INIMITABLE is an easy word to learn and remember. It combines the negative prefix IN (“not”) with the Latin word imitari (“to copy”). INIMITABLE thus describes something so unique or exceptional that it is impossible to copy or match.
As we have repeatedly seen, SAT test writers are very skilled at placing relatively easy words like INIMITABLE in confusing contexts surrounded by tempting wrong answers. For example, a recent passage opened by stressing that specialists are adept at distinguishing forgeries from authentic words.
So far so good. But wait, here comes the big, bad reversal word BUT! The next sentence reverses the original statement by asserting “but since no painter is truly ____,” experts must use scientific tests to establish a work of art’s authenticity. Given this context, INIMITABLE is clearly the most precise answer. Unfortunately, PROLIFIC (plentiful), AUTONOMOUS (independent), and CONTEMPORANEOUS (originating at the same time) tempted many students into selecting a wrong answer.
INIMITABLE – impossible to copy; unique