nebulous, fulsome, refulgent, heinous, anachronistic: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Proficient set 52. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. nebulous · adjective/ˈnɛbjələs/

   lacking a clear form or limit

   Her plans for the summer were still quite nebulous, as she had not decided what to do yet.

   Synonyms: vague, unclear, hazy

   Origin: from Latin 'nebulosus' meaning 'full of mist or vapor'

2. fulsome · adjective/ˈfʊl.səm/

   excessively flattering or insincere

   The manager gave a fulsome praise to the employee, but it felt too much and insincere.

   Synonyms: insincere, excessive, ingratiating

   Origin: Middle English, from ful (full) + some (characterized by)

3. refulgent · adjective/rɪˈfʌl.dʒənt/

   shining brilliantly; radiant

   The refulgent sun created beautiful patterns on the water.

   Synonyms: brilliant, radiant, shining

   Origin: from Latin 'refulgens', present participle of 'refulgere', meaning 'to shine again'

4. heinous · adjective/ˈheɪ.nəs/

   shockingly wicked or abominable

   The police caught the man who committed a heinous crime against an innocent family.

   Synonyms: wicked, evil, atrocious

   Origin: Old French 'haineus', from 'haine' meaning 'hatred'

5. anachronistic · adjective/əˌnækrəˈnɪstɪk/

   belonging to a period other than that being portrayed

   The movie was criticized for its anachronistic costume designs that did not match the time period it was set in.

   Synonyms: outdated, old-fashioned, anachronous

   Origin: from the Greek word 'anachronismos', meaning 'a placing of things out of their proper time'