compound, nickname, residue, ideology, conviction: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 1 set 278. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. compound · noun/ˈkɑmˌpaʊnd/

   a thing that is composed of two or more separate elements

   Water is a compound made up of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.

   Synonyms: mixture, combination, amalgamation

   Origin: from Old French 'composant', from Latin 'componere' meaning 'to put together'

2. nickname · noun/ˈnɪkˌneɪm/

   a familiar or affectionate name given to a person or thing instead of or in addition to the real name

   Everyone in the family calls him by his childhood nickname, 'Buddy', which has stuck with him over the years.

   Synonyms: moniker, alias, handle

   Origin: The word 'nickname' originated from the Old English 'ekename', which was a compound of 'eke' (meaning 'also') and 'name'. Over time, 'eke' evolved into 'nick', leading to the current form.

3. residue · noun/ˈrɛzɪˌdu/

   the remaining part after a portion has been removed or taken away

   After the cleaning process, there was a significant residue of detergent left on the surfaces.

   Synonyms: remainder, leftover, remnant

   Origin: from Latin 'residuum', from 'residere' meaning 'to remain'

4. ideology · noun/ˌaɪ.diˈɑː.lə.dʒi/

   a system of ideas and ideals, especially one that forms the basis of economic or political theory and policy

   The political ideology of the party emphasizes social equality and environmental sustainability.

   Synonyms: philosophy, doctrine, belief system

   Origin: from the French 'idéologie' (early 19th century), from 'ideo-' (from Greek 'idea') + '-logy' (study of)

5. conviction · noun/kənˈvɪkʃən/

   a firmly held belief or opinion

   She spoke with such conviction that everyone in the room was moved by her words.

   Synonyms: belief, opinion, faith

   Origin: from Middle French 'conviction', from Latin 'convictionem' (nominative 'convictio'), from 'convincere' meaning 'to conquer, overcome'