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avalanche

noun/ˈæv.əˌlænʧ/

a sudden and massive flow of snow, ice, and debris down a slope

The skiers were warned about the potential for an avalanche after the recent heavy snowfall.

snowslidelandslidesnowslide
word origin — The word 'avalanche' comes from the French term 'avalanche', derived from the Latin 'avalanche', which means 'to descend'.

SAT Vocabulary Level 1 — Set 112

Set 112 of SAT Vocabulary Level 1 covers 5 words: avalanche, inspiration, urge, agility, grace. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

  1. avalanche · noun/ˈæv.əˌlænʧ/

    a sudden and massive flow of snow, ice, and debris down a slope

    The skiers were warned about the potential for an avalanche after the recent heavy snowfall.

    Synonyms: snowslide, landslide, snowslide

    Origin: The word 'avalanche' comes from the French term 'avalanche', derived from the Latin 'avalanche', which means 'to descend'.

  2. inspiration · noun/ˌɪnspəˈreɪʃən/

    a sudden brilliant or timely idea or the process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something

    The artist found her inspiration in the vibrant colors of the sunset, leading to her most celebrated painting.

    Synonyms: revelation, epiphany, muse

    Origin: from Middle French 'inspiration' or from Latin 'inspirationem' meaning 'a breathing in', derived from 'inspirare' meaning 'to breathe into'

  3. urge · noun/ɜrdʒ/

    a strong desire or impulse to do something

    Despite his better judgment, he felt an overwhelming urge to smoke a cigarette after dinner.

    Synonyms: desire, impulse, inclination

    Origin: Middle English urgen, from Latin urgere meaning 'to press or drive'.

  4. agility · noun/əˈdʒɪl.ɪ.ti/

    the ability to move quickly and easily or to think and understand quickly

    The athlete's agility allowed her to navigate through the obstacle course with remarkable speed and grace.

    Synonyms: nimbleness, quickness, versatility

    Origin: from Latin 'agilitas', from 'agilis' meaning 'quick, nimble'

  5. grace · noun/ɡreɪs/

    unmerited favor or kindness bestowed upon someone

    Many people believe that they receive grace from a higher power, guiding them through difficult times.

    Synonyms: favor, kindness, goodwill

    Origin: from Old French 'grace', from Latin 'gratia', meaning 'favor, goodwill'