SAT Vocabulary Level 3 — Set 261

Set 261 of SAT Vocabulary Level 3 covers 5 words: abstruse, pellucid, unfriendly, unconscionable, malleable. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. abstruse · adjective/æbˈstruːs/

   difficult to understand; obscure

   The professor's lecture was filled with abstruse concepts that left many students confused and frustrated.

   Synonyms: obscure, esoteric, arcane

   Origin: Latin 'abstrusus', meaning 'hidden, concealed', from 'abstrudere' meaning 'to conceal, to hide away'.

2. pellucid · adjective/pəˈluːsɪd/

   translucently clear; easily understood

   The scientist presented a pellucid explanation of the complex theory, making it accessible to everyone in the audience.

   Synonyms: clear, transparent, limpid

   Origin: From Latin 'pellucidus', meaning 'translucent', from 'per-' (through) + 'lucidus' (light, clear)

3. unfriendly · adjective/ʌnˈfrɛndli/

   not kind or amiable in manner or behavior

   The unfriendly remarks from her coworkers made it difficult for her to feel comfortable at the office.

   Synonyms: hostile, cold, aloof

   Origin: The word 'unfriendly' is formed by adding the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' to the adjective 'friendly', which comes from the Old English 'freond' meaning 'friendly, amicable'.

4. unconscionable · adjective/ʌnˈkɑn.ʃən.ə.bəl/

   not right or reasonable; excessive or extreme

   The company's decision to raise prices during the crisis was seen as an unconscionable act, taking advantage of consumers in their time of need.

   Synonyms: unreasonable, exorbitant, outrageous

   Origin: The word 'unconscionable' originates from the early 17th century, derived from the word 'conscience' and the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not', implying a lack of moral standards.

5. malleable · adjective/ˈmæl.i.ə.bəl/

   capable of being shaped or bent without breaking

   The young artist appreciated how malleable the clay was, allowing her to easily reshape it into intricate designs.

   Synonyms: flexible, pliable, ductile

   Origin: from Latin 'malleabilis', from 'malleare' meaning 'to hammer'