prize, diversion, renaissance, carp, drought: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 1 set 231. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. prize · noun/praɪz/

   something given as a reward for achievement or victory

   She was awarded a prestigious prize for her outstanding contributions to science.

   Synonyms: award, trophy, reward

   Origin: Middle English 'pris', from Old French 'pris', from Latin 'pretium' meaning 'price' or 'value'.

2. diversion · noun/dɪˈvɜr.ʒən/

   the act of turning aside from a course or purpose

   The unexpected road closure created a diversion that added an hour to our travel time.

   Synonyms: detour, deviation, distraction

   Origin: from Old French 'diversion', derived from Latin 'diversionem', which comes from 'divertere' meaning 'to turn aside'.

3. renaissance · noun/ˌrɛnəˈsɑns/

   a revival of art and literature influenced by classical models

   The Renaissance was a period of incredible artistic achievement that revived many classical Greek and Roman ideas.

   Synonyms: revival, resurgence, rebirth

   Origin: from French 'renaissance', meaning 'rebirth', from 'renaître', meaning 'to be born again'; influenced by Latin 'renascentem', meaning 'born again'.

4. carp · noun/kɑrp/

   a type of freshwater fish belonging to the family cyprinidae

   The lake is known for its abundance of carp, making it a popular spot for anglers.

   Synonyms: koi, mirror carp, common carp

   Origin: Middle English 'carpe', from Old French 'carpe', from Latin 'carpa', possibly of Germanic origin.

5. drought · noun/draʊt/

   a prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall leading to water shortage

   This year's drought has caused crops to wither, resulting in severe food shortages across the region.

   Synonyms: dry spell, water shortage, aridity

   Origin: Middle English 'drouht' from Old English 'drūge,' meaning 'dryness'