recondite, impotent, profane, illegible, slapdash: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 3 set 182. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. recondite · adjective/ˈrɛk.ən.ˌdaɪt/

   little known or difficult to understand

   The professor's lecture on the recondite theories of quantum mechanics left many students puzzled.

   Synonyms: obscure, arcane, esoteric

   Origin: From Latin 'reconditus', meaning 'hidden, concealed', from the verb 'recondere', meaning 'to put away, conceal'.

2. impotent · adjective/ˈɪmpətənt/

   unable to take effective action or powerless

   After the new laws were introduced, many citizens felt impotent in the face of bureaucratic obstacles that seemed insurmountable.

   Synonyms: powerless, ineffective, helpless

   Origin: From Latin 'impotens', meaning 'powerless' or 'unable to act'

3. profane · adjective/proʊˈfeɪn/

   relating to language or behavior that is disrespectful or obscene

   The comedian's profane language shocked many audience members during the performance.

   Synonyms: indecent, vulgar, blasphemous

   Origin: from Latin 'profanus', meaning 'outside the temple', which is composed of 'pro-' (before) and 'fanum' (temple)

4. illegible · adjective/ɪˈlɛdʒəbl/

   not clear enough to be read

   The note he wrote was so smudged that it was completely illegible to anyone who tried to read it.

   Synonyms: unreadable, indecipherable, unclear

   Origin: from Latin 'illegibilis' (not able to be read) from 'in-' (not) + 'legibilis' (able to be read, from 'legere' meaning to read)

5. slapdash · adjective/ˈslæpˌdæʃ/

   done carelessly and hastily

   The architect’s slapdash design led to numerous structural issues in the new building.

   Synonyms: hasty, careless, rash

   Origin: The term 'slapdash' originated in the early 17th century, derived from the combination of 'slap' (to strike quickly) and 'dash' (to throw or fling).