velocity, venture, inhibition, defect, qualification: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 1 set 241. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. velocity · noun/vəˈlɑs.ɪ.ti/

   the speed of an object in a given direction

   The car maintained a high velocity as it raced down the highway.

   Synonyms: speed, rapidity, swiftness

   Origin: from Latin 'velocitas', which means swiftness or speed.

2. venture · noun/ˈvɛn.tʃər/

   a risky or daring journey or undertaking

   The explorers embarked on a daring venture into the uncharted wilderness, hoping to discover new species.

   Synonyms: enterprise, risk, undertaking

   Origin: Middle English 'venture', from Old French 'aventure' meaning chance or fortune, from Latin 'adventura' meaning 'things about to happen', from 'advenire' meaning 'to arrive'.

3. inhibition · noun/ɪnˈhɪbɪʃən/

   the action of restricting or preventing an action or process

   The patient's emotional inhibition made it difficult for them to express their feelings during therapy.

   Synonyms: restriction, suppression, restraint

   Origin: from Latin 'inhibitio,' meaning 'a holding back,' from 'inhibere' which means 'to hold back'

4. defect · noun/ˈdiː.fɛkt/

   an imperfection or flaw that diminishes the quality or functionality of something

   The car was recalled due to a serious safety defect that could lead to accidents.

   Synonyms: flaw, imperfection, shortcoming

   Origin: from Latin 'defectus' meaning 'a failing, lack, or deficiency', from the verb 'deficere' meaning 'to fail, to abandon'

5. qualification · noun/ˌkwɑːlɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/

   a condition or standard that must be met or fulfilled

   To apply for the position, you need to meet specific educational qualifications.

   Synonyms: credential, requirement, standard

   Origin: from Latin 'qualificatio', from 'qualificare', which means to make of a particular quality