prescriptive, profligate, incorporeal, monarchical, untainted: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 3 set 74. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. prescriptive · adjective/prɪˈskrɪp.tɪv/

   relating to the establishment of norms or rules

   The prescriptive rules of grammar dictate how sentences should be constructed to ensure clarity and understanding.

   Synonyms: normative, regulatory, dictatorial

   Origin: derived from Latin 'praescriptus', which is the past participle of 'praescribere', meaning 'to prescribe'

2. profligate · adjective/ˈprɑːflɪɡət/

   recklessly extravagant or wasteful in the use of resources

   The profligate spending of the government led to significant budget deficits that burdened the economy.

   Synonyms: extravagant, wasteful, spendthrift

   Origin: From Latin 'profligatus', the past participle of 'profligare', meaning to strike down or destroy.

3. incorporeal · adjective/ɪnˈkɔrpɚɪəl/

   not having a physical body or form

   The ancient texts spoke of incorporeal spirits that wandered the earth, unseen by human eyes.

   Synonyms: immaterial, ethereal, spectral

   Origin: from Latin 'incorporealis', from 'in-' meaning 'not' + 'corporeus' meaning 'having a body'

4. monarchical · adjective/məˈnɑrɪkəl/

   related to a monarchy or monarchy system of government

   The monarchical system in the country has been criticized for its lack of democratic processes.

   Synonyms: royal, regal, sovereign

   Origin: from the Middle French 'monarchique', and from the Greek 'monarkhikos', from 'monarkhēs', meaning 'of one ruler'

5. untainted · adjective/ʌnˈteɪntɪd/

   not contaminated or damaged

   The pristine lake remained untainted despite the nearby industrial activity.

   Synonyms: clean, pure, pristine

   Origin: from un- (not) + tainted (past participle of taint) from Middle English 'tainten', from Old French 'teindre' meaning to dye or stain.