The project's goals were still quite nebulous, leaving the team uncertain about their direction.
synonyms
vagueindistinctunclear
word origin — From Latin 'nebulosus', meaning 'misty, full of mist', from 'nebula' meaning 'mist, fog, cloud'.
nebulous, peripatetic, wanton, recessive, unassuming: meanings and examples
Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 3 set 248. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.
nebulous · adjective/ˈnɛbjələs/
lacking a fully developed form or clear shape
The project's goals were still quite nebulous, leaving the team uncertain about their direction.
Synonyms: vague, indistinct, unclear
Origin: From Latin 'nebulosus', meaning 'misty, full of mist', from 'nebula' meaning 'mist, fog, cloud'.
peripatetic · adjective/ˌpɛrɪpəˈtɛtɪk/
traveling from place to place, especially working or based in various locations
The peripatetic lifestyle of the consultant allowed him to experience diverse cultures as he traveled from city to city for various projects.
Synonyms: itinerant, nomadic, wandering
Origin: from Greek 'peripatētikos', meaning 'of walking about', from 'peripatēin', meaning 'to walk around'.
wanton · adjective/ˈwɑːntən/
deliberate and unprovoked action, often with a level of cruelty or recklessness
The wanton destruction of the ancient ruins shocked the entire community, leaving them to mourn a piece of their heritage.
Synonyms: deliberate, reckless, cruel
Origin: Middle English 'wanten,' from Old English 'wanian' meaning to diminish or decrease, originally implying a want or lack.
recessive · adjective/rɪˈsɛs.ɪv/
a type of allele that is expressed only when two copies are present in an organism
In pea plants, the recessive allele for flower color is only expressed when two copies of it are present, resulting in white flowers.
Synonyms: recess, withdrawn, hidden
Origin: from Latin 'recessus', meaning 'a going back, retreat', combined with the suffix '-ive', indicating an adjective related to the action.
unassuming · adjective/ˌʌnəˈsumɪŋ/
not pretentious or arrogant; modest
Her unassuming demeanor made it easy for everyone to approach her, regardless of their status.
Synonyms: modest, humble, low-key
Origin: The word 'unassuming' is derived from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'assuming', which comes from the verb 'assume', meaning 'to take for granted' or 'to take on a role'. The term suggests a lack of pretension or arrogance.