minatory, forlorn, indigent, sordid, irreverent: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Word Master set 83. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. minatory · adjective/ˈmɪnəˌtɔri/

   threatening or foreshadowing evil or harm

   The dark clouds in the sky had a minatory look, making everyone feel worried about the storm.

   Synonyms: threatening, ominous, menacing

   Origin: From Latin 'minatorius', from 'minari' meaning 'to threaten'

2. forlorn · adjective/fɔrˈlɔrn/

   desolate or dreary; unhappy or abandoned

   The forlorn puppy sat by the door, hoping someone would take it home.

   Synonyms: abandoned, desolate, unhappy

   Origin: Middle English 'forloren', from Old English 'forleosan' meaning 'to lose' or 'to perish'.

3. indigent · adjective/ˈɪndɪdʒənt/

   lacking basic necessities of life due to poverty

   The charity helps indigent families who cannot afford food and shelter.

   Synonyms: poor, needy, impoverished

   Origin: from Latin 'indigentem', meaning 'to be in want or need'

4. sordid · adjective/ˈsɔrdɪd/

   involving ignoble actions and motives; arousing moral distaste and contempt

   The movie showed the sordid details of the crime, making many people feel uncomfortable.

   Synonyms: dirty, filthy, base

   Origin: from Latin 'sordidus', meaning 'dirty, filthy'

5. irreverent · adjective/ɪˈrɛvərənt/

   showing a lack of respect for people or things that are generally taken seriously

   His irreverent humor often makes people laugh at serious topics.

   Synonyms: disrespectful, flippant, impertinent

   Origin: from Old French 'irrévérend' and Latin 'irreverens', meaning 'not showing respect'