SAT Vocabulary Level 1 — Set 30

Set 30 of SAT Vocabulary Level 1 covers 5 words: intent, dividend, obligation, surplus, mistake. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. intent · noun/ɪnˈtɛnt/

   the purpose or aim behind an action

   Her intent to help the community was clear from her dedication to volunteer work.

   Synonyms: purpose, aim, goal

   Origin: From Middle English 'entent', from Latin 'intentio', meaning 'a stretching out, aiming at' (from 'intendere').

2. dividend · noun/ˈdɪvɪˌdɛnd/

   a sum of money paid regularly by a company to its shareholders out of its profits

   The company announced a significant dividend increase, rewarding its shareholders for their loyalty.

   Synonyms: distribution, profit share, return

   Origin: from Latin 'dividendum', meaning 'that which is to be divided'

3. obligation · noun/ˌɑːblɪˈɡeɪʃən/

   a duty or commitment that one is bound to perform

   He felt a strong obligation to support his family during difficult times.

   Synonyms: duty, commitment, responsibility

   Origin: from Middle French 'obligation', from Latin 'obligatio', from 'obligare' meaning 'to bind'

4. surplus · noun/ˈsɜrpləs/

   an amount that is more than what is needed or used

   The company reported a surplus of goods at the end of the fiscal year, which allowed them to reduce prices.

   Synonyms: excess, remainder, leftover

   Origin: From Middle English surpluss, from Anglo-Norman surplu, from Latin superplus, meaning exceeding what is required.

5. mistake · noun/mɪˈsteɪk/

   an action or judgment that is misguided or wrong

   It was a terrible mistake to ignore the warning signs before making the decision.

   Synonyms: error, blunder, oversight

   Origin: from Old French 'mistake' (mistaker), from 'mist' (to miss) + 'take'