welfare, contour, epoch, overlap, talent: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 1 set 213. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. welfare · noun/ˈwɛlˌfɛr/

   the health, happiness, and fortunes of a person or group

   The government has implemented several programs aimed at improving the welfare of low-income families.

   Synonyms: well-being, prosperity, welfare state

   Origin: Middle English, from Old English 'wel' (well) + 'faru' (journey, way, condition)

2. contour · noun/ˈkɑnˌtʊr/

   the outline or shape of an object or figure

   The soft contours of the hills created a beautiful landscape that seemed to stretch on forever.

   Synonyms: outline, shape, silhouette

   Origin: from French 'contour', from Latin 'contourus' meaning 'to draw together, outline'

3. epoch · noun/ˈiːpɑk/

   a period in history or a person's life marked by notable events or particular characteristics

   The discovery of electricity marked a significant epoch in the history of science.

   Synonyms: era, age, period

   Origin: The word 'epoch' comes from the Greek word 'epokhē', which means 'a stop, pause', from 'epokhein', meaning 'to hold, to stop'.

4. overlap · noun/ˈoʊ.və.læp/

   the area in which two or more things cover each other

   There is a significant overlap in the responsibilities of the two departments, leading to confusion about who is in charge.

   Synonyms: correlation, intersection, overlap zone

   Origin: The word 'overlap' originates from Middle English 'overlappen,' which is a combination of 'over-' meaning 'above' or 'on top of' and 'lappen' meaning 'to fold' or 'to cover.'

5. talent · noun/ˈtælənt/

   natural aptitude or skill

   Her artistic talent was evident from a young age, showcasing her natural ability to create beautiful paintings.

   Synonyms: ability, skill, gift

   Origin: from Middle English talent, from Latin talentum 'a balance, a sum of money', from Greek talanton 'a balance, weight, money', later used in the sense of a natural aptitude or skill.