circuitous, digestible, phlegmatic, unimpressive, bellicose: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 3 set 306. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. circuitous · adjective/sərˈkjut̬əs/

   having a roundabout or indirect course

   The hikers took a circuitous route through the mountains, which added several hours to their journey.

   Synonyms: indirect, roundabout, devious

   Origin: From Latin 'circuitus', meaning 'a going around'

2. digestible · adjective/dɪˈdʒɛstəbl/

   easy to understand or comprehend

   The teacher presented the complex theory in a digestible format, making it easier for the students to grasp.

   Synonyms: comprehensible, understandable, clear

   Origin: late Middle English: from the Latin 'digestibilis', from 'digestus', past participle of 'digerere', meaning 'to distribute, arrange'.

3. phlegmatic · adjective/flɛɡˈmætɪk/

   calm and composed; not easily excited or disturbed

   Despite the chaos around him, his phlegmatic demeanor helped to keep the team focused and composed during the crisis.

   Synonyms: apathetic, lethargic, unexcitable

   Origin: from Middle French 'flegmatique', from Latin 'phlegmaticus', from Greek 'phlegmatikos', which relates to 'phlegma', meaning 'phlegm'

4. unimpressive · adjective/ˌʌnɪmˈprɛsɪv/

   not arousing admiration or respect

   The presentation was rather unimpressive, lacking any engaging visuals or compelling data.

   Synonyms: mediocre, unremarkable, ordinary

   Origin: The word 'unimpressive' is formed by the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not,' combined with 'impressive,' which originates from the Latin 'impressionem,' meaning 'a pressing in or upon,' from 'imprimere' meaning 'to press in.'

5. bellicose · adjective/ˈbɛl.ɪ.koʊs/

   displaying aggression and willingness to fight

   The bellicose rhetoric from the leaders heightened tensions between the two nations, drawing international concern.

   Synonyms: aggressive, combative, hostile

   Origin: Latin 'bellicosus', from 'bellum' meaning 'war'