SAT Vocabulary Level 1 — Set 205

Set 205 of SAT Vocabulary Level 1 covers 5 words: distress, conduit, transit, mortal, novice. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. distress · noun/dɪˈstrɛs/

   a state of emotional or physical suffering

   The child's cries of distress echoed through the empty hallway, capturing the attention of anyone nearby.

   Synonyms: suffering, anguish, pain

   Origin: Middle English, from Old French 'destresse', from Latin 'distringere', meaning 'to draw apart'

2. conduit · noun/ˈkɑndɪt/

   a channel for conveying water or other fluids

   The city's new infrastructure plan includes the installation of a large conduit for stormwater management.

   Synonyms: channel, pipe, duct

   Origin: The word 'conduit' originates from the Latin 'conductus', the past participle of 'conducere' meaning 'to lead together' or 'to bring together'.

3. transit · noun/ˈtræn.zɪt/

   the act of passing through or across a space or area

   During the transit of the spacecraft across Mars, scientists collected valuable data about the planet's atmosphere.

   Synonyms: passage, crossing, travel

   Origin: from Latin 'transitus', meaning 'passage, crossing'

4. mortal · adjective/ˈmɔr.təl/

   subject to death

   In the face of great challenges, we are reminded of our mortal limitations and the need for compassion.

   Synonyms: human, earthly, transient

   Origin: from Old French 'mortal', from Latin 'mortalis', from 'mors' meaning 'death'

5. novice · noun/ˈnɑːvɪs/

   a person new to or inexperienced in a field or situation

   As a novice in cooking, she followed the recipe step by step to ensure her dish turned out well.

   Synonyms: beginner, newcomer, neophyte

   Origin: from Latin 'novicius', meaning 'new' or 'newly arrived'.