SAT Vocabulary Level 3 — Set 211

Set 211 of SAT Vocabulary Level 3 covers 5 words: sullen, tangential, unyielding, inimitable, squeamish. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. sullen · adjective/ˈsʌlən/

   silently ill-humored or gloomy

   After losing the game, he sat sullen in the corner, refusing to speak to anyone.

   Synonyms: gloomy, morose, sulky

   Origin: late Middle English: from Old French 'solen', based on Latin 'sǽl', which means 'sullen, gloomy'.

2. tangential · adjective/tænˈdʒɛnʃəl/

   relating to or along a tangent; diverging from the main point

   During the meeting, her comments were tangential to the main discussion, often leading us off track.

   Synonyms: peripheral, digressive, extraneous

   Origin: from Latin 'tangens', meaning 'touching', from 'tangere' meaning 'to touch'

3. unyielding · adjective/ʌnˈjildɪŋ/

   not giving way under pressure; firm or inflexible

   Despite the many challenges they faced, her unyielding determination inspired the entire team to keep pushing forward.

   Synonyms: adamant, inflexible, resolute

   Origin: Middle English unyieldinge; from un- (meaning 'not') + yielding, which is from Old English gealdan (to yield or give way)

4. inimitable · adjective/ɪˈnɪmɪt̬əbl/

   too good or unusual to be imitated

   The artist's inimitable style combines vibrant colors with unique textures, making her work instantly recognizable.

   Synonyms: unequaled, unmatched, unparalleled

   Origin: from Latin 'inimitabilis', from 'in-' meaning 'not' + 'imitabilis' meaning 'able to be imitated'

5. squeamish · adjective/ˈskwiː.mɪʃ/

   easily nauseated or disturbed by unpleasant sights or situations

   She felt squeamish at the sight of the bloodstains on the floor, prompting her to step back in horror.

   Synonyms: nauseated, queasy, unwell

   Origin: The word 'squeamish' originates from the late 16th century, likely from the dialectal term 'squamashe', meaning to feel sick or queasy, which may be derived from 'squeam' meaning 'to feel or grow weak'.