tremulous, abstemious, blase, shoddy, redolent: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 3 set 52. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. tremulous · adjective/ˈtrɛm.jə.ləs/

   characterized by or affected with trembling or quaking

   Her tremulous voice revealed the fear she was trying to conceal during the presentation.

   Synonyms: quivering, trembling, shaky

   Origin: from Latin 'tremulus', meaning 'trembling', derived from 'tremere', meaning 'to tremble'

2. abstemious · adjective/æbˈstiː.mi.əs/

   not indulging in or characterized by excessive consumption of food or drink

   Despite the lavish spread at the banquet, she remained abstemious in her choices, opting for a small salad and a glass of water.

   Synonyms: sparing, moderate, temperate

   Origin: The word 'abstemious' originates from the Latin 'abstemius', meaning 'sober', which is derived from 'ab-' (meaning 'from') and 'temetum' (meaning 'fermented drink').

3. blase · adjective/blɑːˈzeɪ/

   apathetic to pleasure or excitement as a result of excessive indulgence or enjoyment

   After spending years attending lavish parties and exclusive events, she had become rather blase about the whole social scene.

   Synonyms: indifferent, jaded, unimpressed

   Origin: French, from 'blasé', meaning 'bored' or 'weary' due to overindulgence

4. shoddy · adjective/ˈʃɑːdi/

   of poor quality or inferior workmanship

   The construction company faced backlash for using shoddy materials in the new building, which caused numerous safety concerns.

   Synonyms: inferior, substandard, crude

   Origin: The word 'shoddy' originated in the 19th century and is derived from 'shoddy wool', a type of wool consisting of reclaimed fibers used for making inferior quality textile products.

5. redolent · adjective/ˈrɛd.ə.lənt/

   strongly reminiscent or suggestive of something

   The old library was redolent of ancient knowledge and forgotten tales, filling the air with a sense of history.

   Synonyms: suggestive, evocative, reminiscent

   Origin: from Middle English, from Latin 'redolens', present participle of 'redolere' meaning 'to emit a scent'