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vehement

adjective/ˈviːə.mənt/

definition

showing strong feeling or passion

example

The protesters expressed their vehement opposition to the new law during the rally.

synonyms
intenseferventpassionate
word origin — from Latin 'vehemens', meaning 'impetuous, violent', from 'vehere' meaning 'to carry or move'

vehement, irrefutable, insuperable, subversive, skittish: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 3 set 17. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

  1. vehement · adjective/ˈviːə.mənt/

    showing strong feeling or passion

    The protesters expressed their vehement opposition to the new law during the rally.

    Synonyms: intense, fervent, passionate

    Origin: from Latin 'vehemens', meaning 'impetuous, violent', from 'vehere' meaning 'to carry or move'

  2. irrefutable · adjective/ˌɪrɪˈfjuːtəbəl/

    impossible to disprove or argue against

    The scientist presented irrefutable evidence that supported her groundbreaking theory, making it difficult for skeptics to argue against her findings.

    Synonyms: undeniable, indisputable, incontrovertible

    Origin: from Latin 'irrefutabilis', from 'in-' (not) + 'refutabilis' (refutable)

  3. insuperable · adjective/ɪnˈsupərəb/

    incapable of being overcome or surmounted

    Despite their best efforts, the team faced insuperable difficulties that prevented them from completing the project on time.

    Synonyms: insurmountable, unconquerable, unbeatable

    Origin: from Latin 'insuperabilis', where 'in-' means 'not' and 'superabilis' means 'able to be overcome, surmountable' (from 'superare' meaning 'to overcome').

  4. subversive · adjective/səbˈvɜːrsɪv/

    seeking or intending to undermine an established system or institution

    The artist's subversive messages in her paintings challenged the traditional norms of society.

    Synonyms: undermining, revolutionary, insurgent

    Origin: from Latin 'subvertere' meaning 'to overturn'

  5. skittish · adjective/ˈskɪtɪʃ/

    easily startled or excitable

    The skittish horse jumped at every noise, making it difficult for the rider to maintain control.

    Synonyms: nervous, jumpy, restive

    Origin: The word 'skittish' originates from the Middle English 'skitisch,' which is derived from 'skit,' meaning 'to flinch or startle.'