succinct, ostentatious, pertinent, nonchalant, egregious: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Proficient Plus set 4. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. succinct · adjective/səkˈsɪŋkt/

   briefly and clearly expressed

   The teacher gave a succinct summary of the lesson at the end of class.

   Synonyms: concise, brief, terse

   Origin: from Latin 'succinctus', past participle of 'succingere', meaning 'to bind up' or 'to gird up'.

2. ostentatious · adjective/ˌɑstənˈteɪʃəs/

   characterized by vulgar or pretentious display designed to impress or attract notice

   Her ostentatious display of wealth included a diamond-studded handbag and a fancy car.

   Synonyms: showy, flashy, extravagant

   Origin: The word 'ostentatious' comes from the Latin 'ostentare', which means 'to display'.

3. pertinent · adjective/ˈpɜrtənt/

   relevant or significant to the matter at hand

   The teacher shared relevant information that was pertinent to our project.

   Synonyms: relevant, appropriate, applicable

   Origin: from Latin 'pertinens', meaning 'pertaining to', which combines 'per-' (through) and 'tenere' (to hold)

4. nonchalant · adjective/ˌnɑnʃəˈlɑnt/

   having an air of casual indifference or lack of concern

   He walked into the room with a nonchalant attitude, as if nothing important was happening.

   Synonyms: unconcerned, indifferent, casual

   Origin: French, from 'nonchalant', meaning 'unconcerned' or 'indifferent'

5. egregious · adjective/ɪˈɡriːdʒəs/

   outstandingly bad; shocking

   The teacher was shocked by the student's egregious behavior in class.

   Synonyms: shocking, horrible, outrageous

   Origin: From Latin 'egregius' meaning 'eminent, distinguished', originally meaning 'standing out' but evolved to refer to a negative context.