alias, addiction, increment, surveillance, boom: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 1 set 192. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. alias · noun/ˈeɪliəs/

   a name used to conceal one's identity or as an alternative to a real name

   The author published her novel under an alias to protect her privacy.

   Synonyms: pseudonym, nickname, moniker

   Origin: from Latin 'alias' meaning 'otherwise' or 'at other times'

2. addiction · noun/əˈdɪkʃən/

   a compulsive dependence on a substance or behavior that negatively affects physical or mental health

   His addiction to alcohol began to affect his relationships and work performance.

   Synonyms: dependence, obsession, habit

   Origin: from Latin 'addictio', meaning 'a giving over, surrender, addiction', from 'addicere', meaning 'to hand over, assign, devote'.

3. increment · noun/ˈɪŋkrəmənt/

   a small increase or addition

   The salary increment was much appreciated by the employees after a year of hard work.

   Synonyms: increase, addition, augmentation

   Origin: Latin 'incrementum', meaning 'a growth or increase'

4. surveillance · noun/sɜrˈveɪ.ləns/

   the monitoring of behavior and activities for the purpose of gathering information

   The government increased its surveillance efforts to monitor potential threats to national security.

   Synonyms: monitoring, observation, supervision

   Origin: French 'surveillance', from 'surveiller' meaning 'to watch over'

5. boom · noun/bum/

   a sudden increase or improvement in something

   The city experienced a significant housing boom, attracting numerous new residents seeking affordable living options.

   Synonyms: surge, increase, upswing

   Origin: The word 'boom' originated in the early 19th century, likely imitative of a loud noise. Its use to denote a rapid increase or improvement emerged in the mid-20th century.