SAT Vocabulary Level 3 — Set 163

Set 163 of SAT Vocabulary Level 3 covers 5 words: pious, obdurate, reverent, transcendental, ostentatious. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. pious · adjective/ˈpaɪəs/

   devoutly religious or having a strong belief in a deity

   Despite his seemingly pious demeanor, many questioned his true intentions during the charity event.

   Synonyms: devout, religious, sanctimonious

   Origin: from the Latin word 'pius', meaning 'dutiful, devout'

2. obdurate · adjective/ˈɑb.dʒə.rət/

   stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or course of action

   Despite the overwhelming evidence against him, he remained obdurate in his refusal to admit any wrongdoing.

   Synonyms: stubborn, unyielding, inflexible

   Origin: Late Middle English, from Latin obduratus, past participle of obdurare, meaning 'to harden, persist, or resist'.

3. reverent · adjective/ˈrɛv.ə.rənt/

   feeling or showing deep respect and admiration

   The audience sat in reverent silence as the speaker shared tales of the great leader's sacrifices.

   Synonyms: respectful, worshipful, admiring

   Origin: from Latin 'reverens', the present participle of 'revereri', meaning to revere or respect.

4. transcendental · adjective/træn.sɛnˈdɛn.təl/

   relating to a spiritual or non-physical realm

   The guru spoke of transcendental wisdom that goes beyond the limitations of the physical world.

   Synonyms: spiritual, ethereal, metaphysical

   Origin: From Latin 'transcendens', present participle of 'transcendere', meaning 'to climb over' or 'surmount'.

5. ostentatious · adjective/ˌɑːstənˈteɪʃəs/

   characterized by vulgar or pretentious display designed to impress or attract notice

   Her ostentatious display of wealth at the charity event drew disapproving glances from more modest attendees.

   Synonyms: showy, pretentious, flamboyant

   Origin: From Latin 'ostentare', meaning 'to display, to show off'.