Set 284 · Study 1 / 5

Exit

stupendous

adjective/stuˈpɛndəs/

definition

extremely impressive or amazing

example

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

synonyms
amazingoutstandingextraordinary
word origin — from Latin stupendus, meaning 'to be wondered at', from stupēre 'to be stunned or amazed'

stupendous, unpromising, condemnatory, implausible, argumentative: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 3 set 284. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

  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'.