SAT Vocabulary Level 3 — Set 297

Set 297 of SAT Vocabulary Level 3 covers 5 words: limpid, scandalous, restive, temperamental, vicarious. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. limpid · adjective/ˈlɪmpɪd/

   clear and transparent or easily understood

   The limpid waters of the lake invited us for a refreshing swim on a hot summer day.

   Synonyms: clear, transparent, lucid

   Origin: from Latin 'limpidus', meaning 'clear, water-filled', related to 'liquid'

2. scandalous · adjective/ˈskændləs/

   causing public outrage or shock

   The media was abuzz with the scandalous accusations against the celebrity, sparking outrage among fans.

   Synonyms: outrageous, shocking, disgraceful

   Origin: from Middle English 'scandelous', from Old French 'scandalous', from Latin 'scandālosus', from 'scandalum' meaning 'stumbling block, offense'.

3. restive · adjective/ˈrɛstɪv/

   unable to keep still or silent especially because of impatience or boredom

   The restive crowd began to shout and wave their signs as they awaited the speaker's arrival.

   Synonyms: restless, agitated, unruly

   Origin: Derived from the Latin 'restivus' meaning 'unruly, restless', from 'restare' meaning 'to remain back'.

4. temperamental · adjective/ˌtɛmpəˈrɛmən(t)əl/

   prone to unpredictable changes of mood or behavior

   Her temperamental nature made it difficult for her friends to predict how she would react in social situations.

   Synonyms: moody, capricious, volatile

   Origin: late 16th century: from temper + mental

5. vicarious · adjective/vɪˈker.i.əs/

   experienced through the feelings or actions of another person

   She felt a vicarious thrill as she watched her friend skydiving from the safety of the ground.

   Synonyms: empathetic, indirect, secondary

   Origin: from Latin 'vicarious', meaning 'substituted; acting in place of another', from 'vicaris', meaning 'substitute, representative'.