SAT Vocabulary Level 1 — Set 291

Set 291 of SAT Vocabulary Level 1 covers 5 words: ballad, shock, summit, regime, avoidance. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. ballad · noun/ˈbæl.əd/

   a narrative poem or song that tells a story, often of love or adventure

   The old ballad of the knight and his lady captured the hearts of everyone in the village.

   Synonyms: song, lyric, poem

   Origin: From Middle English 'balade', from Old French 'balade', from 'ballare' meaning 'to dance', originally a dance set to music.

2. shock · noun/ʃɑk/

   a sudden and intense disturbance or surprise

   The news of her sudden resignation came as a shock to everyone in the office.

   Synonyms: jolt, surprise, startle

   Origin: from Middle English 'schok', from Old French 'choc', meaning 'a blow or collision'

3. summit · noun/ˈsʌmɪt/

   the highest point of a mountain or hill

   After a grueling climb, we finally reached the summit of the mountain, where we paused to admire the breathtaking views.

   Synonyms: peak, pinnacle, top

   Origin: Middle English somete, from Anglo-French sommi(te), from som, meaning 'highest point'

4. regime · noun/reɪˈʒim/

   a government or system of rule or management

   The new regime implemented strict policies to control the economy and reduce unemployment.

   Synonyms: government, administration, system

   Origin: from French 'régime', from Latin 'regimen' meaning 'rule, management, government'

5. avoidance · noun/əˈvɔɪdəns/

   the act of keeping away from or preventing something

   His avoidance of confrontation often led to unresolved issues in the team.

   Synonyms: evasion, avoidance, detachment

   Origin: Middle English 'avoidance', from Old French 'avoidance', from 'avoider' (to avoid), from Latin 'avere' (to keep away)