Word Master — Set 35

Set 35 of Word Master covers 5 words: surreptitious, inimical, phlegmatic, navigable, superfluous. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. surreptitious · adjective/ˌsɜːrəpˈtɪʃəs/

   kept secret, especially because it would not be approved of

   She took a surreptitious glance at the exam answers to see if she could find the right solution.

   Synonyms: secret, covert, stealthy

   Origin: Late Latin 'surreptitius', from 'surrept' meaning 'to seize or take away secretly'.

2. inimical · adjective/ɪˈnɪməkəl/

   hostile or harmful to something

   The chemical waste was inimical to the fish in the river, causing them to die.

   Synonyms: hostile, harmful, unfriendly

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

3. phlegmatic · adjective/flɛɡˈmætɪk/

   having an unemotional and stolidly calm disposition

   Despite the loud noise around him, John remained phlegmatic and did not show any signs of stress.

   Synonyms: calm, cool, indifferent

   Origin: from Latin 'phlegmaticus', from Greek 'phlegmatikos', from 'phlegma' meaning 'inflammation' or 'mucus'

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

   able to be sailed on or traversed by a vessel or vehicle

   The river is navigable, so boats can easily travel along its waters.

   Synonyms: passable, sailable, traversable

   Origin: from Latin 'navigabilis', from 'navigare' meaning 'to sail, to navigate'

5. superfluous · adjective/suˈpɜr.plu.əs/

   beyond what is necessary or required excessive

   His explanation was superfluous, as everyone already understood the topic.

   Synonyms: unnecessary, excess, extra

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