SAT Vocabulary Level 3 — Set 284

Set 284 of SAT Vocabulary Level 3 covers 5 words: stupendous, unpromising, condemnatory, implausible, argumentative. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. stupendous · adjective/stuˈpɛndəs/

   extremely impressive or amazing

   The magician's performance was so stupendous that the audience erupted in applause.

   Synonyms: amazing, outstanding, extraordinary

   Origin: from Latin stupendus, meaning 'to be wondered at', from stupēre 'to be stunned or amazed'

2. unpromising · adjective/ʌnˈprɑːmɪsɪŋ/

   not likely to succeed or develop positively

   Despite its unpromising start, the project gradually gained support and became successful.

   Synonyms: unlikely, disappointing, bleak

   Origin: The word 'unpromising' is formed by the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the word 'promising', which comes from the verb 'promise', derived from Latin 'promittere' meaning 'to send forth'.

3. condemnatory · adjective/kənˈdɛm.nəˌtɔri/

   expressing strong disapproval

   Her condemnatory remarks regarding the company's unethical practices sparked a heated debate among the employees.

   Synonyms: critical, censure, disapproving

   Origin: Middle English 'condemnat' from Latin 'condemnare', meaning 'to declare guilty' or 'to express strong disapproval'

4. implausible · adjective/ɪmˈplɔː.zə.bəl/

   not seeming reasonable or probable

   The detective dismissed the suspect's alibi as implausible, given the overwhelming evidence against him.

   Synonyms: unlikely, improbable, dubious

   Origin: from the Latin 'implausibilis', from in- 'not' + plausibilis 'worthy of applause, deserving approval'

5. argumentative · adjective/ˌɑrɡjəˈmɛnɪtɪv/

   given to expressing divergent or opposite views in a controversial manner

   During the debate, her argumentative style often escalated the discussion into heated exchanges over the proposed policies.

   Synonyms: disputatious, contentious, combative

   Origin: From Middle French 'argumentatif', from Latin 'argumentativus', from 'argumentum' meaning 'argument'.