antiquated, recondite, fretful, gratis, innocuous: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Word Master set 77. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. antiquated · adjective/ˈæntɪkweɪtɪd/

   outdated or no longer in use

   The school's computer system is antiquated and needs to be updated.

   Synonyms: outdated, old-fashioned, obsolete

   Origin: from Latin 'antiquatus', meaning 'made old'

2. recondite · adjective/ˈrɛkənˌdaɪt/

   little known or obscure

   The book was full of recondite theories that most people did not understand.

   Synonyms: obscure, hidden, arcane

   Origin: from Latin 'reconditus', meaning 'concealed, hidden'

3. fretful · adjective/ˈfrɛt.fəl/

   feeling or expressing distress or irritation

   The fretful child would not stop crying until he got his toy back.

   Synonyms: irritable, anxious, restless

   Origin: Middle English 'fretfull', from 'fret' (to devour or consume) + 'ful' (full of)

4. gratis · adverb/ˈɡrætɪs/

   without charge or payment

   The library offers free books gratis to all the kids during summer reading programs.

   Synonyms: for free, free of charge, without cost

   Origin: Latin 'gratis', meaning 'pleasing, agreeable, free of charge'

5. innocuous · adjective/ɪˈnɑː.kju.əs/

   not harmful or offensive

   The joke was innocuous and made everyone laugh without hurting anyone's feelings.

   Synonyms: harmless, safe, benign

   Origin: from Latin innocuus meaning 'harmless', from in- 'not' + nocuus 'hurtful'