The evidence presented in court was largely circumstantial, relying on the timing and location of events rather than direct proof.
synonyms
conditionalcontingentrelative
word origin — Late Middle English: from Latin 'circumstantialis', from 'circumstantia' meaning 'surrounding circumstances', from 'circum' meaning 'around' + 'stare' meaning 'to stand'.
circumstantial, preventable, quizzical, innocuous, openhanded: meanings and examples
Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 3 set 2. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.
circumstantial · adjective/sɜr.kəmˈstæn.tʃəl/
dependent on particular circumstances or details
The evidence presented in court was largely circumstantial, relying on the timing and location of events rather than direct proof.
Synonyms: conditional, contingent, relative
Origin: Late Middle English: from Latin 'circumstantialis', from 'circumstantia' meaning 'surrounding circumstances', from 'circum' meaning 'around' + 'stare' meaning 'to stand'.
preventable · adjective/prɪˈvɛntəbl/
able to be stopped or avoided before it occurs
Many health issues, such as heart disease and diabetes, are preventable through lifestyle changes like proper diet and regular exercise.
Synonyms: avoidable, stoppable, avertable
Origin: From the Latin 'praeventus', meaning 'to anticipate or hinder', combined with the suffix '-able' indicating capability.
quizzical · adjective/ˈkwɪz.ɪ.kəl/
expressing puzzlement or bemusement
She raised a quizzical eyebrow when he explained his unconventional theory about the origin of the universe.
Synonyms: puzzled, bemused, inquisitive
Origin: The word 'quizzical' originated in the late 18th century, possibly derived from the word 'quiz,' which means a test or an inquiry, combined with the suffix '-ical' to form an adjective.
innocuous · adjective/ɪˈnɑːkjʊəs/
not harmful or offensive
The comments made at the meeting were entirely innocuous and did not offend anyone present.
Synonyms: harmless, non-offensive, safe
Origin: from Latin 'innocuus', meaning 'harmless', combining 'in-' (not) and 'nocere' (to harm)
openhanded · adjective/ˌoʊ.pənˈhæn.dɪd/
generous and giving in nature
The openhanded generosity of the community made it easy for local charities to thrive.
Synonyms: generous, charitable, liberal
Origin: The word 'openhanded' dates back to the early 17th century, originating from the combination of 'open' (meaning free or generous) and 'handed' (pertaining to the hand), reflecting the idea of giving freely.