ersatz, semantic, lucid, discordant, immutable: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Proficient set 15. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. ersatz · adjective/ˈɜr.sæts/

   not genuine or real; a substitute

   The restaurant served ersatz coffee that tasted nothing like real coffee.

   Synonyms: fake, imitation, substitute

   Origin: from German 'ersatz', meaning 'replacement' or 'substitute'

2. semantic · adjective/sɪˈmæntɪk/

   relating to meaning in language or logic

   The semantic meaning of the word can change based on how it is used in a sentence.

   Synonyms: meaningful, logical, interpretive

   Origin: from Greek 'semantikos' meaning 'significant', from 'semaino' meaning 'to signify' or 'to indicate'

3. lucid · adjective/ˈluːsɪd/

   clear and easy to understand

   The teacher gave a lucid explanation of the math problem that everyone understood.

   Synonyms: clear, transparent, understandable

   Origin: from Latin 'lucidus', meaning 'light' or 'clear'

4. discordant · adjective/dɪsˈkɔrdənt/

   disagreeing or incongruous in sound or opinion

   The discordant voices in the choir made it hard to enjoy the music.

   Synonyms: conflicting, clashing, disagreeing

   Origin: from Latin 'discordans', present participle of 'discordare', meaning 'to disagree'

5. immutable · adjective/ɪˈmjuːt̬əbl/

   unchanging over time or unable to be changed

   The laws of nature are considered immutable and do not change over time.

   Synonyms: unchanging, constant, fixed

   Origin: From Latin 'immutabilis', meaning 'unable to change', from 'in-' (not) + 'mutare' (to change)