SAT Vocabulary Level 3 — Set 178

Set 178 of SAT Vocabulary Level 3 covers 5 words: bestial, baneful, inexhaustible, virulent, ghastly. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. bestial · adjective/ˈbɛs.ti.əl/

   of or like an animal; savage or cruel

   The bestial nature of the attack shocked the entire community, revealing the depths of human cruelty.

   Synonyms: animalistic, savage, brutal

   Origin: The word 'bestial' comes from the Latin 'bestialis', meaning 'of beasts', which derives from 'bestia', meaning 'beast'.

2. baneful · adjective/ˈbeɪn.fəl/

   causing harm or destruction

   The baneful effects of pollution on public health cannot be ignored.

   Synonyms: harmful, deleterious, noxious

   Origin: from the Old English 'baneful', meaning 'murderous' or 'destructive'

3. inexhaustible · adjective/ɪnɪɡˈzɔːstəbəl/

   never-ending or limitless in quantity or capacity

   Her enthusiasm for learning seemed inexhaustible, inspiring everyone around her to keep asking questions.

   Synonyms: unlimited, boundless, eternal

   Origin: From Latin inexhaustibilis, meaning 'not able to be exhausted'

4. virulent · adjective/ˈvɪrələnt/

   extremely harmful or infectious

   The recent outbreak of a virulent strain of the virus has caused widespread panic among health officials.

   Synonyms: toxic, poisonous, infective

   Origin: from Latin 'virulentus', meaning 'poisonous' or 'full of venom'

5. ghastly · adjective/ˈɡæstli/

   causing great horror or fear

   The ghastly sight of the abandoned house left the children terrified and unwilling to explore further.

   Synonyms: horrific, horrific, dreadful

   Origin: Middle English 'gastli,' from 'gast' meaning 'ghost' or 'spirit,' influenced by Old English 'gæst.'