having an unattractive or old-fashioned appearance
example
Despite her kind personality, her dowdy clothing choices often made her feel invisible at social events.
synonyms
unfashionablefrumpyshabby
word origin — The word 'dowdy' originated in the late 16th century, derived from the adjective 'doudy', meaning 'shabby' or 'unkempt', which is possibly from the Middle English 'dowde' related to 'dawdle'.
SAT Vocabulary Level 3 — Set 43
Set 43 of SAT Vocabulary Level 3 covers 5 words: dowdy, sedulous, preemptive, unoriginal, rudimentary. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.
dowdy · adjective/ˈdaʊdi/
having an unattractive or old-fashioned appearance
Despite her kind personality, her dowdy clothing choices often made her feel invisible at social events.
Synonyms: unfashionable, frumpy, shabby
Origin: The word 'dowdy' originated in the late 16th century, derived from the adjective 'doudy', meaning 'shabby' or 'unkempt', which is possibly from the Middle English 'dowde' related to 'dawdle'.
sedulous · adjective/ˈsɛdʒ.ə.ləs/
diligent and persistent in effort or pursuit
The sedulous student spent countless hours studying for the final exam, showing great dedication to her studies.
Synonyms: diligent, attentive, hardworking
Origin: From Latin 'sedulus', meaning 'diligent, careful'.
preemptive · adjective/priˈɛmptɪv/
intended to prevent an anticipated event or situation
The government took preemptive measures to address the potential outbreak of the disease.
Synonyms: preventive, proactive, anticipatory
Origin: Derived from the Latin word 'praeemptivus', which means 'to take before'.
unoriginal · adjective/ʌnəˈrɪdʒənl/
not original or imaginative; lacking freshness or uniqueness
The movie received criticism for its unoriginal plot that mirrored several popular films from the past.
Synonyms: derivative, mundane, uncreative
Origin: The word 'unoriginal' is derived from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not,' and 'original,' which comes from the Latin 'originalis,' meaning 'beginning or source.'
rudimentary · adjective/ˌrudɪˈmɛnˌtɛri/
basic or elementary in nature
The students learned rudimentary mathematics before progressing to more advanced topics.
Synonyms: basic, fundamental, elementary
Origin: The word 'rudimentary' comes from the Latin 'rudimentum', meaning 'the beginning' or 'a first principle'. It entered English in the 15th century.