inane, precocious, filial, abortive, tacit: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 3 set 234. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. inane · adjective/ɪˈneɪn/

   lacking sense or meaning foolish

   The discussion was filled with inane comments that added nothing of value to the debate.

   Synonyms: silly, foolish, dull

   Origin: from Latin 'inanis' meaning 'empty, void'; introduced in Middle English.

2. precocious · adjective/prɪˈkoʊʃəs/

   displaying or showing mature qualities at an unusually early age

   The precocious child amazed her teachers with her exceptional reading skills, seeming to understand complex texts far beyond her age.

   Synonyms: mature, advanced, gifted

   Origin: from Latin 'praecox', meaning 'precocious, early ripening', from 'prae-' meaning 'before' + 'coqui' meaning 'to cook'

3. filial · adjective/ˈfɪl.i.əl/

   of or relating to a son or daughter

   Her filial piety was evident in the way she cared for her elderly parents, always putting their needs first.

   Synonyms: familial, parental, offspring

   Origin: from Latin 'filialis', meaning 'of a son or daughter', from 'filius' (son) and 'filia' (daughter)

4. abortive · adjective/əˈbɔrtɪv/

   failing to produce the intended result

   The team's abortive attempts to launch the product left them feeling frustrated and disheartened.

   Synonyms: fruitless, unsuccessful, futile

   Origin: from Latin 'abortivus', from 'aboriri' meaning 'to fail to be born'

5. tacit · adjective/ˈtæs.ɪt/

   understood or implied without being stated

   The team's success was a result of their tacit understanding of each other's strengths and weaknesses.

   Synonyms: implicit, unspoken, understood

   Origin: from Latin 'tacitus', meaning 'silent' or 'unspoken'