sanguinary, impetuous, perennial, bereft, garrulous: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Word Master set 4. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. sanguinary · adjective/ˈsæŋɡwəˌnɛri/

   involving or causing much bloodshed

   The sanguinary battle left many soldiers wounded and bleeding on the ground.

   Synonyms: bloody, gruesome

   Origin: From Latin 'sanguinarius', from 'sanguis' meaning 'blood'.

2. impetuous · adjective/ɪmˈpɛtʃuəs/

   acting or done quickly and without thought or care

   His impetuous decision to leave school made his parents very worried.

   Synonyms: impulsive, hasty, reckless

   Origin: from Latin 'impetuosus', meaning 'impetuous, violent; hasty, rash' (from 'impetus' meaning 'attack, assault, force')

3. perennial · adjective/pəˈrɛn.i.əl/

   lasting or existing for a long or apparently infinite time

   The perennial problem of traffic congestion makes it hard to get to work on time.

   Synonyms: enduring, everlasting, perpetual

   Origin: from Latin 'perennialis', meaning 'lasting through the years'

4. bereft · adjective/bəˈrɛft/

   deprived of or lacking something that is wanted or needed

   After losing her job, she felt bereft of hope and direction.

   Synonyms: deprived, lacking, empty

   Origin: from Old English 'bereafian', meaning 'to rob or deprive'

5. garrulous · adjective/ˈɡɛr.ə.ləs/

   excessively talkative especially on trivial matters

   The garrulous man at the bus stop talked about his pet cat for hours.

   Synonyms: talkative, chatty, loquacious

   Origin: Late Latin 'garrulus', meaning 'talkative'