sprightly, audacious, repugnant, choleric, indubitable: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 3 set 291. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. sprightly · adjective/ˈspraɪtli/

   full of energy and enthusiasm

   Despite her age, she remained sprightly and full of life, dancing with enthusiasm at the party.

   Synonyms: lively, buoyant, vivacious

   Origin: The word 'sprightly' originates from the Middle English term 'sprightli', which stems from 'spright', meaning 'spirit' or 'elf'. The term is related to the Old English 'spriht', meaning 'spirit, mirth'.

2. audacious · adjective/ɔˈdeɪʃəs/

   showing a willingness to take risks or bold actions

   Her audacious decision to travel around the world alone inspired many to pursue their own dreams.

   Synonyms: bold, daring, adventurous

   Origin: From Latin 'audax', meaning 'bold or daring'

3. repugnant · adjective/rɪˈpʌɡ.nənt/

   extremely distasteful or unacceptable

   Many people found the politician's remarks about the minority group to be repugnant and indefensible.

   Synonyms: offensive, distasteful, abhorrent

   Origin: Derived from the Latin 'repugnantem', present participle of 'repugnare' meaning 'to fight back or resist'.

4. choleric · adjective/ˈkɑː.lər.ɪk/

   easily angered or hot-tempered

   The choleric manager often shouted at his team for the smallest mistakes, creating a tense work environment.

   Synonyms: irritable, grumpy, testy

   Origin: From Latin 'cholericus', from 'cholera' meaning bile, historically associated with one of the four temperaments.

5. indubitable · adjective/ɪnˈdubɪtəbl/

   certain beyond doubt

   The scientist presented indubitable evidence to support her groundbreaking theory on climate change.

   Synonyms: undeniable, unquestionable, indisputable

   Origin: From Latin 'indubitabilis', meaning 'undoubted' or 'not to be doubted'