preeminent, egocentric, uncouth, amorous, bilious: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 3 set 249. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. preeminent · adjective/priˈɛmɪnənt/

   superior to all others;Outstanding or eminent

   Albert Einstein is often regarded as the preeminent scientist of the 20th century, known for his groundbreaking contributions to physics.

   Synonyms: superior, outstanding, distinguished

   Origin: from Latin 'praeeminens', meaning 'prominent' or 'outstanding'

2. egocentric · adjective/ˌiɡoʊˈsɛntrɪk/

   thinking only of oneself without regard for the feelings or desires of others

   His egocentric attitude made it difficult for him to maintain friendships, as he only cared about his own needs.

   Synonyms: self-centered, narcissistic, self-absorbed

   Origin: The term 'egocentric' is derived from the Latin word 'ego' meaning 'I' and 'centric' from the Greek 'kentron' meaning 'center'. The term emerged in the early 20th century.

3. uncouth · adjective/ʌnˈkuθ/

   lacking good manners, refinement, or grace

   His uncouth behavior at the formal dinner left everyone feeling uncomfortable.

   Synonyms: boorish, crude, vulgar

   Origin: The word 'uncouth' comes from Old English 'uncūth,' which means 'unknown, strange, or unfamiliar,' from 'un-' (not) + 'cūth' (known, familiar).

4. amorous · adjective/ˈæm.ɚ.əs/

   showing or feeling romantic love

   The amorous couple strolled hand in hand under the moonlight, lost in their own world of love.

   Synonyms: romantic, loving, passionate

   Origin: from Middle English 'amorous', from Old French 'amoureux', from Latin 'amor' meaning 'love'

5. bilious · adjective/ˈbɪl.jəs/

   relating to bile or characterized by an excess of bile often leading to nausea and irritability

   After indulging in a heavy meal, he felt a bilious nausea that left him unable to enjoy the rest of the evening.

   Synonyms: nauseous, irritable, sickly

   Origin: The word 'bilious' originates from the Latin word 'biliosus', which means 'full of bile' or 'bile-like', derived from 'bilis' meaning 'bile'.