ISEE/SSAT Vocabulary Builder›Words›I›inert
ISEE/SSATmedium
inert
lacking the ability or strength to move; inactive
Synonyms
- motionless
- lifeless
- still
Antonyms
- active
- lively
inert in a sentence
The lizard lay inert on the warm stone.
The old machine sat inert in the corner of the workshop, its gears rusted and silent for years.
Where it comes from
From Latin iners 'unskilled, inactive', from in- 'not' + ars 'skill, art'
Memory hook
IN-ERT — IN ERror of any motion; just lies there.
Word parts
- in/im/ir — not, opposite
inert: in- (not) + ars (skill)
Read it in context
- The Meadow Notebook Nature