Proficient — Set 38

Set 38 of Proficient covers 5 words: navigable, surreptitious, phlegmatic, inimical, superfluous. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. navigable · adjective/ˈnæv.ɪ.ɡə.bəl/

   able to be sailed on or traversed by a vessel

   The river is navigable, so boats can travel on it easily.

   Synonyms: sailable, passable, traversable

   Origin: from Latin 'navigabilis', meaning 'able to be sailed', from 'navigare' (to sail) + '-abilis' (able to)

2. surreptitious · adjective/ˌsɜːrəpˈtɪʃ.əs/

   kept secret, especially because it would not be approved of

   The spy made a surreptitious exit from the building to avoid being seen.

   Synonyms: secret, hidden, stealthy

   Origin: from Latin 'surreptitius', meaning 'stolen or taken secretly'

3. phlegmatic · adjective/flɛɡˈmætɪk/

   having a calm and unemotional disposition

   Despite the chaos around him, his phlegmatic nature kept him calm and collected.

   Synonyms: calm, cool, composed

   Origin: from Latin 'phlegmaticus', from Greek 'phlegmatikos', derived from 'phlegma' meaning 'flame' or 'heat', referring to a temperament associated with coolness.

4. inimical · adjective/ɪˈnɪmɪkəl/

   likely to cause harm or obstruct developments

   The harsh weather conditions were inimical to the farmers' crops, causing many to fail.

   Synonyms: hostile, unfriendly, adverse

   Origin: Latin 'inimicalis', from 'inimicus' meaning 'enemy'

5. superfluous · adjective/suˈpɜrflous/

   beyond what is necessary or excessive

   The report had many superfluous details that were not needed.

   Synonyms: unnecessary, excessive, extra

   Origin: Latin 'superfluus', meaning 'overflowing, excessive'