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climactic

adjective/klaɪˈmæktɪk/

definition

relating to the climax or highest point of something

example

The climactic moment of the film left the audience in awe as the hero finally confronted the villain.

synonyms
decisivepivotalculminating
word origin — from 'climax' via Latin 'climax', from Greek 'klimax' meaning 'ladder' or 'staircase', denoting the highest point

SAT Vocabulary Level 3 — Set 237

Set 237 of SAT Vocabulary Level 3 covers 5 words: climactic, monotonous, offhand, inchoate, approachable. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

  1. climactic · adjective/klaɪˈmæktɪk/

    relating to the climax or highest point of something

    The climactic moment of the film left the audience in awe as the hero finally confronted the villain.

    Synonyms: decisive, pivotal, culminating

    Origin: from 'climax' via Latin 'climax', from Greek 'klimax' meaning 'ladder' or 'staircase', denoting the highest point

  2. monotonous · adjective/məˈnɑːtənəs/

    lacking in variety and interest; dull and repetitive

    After working the same monotonous job for years, Jane decided it was time for a change.

    Synonyms: tedious, dreary, unvaried

    Origin: from Greek 'monotonos', meaning 'having one tone' (from 'mono-' meaning 'one' + 'tonos' meaning 'tone')

  3. offhand · adjective/ˈɔfˌhænd/

    done or said without previous thought or consideration

    Her offhand comments during the meeting left everyone feeling confused about the project direction.

    Synonyms: casual, glib, impromptu

    Origin: The term 'offhand' originated in the early 19th century, combining 'off' (meaning 'away from') with 'hand', referring to actions done without preparation or thought.

  4. inchoate · adjective/ɪnˈkoʊɪt/

    just begun and not fully formed or developed

    The committee's inchoate plans for the new community center still needed significant development before they could be presented to the public.

    Synonyms: incomplete, initial, embryonic

    Origin: from Latin 'inchoatus', past participle of 'inchoare', meaning 'to begin'

  5. approachable · adjective/əˈproʊtʃəbl/

    easy to talk to or meet

    The teacher is very approachable, encouraging students to ask questions without hesitation.

    Synonyms: friendly, accessible, sociable

    Origin: Derived from the verb 'approach' with the suffix '-able', indicating the quality of being easy to approach.