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dexterous

adjective/ˈdɛk.strəs/

showing skill and ease in physical movement or mental tasks

The magician performed a series of dexterous sleights of hand that amazed the audience.

skillfuladeptnimble
word origin — from Middle English 'dexterous', from Old French 'destre', from Latin 'dexter' meaning 'right, skillful'.

SAT Vocabulary Level 3 — Set 4

Set 4 of SAT Vocabulary Level 3 covers 5 words: dexterous, equivocal, obsequious, bucolic, fortuitous. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

  1. dexterous · adjective/ˈdɛk.strəs/

    showing skill and ease in physical movement or mental tasks

    The magician performed a series of dexterous sleights of hand that amazed the audience.

    Synonyms: skillful, adept, nimble

    Origin: from Middle English 'dexterous', from Old French 'destre', from Latin 'dexter' meaning 'right, skillful'.

  2. equivocal · adjective/ɪˈkwɪvəkəl/

    open to more than one interpretation ambiguous

    The politician's equivocal response during the press conference left many voters confused about his stance on the issue.

    Synonyms: ambiguous, unclear, doubtful

    Origin: The word 'equivocal' comes from the Latin 'aequivocus', from 'aequus' meaning 'equal' and 'vocare' meaning 'to call'.

  3. obsequious · adjective/əbˈsiː.kwi.əs/

    excessively willing to serve or please others

    The obsequious servant catered to his master's every whim, always eager to please and serve.

    Synonyms: servile, ingratiating, fawning

    Origin: Late Latin obsequiosus, from obsequium, meaning 'compliance, servility'.

  4. bucolic · adjective/bjuˈkɑːlɪk/

    relating to the pleasant aspects of the countryside and country life

    The artist found inspiration in the bucolic landscapes of the countryside, capturing the serenity of rural life in his paintings.

    Synonyms: rural, pastoral, idyllic

    Origin: from Latin 'bucolicus', meaning 'of herdsmen', from Greek 'boukolikos', from 'boukolos' meaning 'herdsman'.

  5. fortuitous · adjective/fɔrˈtɪʃ.əs/

    happening by chance rather than intention

    It was a fortuitous coincidence that they bumped into each other at the coffee shop, reigniting an old friendship.

    Synonyms: accidental, serendipitous, chance

    Origin: from Latin 'fortuitus' meaning 'happening by chance'