unnoticed, insistent, cannibalistic, debatable, introspective: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 3 set 39. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. unnoticed · adjective/ʌnˈnoʊtɪst/

   not seen or observed

   Despite his hard work, his contributions to the project went unnoticed by the management.

   Synonyms: unobserved, overlooked, disregarded

   Origin: from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'notice', derived from Latin 'notitia' meaning 'a making known'.

2. insistent · adjective/ɪnˈsɪstənt/

   demanding something firmly and persistently

   Despite the objections from her colleagues, Sarah was insistent about the need for a more comprehensive report.

   Synonyms: persistent, resolute, adamant

   Origin: Originating from the Latin word 'insistentem', which is the present participle of 'insistere', meaning to stand firm or persist.

3. cannibalistic · adjective/ˌkæn.ɪ.bəˈlɪs.tɪk/

   relating to or characterized by the eating of one's own kind

   The documentary explored the cannibalistic rituals of certain indigenous tribes, revealing their complex cultural significance.

   Synonyms: savage, barbarous, inhumane

   Origin: The word 'cannibalistic' comes from the Spanish 'caníbal', which is derived from the Carib word 'caniba', meaning 'a tribe of man-eaters'.

4. debatable · adjective/dɪˈbeɪtəbl/

   open to discussion or argument

   The effectiveness of social media as a marketing tool is debatable, with many experts offering differing opinions.

   Synonyms: arguable, contentious, disputable

   Origin: from late Latin 'debatabilis', from 'debatere' meaning 'to discuss' or 'to dispute'

5. introspective · adjective/ˌɪntrəˈspɛktɪv/

   characterized by or given to self-examination and reflection on one's thoughts and feelings

   After a long day of meetings, she took an introspective moment to reflect on her personal goals and aspirations.

   Synonyms: reflective, contemplative, pensive

   Origin: from the Latin 'introspectus', meaning 'looking within', from 'intro-' meaning 'within' and 'specere' meaning 'to look'