SAT Vocabulary Level 1 — Set 281

Set 281 of SAT Vocabulary Level 1 covers 5 words: stimulus, envelope, diagnosis, mandate, hail. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. stimulus · noun/ˈstɪm.jə.ləs/

   something that causes a response or reaction

   The bright light served as a stimulus that triggered a reaction from the pupils of his eyes.

   Synonyms: incentive, motivation, prompt

   Origin: Latin 'stimulus', meaning 'a goad or incentive'

2. envelope · noun/ˈɛnvəˌloʊp/

   a flat, usually rectangular or square paper container used to enclose a letter or other document

   She carefully sealed the letter inside the envelope before mailing it.

   Synonyms: wrapper, cover, casing

   Origin: from French enveloppe, originating from the verb envelopper, meaning to wrap or cover

3. diagnosis · noun/ˌdaɪəɡˈnoʊsɪs/

   the identification of the nature of an illness or problem through examination and analysis

   After a thorough examination, the doctor provided a clear diagnosis of the patient's condition.

   Synonyms: identification, determination, analysis

   Origin: from Greek 'diagnōsis', meaning 'discrimination, judgment', from 'diagnōskein' meaning 'to discern, distinguish'.

4. mandate · noun/ˈmænˌdeɪt/

   an official order or command to do something

   The government issued a mandate requiring all citizens to wear masks in public places to protect public health.

   Synonyms: order, command, directive

   Origin: from Latin 'mandatum', meaning 'order' or 'commission'.

5. hail · noun/heɪl/

   small balls or lumps of ice that fall from the sky during a storm

   The weather report warned of severe thunderstorms with large hail expected to fall across the region.

   Synonyms: pellets, ice balls, sleet

   Origin: Old English hægl, related to Old Norse hagl