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productivity

noun/prəˈdʌk.tɪv.ɪ.ti/

definition

the effectiveness of productive effort measured in terms of the rate of output per unit of input

example

The company's productivity increased significantly after implementing new technologies and efficient processes.

synonyms
efficiencyoutputyield
word origin — from Latin 'productivus' meaning 'productive', from 'producere' meaning 'to bring forth'

productivity, patron, beneficiary, aperture, boredom: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 1 set 172. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

  1. productivity · noun/prəˈdʌk.tɪv.ɪ.ti/

    the effectiveness of productive effort measured in terms of the rate of output per unit of input

    The company's productivity increased significantly after implementing new technologies and efficient processes.

    Synonyms: efficiency, output, yield

    Origin: from Latin 'productivus' meaning 'productive', from 'producere' meaning 'to bring forth'

  2. patron · noun/ˈpeɪtrən/

    a person who supports or champions someone or something, often in a financial or organizational capacity

    The wealthy art patron funded numerous exhibitions at the local gallery, allowing emerging artists to showcase their work.

    Synonyms: benefactor, supporter, sponsor

    Origin: Originating from the Latin word 'patronus', which means 'patron or protector'.

  3. beneficiary · noun/ˌbɛnɪˈfɪʃəri/

    a person or entity that receives benefits or advantages from something

    As the main beneficiary of her late grandmother's estate, she was responsible for managing the inheritance.

    Synonyms: recipient, heir, advantagee

    Origin: from Latin 'beneficarius', from 'beneficium' (benefit) + 'arius' (pertaining to)

  4. aperture · noun/ˈæpərtʃər/

    an opening or hole through which light passes in an optical instrument

    The photographer adjusted the aperture to allow more light into the camera, enhancing the image quality under low-light conditions.

    Synonyms: opening, hole, gap

    Origin: From Latin 'apertura', meaning 'an opening' or 'to open'.

  5. boredom · noun/ˈbɔr.dəm/

    a state of weariness and restlessness resulting from lack of interest

    After sitting through the long lecture on a topic I found uninteresting, I couldn't shake off my boredom.

    Synonyms: tedium, ennui, monotony

    Origin: The word 'boredom' originated in the early 19th century, derived from the verb 'bore' which is believed to come from the Old English 'borian' meaning 'to pierce or drill.'