Set 261 · Study 1 / 5

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vertex

noun/ˈvɜr.tɛks/

the highest point or a corner of a geometric figure

In a triangle, each vertex represents a point where two sides meet.

peaksummitapex
word origin — from Latin 'vertex', meaning 'highest point, summit, crown'

SAT Vocabulary Level 1 — Set 261

Set 261 of SAT Vocabulary Level 1 covers 5 words: vertex, clause, speculation, harm, capitalism. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

  1. vertex · noun/ˈvɜr.tɛks/

    the highest point or a corner of a geometric figure

    In a triangle, each vertex represents a point where two sides meet.

    Synonyms: peak, summit, apex

    Origin: from Latin 'vertex', meaning 'highest point, summit, crown'

  2. clause · noun/klɔz/

    a group of words containing a subject and a predicate that forms part of a sentence

    The independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence, such as 'She enjoys reading.'

    Synonyms: provision, stipulation, condition

    Origin: Derived from the Latin word 'clausa', meaning 'a closing, enclosure'.

  3. speculation · noun/ˌspɛk.jəˈleɪ.ʃən/

    the forming of a theory or conjecture without firm evidence

    The recent market fluctuations have led to much speculation about the future of the economy.

    Synonyms: guess, conjecture, hypothesis

    Origin: from Latin 'speculatio', from 'speculari' meaning 'to look at, to observe', which is derived from 'specere' meaning 'to look, to see'.

  4. harm · noun/hɑrm/

    physical injury or damage caused to someone or something

    The accident caused significant harm to the passengers, leading to multiple injuries.

    Synonyms: injury, damage, hurt

    Origin: from Old English 'hearm' meaning 'harm, injury, or damage'

  5. capitalism · noun/ˈkæpɪtəlɪzəm/

    an economic system characterized by private ownership of the means of production and the pursuit of profit

    Many economists argue that capitalism drives innovation and economic growth.

    Synonyms: free enterprise, market economy, capitalism

    Origin: The term 'capitalism' originated in the early 19th century and is derived from the word 'capital,' which comes from the Latin 'caput,' meaning 'head.' The concept relates to the ownership of capital and the means of production.