eidetic, hoary, renitent, restive, irenic: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Word Ultra set 72. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. eidetic · adjective/aɪˈdɛtɪk/

   relating to or denoting mental images that are recalled with vividness and detail

   Her eidetic memory allowed her to recall the details of their conversation as if she were reliving it all over again.

   Synonyms: photographic, vivid, detailed

   Origin: from Greek 'eidētikos', from 'eidos' meaning 'form' or 'idea'

2. hoary · adjective/ˈhoʊri/

   gray or white with age

   The hoary old oak tree stood proudly in the center of the meadow, its gnarled branches heavy with white moss.

   Synonyms: gray, white, aged

   Origin: from Old English 'hōre', meaning gray or white; related to Norse 'hǫrr' and Proto-Germanic 'hairô'.

3. renitent · adjective/ˈrɛnɪtənt/

   resisting control or authority

   The renitent students challenged the new school policies, refusing to comply with any regulations they deemed unfair.

   Synonyms: unruly, defiant, resistant

   Origin: from Latin 'renitens', present participle of 'renitere', meaning 'to resist'

4. restive · adjective/ˈrɛstɪv/

   unable to remain still or silent especially because of impatience or boredom

   During the long lecture, the restive students began to fidget in their seats, unable to contain their impatience.

   Synonyms: restless, agitated, unruly

   Origin: Late Middle English, from the Old French 'restif', from 'rester' meaning 'to rest'.

5. irenic · adjective/aɪˈrɛnɪk/

   promoting peace and reconciliation

   The diplomat's irenic approach to negotiation helped ease tensions between the two countries.

   Synonyms: peaceful, conciliatory, tranquil

   Origin: From the Greek word 'irenikos', meaning 'peaceful', derived from 'eirene', meaning 'peace'.