unappreciated, gaunt, grandiose, assiduous, portly: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 3 set 200. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. unappreciated · adjective/ˌʌnəˈpriːʃieɪtɪd/

   not recognized or valued for one's contributions or qualities

   Despite his tireless efforts, John felt unappreciated for his contributions to the project.

   Synonyms: unvalued, disregarded, undervalued

   Origin: The word 'unappreciated' originates from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not,' and the verb 'appreciate,' which comes from the Latin 'appretiare,' meaning 'to value, estimate, or appraise.'

2. gaunt · adjective/ɡɔnt/

   extremely thin and bony, often due to illness or starvation

   After months without sufficient food, his face became gaunt and hollow, a haunting reminder of his struggles.

   Synonyms: emaciated, haggard, scrawny

   Origin: Middle English 'gaunt' meaning 'bare' or 'desolate', possibly from Old French 'gante' which means 'a glove, gauntlet' or from the Medieval Latin 'ganta'.

3. grandiose · adjective/ˌɡrændiˈoʊs/

   characterized by excessive grandeur or ambition often to an unrealistically exaggerated extent

   The architect's grandiose plans for the new museum included a sprawling atrium and a gold-plated dome that seemed out of reach for the budget.

   Synonyms: magnificent, extravagant, ostentatious

   Origin: The word 'grandiose' originates from the French 'grandiose', which derives from 'grand', meaning 'large' or 'great', combined with the suffix '-ose' that often indicates fullness or a tendency towards something.

4. assiduous · adjective/əˈsɪdʒuəs/

   showing great care and perseverance

   Her assiduous attention to detail ensured that the project's success was never in doubt.

   Synonyms: diligent, industrious, persistent

   Origin: from Latin 'assiduus', meaning 'to sit near, to attend to, or to be constant'

5. portly · adjective/ˈpɔrtli/

   having a stout body or a fat abdomen

   The portly gentleman struggled to fit into the narrow chair at the café, causing a few amused glances from nearby patrons.

   Synonyms: stout, rotund, corpulent

   Origin: Late Middle English from Old French 'portel', meaning 'carried' or 'bearing', from 'porter' meaning 'to carry'.