prodigious, counterproductive, rabid, simian, stodgy: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 3 set 174. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. prodigious · adjective/prəˈdɪdʒ.əs/

   extraordinarily great in size, amount, or degree

   The scientist made a prodigious discovery that could change the course of medicine.

   Synonyms: extraordinary, remarkable, immense

   Origin: From Latin 'prodigiosus', meaning 'multitudinous, strange, or wonderful', derived from 'prodigium', meaning 'omen or portent'.

2. counterproductive · adjective/ˌkaʊntərprəˈdʌktɪv/

   having the opposite effect of what is intended or desired

   Implementing strict deadlines without proper support can be counterproductive to team morale.

   Synonyms: counteractive, ineffective, detrimental

   Origin: The word 'counterproductive' is formed by combining 'counter-', meaning against, and 'productive', which comes from Latin 'productivus', meaning leading forth.

3. rabid · adjective/ˈræb.ɪd/

   having an extreme and fanatical enthusiasm or support for something

   The rabid fans cheered wildly as their team scored the winning goal in the final seconds of the match.

   Synonyms: fervent, fanatical, zealous

   Origin: from Latin 'rabidus', meaning 'mad, raging', from 'rabere' meaning 'to rave or be mad'

4. simian · adjective/ˈsɪm.iən/

   relating to or resembling monkeys or apes

   The researchers noted the simian behavior of the animals as they interacted with each other in the enclosure.

   Synonyms: ape-like, monkey-like, primate

   Origin: from Latin 'simiānus', from 'simia' meaning 'monkey, ape'

5. stodgy · adjective/ˈstɑːdʒi/

   heavy, dull, and uninteresting or overly traditional

   The conference was filled with stodgy presentations that failed to engage the audience.

   Synonyms: dull, boring, heavy

   Origin: The word 'stodgy' originated in the early 19th century, derived from the slang term 'stodge,' meaning food that is heavy and filling, or derived from the dialect variant 'stodg' related to stodge, meaning to stow or pack tightly.