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inconspicuous

adjective/ˌɪn.kənˈspɪk.ju.əs/

definition

not easily noticeable or attracting attention

example

She wore an inconspicuous outfit that blended in with the crowd, allowing her to go unnoticed.

synonyms
unobtrusivediscreetinconspiring
word origin — The word 'inconspicuous' originates from the Latin 'inconspicuus', meaning 'not visible' or 'not easily seen', from 'in-' (not) + 'conspicuus' (visible or attracting attention).

SAT Vocabulary Level 3 — Set 7

Set 7 of SAT Vocabulary Level 3 covers 5 words: inconspicuous, cacophonous, scrupulous, recumbent, risque. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

  1. inconspicuous · adjective/ˌɪn.kənˈspɪk.ju.əs/

    not easily noticeable or attracting attention

    She wore an inconspicuous outfit that blended in with the crowd, allowing her to go unnoticed.

    Synonyms: unobtrusive, discreet, inconspiring

    Origin: The word 'inconspicuous' originates from the Latin 'inconspicuus', meaning 'not visible' or 'not easily seen', from 'in-' (not) + 'conspicuus' (visible or attracting attention).

  2. cacophonous · adjective/kæˈkɑː.fən.əs/

    harsh or discordant sound; jarring

    The cacophonous sounds of honking cars and shouting pedestrians filled the bustling city streets.

    Synonyms: discordant, jarring, dissonant

    Origin: The word cacophonous comes from the Greek 'kakophonia', which is formed from 'kakos' meaning 'bad' and 'phone' meaning 'voice' or 'sound'.

  3. scrupulous · adjective/ˈskruːpjələs/

    diligent and attentive to detail in ensuring moral integrity or correctness

    The attorney was scrupulous in her research, ensuring that every detail was accurate and thoroughly verified before presenting the case in court.

    Synonyms: meticulous, conscientious, careful

    Origin: From Latin 'scrupulosus', meaning 'anxious, uneasy', from 'scrupulus', a small stone or weight, implying carefulness.

  4. recumbent · adjective/rəˈkʌm.bənt/

    lying down or reclining

    The recumbent figure of the statue invited viewers to pause and reflect on its serene beauty.

    Synonyms: reclining, horizontal, prostrate

    Origin: from Latin 'recumbens', present participle of 'recumbere', meaning 'to lie down'

  5. risque · adjective/rɪˈskeɪ/

    slightly indecent or liable to shock, especially by being sexually suggestive

    The comedian's routine included a few risque jokes that had the audience laughing and gasping in equal measure.

    Synonyms: indecent, suggestive, provocative

    Origin: French, from 'risqué', meaning 'risked' or 'in danger', from the verb 'risquer'.