Set 129 · Study 1 / 5

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improvisational

adjective/ɪmprəvaɪˈzeɪʃənl/

definition

characterized by the spontaneous creation or performance of something without preparation

example

During the festival, the actors engaged in improvisational theater, creating scenes on the spot based on audience suggestions.

synonyms
spontaneousunpreparedimpromptu
word origin — From the Latin 'improvisus', meaning 'unforeseen', combining 'in-' (not) and 'providere' (to foresee or provide).

SAT Vocabulary Level 3 — Set 129

Set 129 of SAT Vocabulary Level 3 covers 5 words: improvisational, peremptory, touchy, disingenuous, tortuous. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

  1. improvisational · adjective/ɪmprəvaɪˈzeɪʃənl/

    characterized by the spontaneous creation or performance of something without preparation

    During the festival, the actors engaged in improvisational theater, creating scenes on the spot based on audience suggestions.

    Synonyms: spontaneous, unprepared, impromptu

    Origin: From the Latin 'improvisus', meaning 'unforeseen', combining 'in-' (not) and 'providere' (to foresee or provide).

  2. peremptory · adjective/pəˈrɛmp.tɔːr.i/

    not allowing refusal or delay; imperative

    The manager issued a peremptory order that all employees must complete the report by the end of the day.

    Synonyms: decisive, commanding, authoritative

    Origin: from Latin 'peremptorius', meaning 'final, decisive', from 'perimere' meaning 'to take completely, destroy'.

  3. touchy · adjective/ˈtʌtʃi/

    sensitive or easily upset about personal issues or subjects

    She tends to be quite touchy about her weight, so it's best not to bring it up in conversation.

    Synonyms: sensitive, irritable, prickly

    Origin: The term 'touchy' originated in the early 19th century, derived from 'touch,' implying sensitivity and easily affected in mood.

  4. disingenuous · adjective/ˌdɪs.ɪnˈdʒɛn.ju.əs/

    lacking in honesty or sincerity in intent

    Her disingenuous smile during the meeting made it clear that she was not truly invested in the project.

    Synonyms: deceitful, insincere, dishonest

    Origin: From Latin 'disingenuus', meaning 'not freeborn, not genuine'.

  5. tortuous · adjective/ˈtɔr.tʃu.əs/

    full of twists and turns not straightforward complex or difficult

    The tortuous path through the dense forest made the hike far more challenging than we had anticipated.

    Synonyms: twisted, convoluted, winding

    Origin: Originates from the Latin word 'torquere' meaning 'to twist'.