exigent, erratic, quintessential, dilatory, venerable: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Word Master set 20. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. exigent · adjective/ˈɛɡ.zɪ.dʒənt/

   requiring immediate attention or action

   The doctor faced an exigent situation when a patient needed emergency care.

   Synonyms: urgent, pressing, critical

   Origin: from Latin 'exigentem', meaning 'demanding' or 'needing to be done'

2. erratic · adjective/ɪˈrætɪk/

   having no fixed course; irregular or unpredictable in behavior or occurrence

   The weather is very erratic this month, changing from hot to cold every few days.

   Synonyms: unpredictable, irregular, inconsistent

   Origin: from Latin 'erraticus' meaning 'wandering' or 'unsettled', derived from 'errare' meaning 'to wander or stray'.

3. quintessential · adjective/kwɪnˈtɛʃənt/

   representing the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class

   The Mona Lisa is a quintessential work of art that everyone should see.

   Synonyms: typical, ultimate, perfect

   Origin: From the Latin 'quintessentia', meaning 'fifth essence' or 'purest essence.'

4. dilatory · adjective/ˈdɪl.ə.tɔːr.i/

   slow to act or intended to cause delay

   His dilatory response to the emails made the project fall behind schedule.

   Synonyms: slow, lazy, tardy

   Origin: from Latin 'dilatorius', meaning 'to delay'

5. venerable · adjective/ˈvɛnəbl/

   worthy of respect due to age, wisdom, or character

   The venerable teacher shared many stories from his long career, earning the respect of all his students.

   Synonyms: respected, revered, esteemed

   Origin: from Latin 'venerabilis', meaning 'worthy of reverence'