tautological, vapid, antediluvian, surreptitious, indivisible: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 3 set 220. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. tautological · adjective/tɔtəˈlɑdʒɪkl/

   redundantly repetitive or circular in reasoning

   His argument was tautological, repeating the same point without providing any new evidence.

   Synonyms: redundant, repetitive, circular

   Origin: The word 'tautological' originates from the Greek word 'tautologos', meaning 'repeating what has been said', from 'tauto-' meaning 'the same' and 'logos' meaning 'word' or 'reason'.

2. vapid · adjective/ˈvæpɪd/

   lacking flavor, excitement, or interest

   The film was so vapid that I found myself checking my watch every few minutes.

   Synonyms: insipid, bland, dull

   Origin: from Latin 'vapidus' meaning 'tasteless, flat'

3. antediluvian · adjective/ˌæn.tɪ.dɪˈluː.vi.ən/

   relating to the period before the biblical flood or very old-fashioned and outdated

   His antediluvian views on technology seem completely out of touch with the modern world.

   Synonyms: ancient, archaic, outdated

   Origin: from Latin 'antediluvium', meaning 'before the flood'

4. surreptitious · adjective/ˌsɜr əpˈtɪʃ əs/

   kept secret, especially because illicit

   The surreptitious affair between the two executives was the talk of the office, as it was well hidden from their colleagues.

   Synonyms: secret, stealthy, clandestine

   Origin: from Latin 'surreptitius', from 'surripere' meaning 'to seize secretly'.

5. indivisible · adjective/ˌɪndɪˈvɪzəbl/

   unable to be divided or separated

   In our nation, freedom and justice are indivisible principles that must always go hand in hand.

   Synonyms: indestructible, inseparable, undivided

   Origin: Late Middle English: from Latin 'indivisibilis', from 'in-' meaning 'not' + 'divisibilis' meaning 'divisible'