litigation, discharge, appointment, artifact, tolerance: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 1 set 187. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. litigation · noun/lɪtəˈɡeɪʃən/

   the process of taking legal action in a court of law

   The company decided to pursue litigation against the former employee for breach of contract.

   Synonyms: lawsuit, legal action, court case

   Origin: From Latin 'litigatio', which stems from 'litigare', meaning 'to dispute or quarrel'.

2. discharge · verb/dɪsˈtʃɑrdʒ/

   to release or let go from confinement or obligation

   After serving his sentence, the court decided to discharge him from prison early due to good behavior.

   Synonyms: release, free, liberate

   Origin: From Middle French 'descharger', composed of 'des-' (meaning 'away, off') and 'charger' (meaning 'to load').

3. appointment · noun/əˈpɔɪntmənt/

   an arrangement to meet someone at a particular time and place

   I have a doctor's appointment scheduled for next Tuesday at 3 PM.

   Synonyms: meeting, arrangement, engagement

   Origin: Middle English 'aponte' from Old French 'apointier', meaning 'to arrange' or 'to set.'

4. artifact · noun/ˈɑrtɪfækt/

   an object made by a human being, typically an item of cultural or historical interest

   The archaeologists uncovered an ancient artifact that provided valuable insights into the culture of the civilization that once thrived here.

   Synonyms: relic, object, item

   Origin: from Latin 'arte factum', meaning 'made by skill'

5. tolerance · noun/ˈtɑːlərəns/

   the ability to accept or endure differences or beliefs of others

   The community's **tolerance** for diverse cultures has fostered a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere.

   Synonyms: acceptance, forbearance, patience

   Origin: from Latin 'tolerantia', meaning 'endurance, patience', from 'tolerare', meaning 'to bear, endure'.