haughty, vicarious, crucial, insatiable, predominant: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from TOEFL Vocabulary set 122. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. haughty · adjective/ˈhɔti/

   arrogantly superior and disdainful

   Her haughty demeanor at the gala made it clear that she looked down on everyone else in attendance.

   Synonyms: arrogant, snobbish, disdainful

   Origin: Middle English 'haughty', from Old French 'haut', meaning 'high'.

2. vicarious · adjective/vɪˈker.i.əs/

   experienced through the feelings or actions of another person

   She felt a vicarious thrill as she watched her friend skydiving from the safety of the ground.

   Synonyms: substitute, secondary, indirect

   Origin: from Latin 'vicarious', which derives from 'vicarius', meaning 'substitute' or 'deputy'

3. crucial · adjective/ˈkruː.ʃəl/

   of great importance or significance

   It is crucial for students to develop good study habits in order to succeed academically.

   Synonyms: critical, essential, vital

   Origin: from Latin 'crucialis', from 'crux' meaning 'cross', referring to something of pivotal importance

4. insatiable · adjective/ɪnˈseɪʃəbl/

   incapable of being satisfied

   Her insatiable curiosity drove her to explore every corner of the world, always seeking new experiences.

   Synonyms: unquenchable, unsatisfied, ravenous

   Origin: From Latin 'insatiabilis', from 'in-' meaning 'not' + 'satiabilis' meaning 'satisfiable'

5. predominant · adjective/prɪˈdɑːmənt/

   having greater importance, influence, or power than others

   The predominant culture in the region has influenced local traditions and customs for centuries.

   Synonyms: dominant, prevailing, prominent

   Origin: from Latin 'praedominari', meaning 'to have the upper hand' (prae- 'before' + dominari 'to rule')