.