pleonastic, fatuous, vernal, verdant, pyknic: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Word Ultra set 50. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. pleonastic · adjective/plioʊˈnæstɪk/

   characterized by the use of more words than necessary to convey meaning

   The author's pleonastic style made the novel feel unnecessarily lengthy, with repeated phrases that could have been omitted.

   Synonyms: redundant, wordy, verbose

   Origin: from Greek 'pleonasmos', meaning 'excess' or 'superfluity'

2. fatuous · adjective/ˈfætʃuəs/

   silly and pointless

   His fatuous remarks during the meeting only added to the confusion, proving how silly and pointless his suggestions were.

   Synonyms: foolish, asinine, vacuous

   Origin: from Latin 'fatuus', meaning 'silly, foolish, or dull'

3. vernal · adjective/ˈvɜrnəl/

   relating to spring or the season of spring

   The vernal equinox marks the beginning of spring, bringing longer days and warmer weather.

   Synonyms: springlike, springtime, floriferous

   Origin: Derived from Middle English 'vernal', from Old French 'vernal', from Latin 'vernalis', from 'ver', meaning 'spring'.

4. verdant · adjective/ˈvɜr.dənt/

   green with growing plants or grass

   The hikers were amazed by the verdant landscape that unfolded before them, dotted with wildflowers and lush green trees.

   Synonyms: leafy, lush, green

   Origin: from Middle English 'verdy', from Old French 'verdant', from 'verd', meaning green, from Latin 'viridis'

5. pyknic · adjective/ˈpɪknɪk/

   having a rounded body build and a stocky appearance

   His pyknic physique was evident in the way his sturdy frame filled out his clothes, giving him a robust appearance.

   Synonyms: corpulent, stocky, stout

   Origin: from Greek 'pyknos' meaning 'thick' or 'dense'