SAT Vocabulary Level 1 — Set 304

Set 304 of SAT Vocabulary Level 1 covers 5 words: interval, chaos, concrete, sphere, custody. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. interval · noun/ˈɪntərvəl/

   a space or period between two things or points

   She took a short interval between meetings to grab a coffee.

   Synonyms: gap, space, period

   Origin: Middle English, from Latin 'intervallum', from 'inter' meaning 'between' and 'vallum' meaning 'a wall or a rampart'.

2. chaos · noun/ˈkeɪ.ɑːs/

   a state of complete disorder and confusion

   After the unexpected storm hit the city, there was complete chaos in the streets as people scrambled for safety.

   Synonyms: confusion, disorder, turmoil

   Origin: The word 'chaos' comes from the Greek 'chaos', meaning 'emptiness, abyss'. It was used in ancient Greek mythology to describe the primordial state of existence before the creation of the universe.

3. concrete · adjective/kənˈkrit/

   related to or denoting physical existence or material reality

   The architect presented a concrete plan for the new community center, detailing every aspect of its construction.

   Synonyms: tangible, physical, solid

   Origin: from Latin 'concretus', meaning 'grown together', from 'com-' (together) and 'crescere' (to grow)

4. sphere · noun/sfɪr/

   a perfectly round three-dimensional object where every point on the surface is equidistant from the center

   The children played with a large sphere during their outdoor activities, fascinated by its perfect round shape.

   Synonyms: globe, ball, orb

   Origin: from Middle English 'sphera', from Latin 'sphaera', from Greek 'sphaira' meaning 'globe, ball'.

5. custody · noun/ˈkʌstədi/

   the protective care or guardianship of someone or something

   The child's welfare was the top priority, so they decided to grant joint custody to both parents.

   Synonyms: guardianship, care, control

   Origin: from Middle English custodie, from Latin custodiam, which means 'a guard' or 'protection'