Despite being surrounded by a lively group, Mark remained taciturn, rarely contributing to the conversation.
synonyms
reticentsilentreserved
word origin — from Latin 'tacitus' meaning 'silent'
SAT Vocabulary Level 3 — Set 77
Set 77 of SAT Vocabulary Level 3 covers 5 words: taciturn, unchallenged, docile, calamitous, soporific. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.
taciturn · adjective/ˈtæs.ɪ.tɜrn/
reserved or uncommunicative in speech
Despite being surrounded by a lively group, Mark remained taciturn, rarely contributing to the conversation.
Synonyms: reticent, silent, reserved
Origin: from Latin 'tacitus' meaning 'silent'
unchallenged · adjective/ʌnˈtʃælɪndʒd/
not disputed or questioned
In her field of research, her theories remain unchallenged by her peers, establishing her as a leading expert.
Synonyms: uncontested, undisputed, unanswered
Origin: The word 'unchallenged' is derived from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not,' combined with 'challenged,' which comes from the Old French 'chalenge' meaning 'to accuse or bring to question,' originating from Latin 'calumnia,' meaning 'slander.'
docile · adjective/ˈdɑː.səl/
easily taught or managed; submissive
The docile puppy quickly learned all of its commands, making it a joy for the family to train.
Synonyms: obedient, submissive, pliable
Origin: from Latin 'docilis', meaning 'easily taught', from 'docere', meaning 'to teach'
calamitous · adjective/kəˈlæmɪtəs/
causing great damage or distress
The calamitous consequences of the hurricane left the entire town in ruins.
Synonyms: disastrous, catastrophic, detrimental
Origin: The word 'calamitous' originates from the Latin 'calamitosus', from 'calamitas', meaning 'disaster' or 'misfortune'.
soporific · adjective/ˌsɑːpəˈrɪfɪk/
causing or tending to cause sleep
The lecture on ancient philosophy was so soporific that several students fell asleep before it even ended.