SAT Vocabulary Level 3 — Set 44

Set 44 of SAT Vocabulary Level 3 covers 5 words: staid, rapt, unequivocal, bawdy, bombastic. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. staid · adjective/steɪd/

   sedate, dignified, and unadventurous

   The staid atmosphere of the dinner party made it difficult for anyone to let loose and have fun.

   Synonyms: serious, sedate, conventional

   Origin: Middle English 'stayed', from the past participle of 'stay', meaning 'to remain' or 'to be steadfast'

2. rapt · adjective/ræpt/

   completely engrossed or absorbed in something

   The audience sat in rapt attention as the speaker shared his inspiring story.

   Synonyms: engrossed, absorbed, captivated

   Origin: from Latin 'raptus', meaning 'seized or carried away'

3. unequivocal · adjective/ʌnɪˈkwɛvəkəl/

   leaving no doubt; unambiguous

   The scientist provided unequivocal evidence for the existence of black holes, leaving no room for doubt about their reality.

   Synonyms: clear, definite, unambiguous

   Origin: from the Latin 'unequivocus', meaning 'having one meaning'

4. bawdy · adjective/ˈbɔdi/

   humorously indecent or vulgar

   The comedian's bawdy humor left the audience in stitches, despite the occasional gasps of shock.

   Synonyms: risqué, vulgar, lewd

   Origin: The word 'bawdy' originates from the late 15th century, derived from the Middle English 'bawdy,' which means 'having a body.' The term is associated with the coarseness of body and thus with indecent or vulgar behavior.

5. bombastic · adjective/bɑmˈbæstɪk/

   highly inflated or pretentious language or style

   The politician's bombastic speech was filled with grandiose claims but lacked any real substance.

   Synonyms: high-flown, ostentatious, pompous

   Origin: The word 'bombastic' originates from the late 16th century, derived from the Latin word 'bombax', meaning 'cotton' or 'padding', which referred to overblown or padded speech.