excess, mate, acronym, breach, portrait: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 1 set 264. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. excess · noun/ɪkˈsɛs/

   an amount that is more than what is necessary or permitted

   The excess of sugar in processed foods has led to a rise in health issues among consumers.

   Synonyms: surplus, overabundance, glut

   Origin: from Latin 'excessus' meaning 'a going out, an exceedance', from 'excedere' which means 'to go beyond'

2. mate · noun/meɪt/

   a friend or companion

   My mate and I went hiking over the weekend, enjoying the beautiful scenery together.

   Synonyms: friend, buddy, companion

   Origin: The word 'mate' originates from Middle English 'mete,' which means companion or comrade, and traces back to Old English 'gemetta,' meaning one who eats with another.

3. acronym · noun/ˈækrəˌnɪm/

   a word formed from the initial letters of a series of words

   The term 'NASA' is a well-known acronym that stands for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

   Synonyms: abbreviation, initialism

   Origin: The word 'acronym' is derived from the Greek words 'akros' meaning 'top' or 'highest' and 'onuma' meaning 'name'.

4. breach · noun/briːtʃ/

   a violation or infraction of a law, obligation, or agreement

   The company faced serious consequences after the breach of contract with its suppliers.

   Synonyms: violation, infraction, contravention

   Origin: Middle English breche, from Old French brèche (break, gap), from brechier (to break), from Latin fractura (a breaking).

5. portrait · noun/ˈpɔr.trɪt/

   a representation of a person, typically showing the face and upper body

   The artist captured her essence beautifully in a stunning oil portrait.

   Synonyms: likeness, image, depiction

   Origin: from Old French 'portraire', from Latin 'portrahere' meaning 'to draw forth'