Set 159 · Study 1 / 5

Exit

fallible

adjective/ˈfæləbəl/

definition

capable of making mistakes or being incorrect

example

Even the most experienced professionals are fallible and can make errors in judgment.

synonyms
mistakenerrantimperfect
word origin — from Latin 'fallibilis', from 'fallere' meaning 'to deceive or to err'

fallible, livid, venturesome, posthumous, imprecise: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 3 set 159. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

  1. fallible · adjective/ˈfæləbəl/

    capable of making mistakes or being incorrect

    Even the most experienced professionals are fallible and can make errors in judgment.

    Synonyms: mistaken, errant, imperfect

    Origin: from Latin 'fallibilis', from 'fallere' meaning 'to deceive or to err'

  2. livid · adjective/ˈlɪvɪd/

    furiously angry or enraged

    When she discovered that her colleague had taken credit for her work, she was livid at the betrayal.

    Synonyms: infuriated, enraged, furious

    Origin: from Latin 'lividus', meaning 'blue' or 'black', originally referring to a color implying bruising or pallor, later used to convey intense anger.

  3. venturesome · adjective/ˈvɛn.tʃər.səm/

    willing to take risks or embark on difficult courses of action

    The venturesome explorer set out to conquer the uncharted mountains, eager for the thrill of discovery.

    Synonyms: audacious, courageous, daring

    Origin: The word 'venturesome' is derived from the word 'venture', which comes from the Old French 'aventure', meaning 'chance' or 'risk'.

  4. posthumous · adjective/ˈpɑːstʃəməs/

    occurring or awarded after the death of the originator

    The author received a posthumous award for her contributions to literature, bringing attention to her once-overlooked works.

    Synonyms: postmortem, after-death, belated

    Origin: from Latin 'posthumus', which means 'after earth', derived from 'post-' (after) + 'humus' (ground, earth)

  5. imprecise · adjective/ˌɪm.prɪˈsaɪs/

    not accurate or exact

    The scientist criticized the imprecise measurements taken during the experiment, which led to unreliable results.

    Synonyms: inexact, inaccurate, vague

    Origin: from Latin 'imprecisus', meaning 'not precise', from 'in-' (not) + 'precisus' (precise)