concession, bait, extinction, variation, adversary: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 1 set 290. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. concession · noun/kənˈsɛʃ.ən/

   a thing that is granted, especially in response to demands

   The company made a significant concession to the workers in order to resolve the ongoing strike.

   Synonyms: grant, concessionary, allowance

   Origin: from Latin 'concessio', meaning 'a yielding', from 'concedere', meaning 'to grant, yield'.

2. bait · noun/beɪt/

   something used to lure or entice someone or something

   The fisherman used worms as bait to attract the fish in the pond.

   Synonyms: lure, enticement, decoy

   Origin: Middle English 'baten', from Old Norse 'beita' meaning 'to bait or entice'.

3. extinction · noun/ɪkˈstɪŋkʃən/

   the permanent disappearance of a species or group of organisms

   Many scientists are concerned about the extinction of endangered species due to habitat loss.

   Synonyms: extirpation, annihilation, eradication

   Origin: from Latin 'extinctio', meaning 'a putting out, extinction', from 'ex' (out) + 'tinguere' (to quench)

4. variation · noun/ˌvɛr.iˈeɪ.ʃən/

   a change or difference in condition, amount, or level

   There is a significant variation in temperature between the coast and the inland areas during the summer months.

   Synonyms: diversity, difference

   Origin: from Latin 'variatio', from 'variatus', the past participle of 'variare' meaning 'to change'

5. adversary · noun/æd.vərˌsɛr.i/

   a person, group, or force that opposes or attacks

   In the heated debate, she found herself face-to-face with a well-prepared adversary who challenged her every argument.

   Synonyms: opponent, rival, enemy

   Origin: Derived from Middle English and Latin 'adversarius,' which comes from 'advertere' meaning 'to turn against.'