serrated, ludicrous, amorphous, inscrutable, incongruous: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Word Master set 93. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. serrated · adjective/səˈreɪ.tɪd/

   having a jagged or saw-toothed edge

   The chef used a serrated knife to cut the bread easily.

   Synonyms: jagged, saw-toothed, notched

   Origin: from the Latin word 'serratus', meaning 'saw-toothed'

2. ludicrous · adjective/ˈluː.dɪ.krəs/

   absurdly foolish or unreasonable

   It is ludicrous to think that we can finish this huge project in one day.

   Synonyms: ridiculous, foolish, absurd

   Origin: from Latin 'ludicrus' meaning 'playful' or 'jesting', derived from 'ludere' meaning 'to play'

3. amorphous · adjective/əˈmɔrfəs/

   lacking a definite shape or form

   The artist created an amorphous shape that looked like a cloud in the sky.

   Synonyms: shapeless, formless, vague

   Origin: from Greek 'amorphos', meaning 'without form'

4. inscrutable · adjective/ɪnˈskruː.tə.bəl/

   impossible to understand or interpret

   The teacher's inscrutable expression made it hard to know what she was thinking.

   Synonyms: inexplicable, mysterious, unfathomable

   Origin: Latin 'inscrutabilis', meaning 'in' (not) + 'scrutare' (to search or examine)

5. incongruous · adjective/ɪnˈkɑŋɡruəs/

   not in harmony or keeping with the surroundings or other aspects of something

   The bright pink sofa looked incongruous in the room full of antique furniture.

   Synonyms: out of place, unsuitable, inappropriate

   Origin: from Latin 'incongruus', meaning 'inconsistent or unsuitable', from 'in-' (not) + 'congruere' (to agree, to correspond)