din, charity, negligence, acme, brochure: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 1 set 31. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. din · noun/dɪn/

   a loud, unpleasant noise

   The din of traffic outside my window made it impossible to concentrate on my work.

   Synonyms: clamor, racket, uproar

   Origin: Middle English 'dinne', probably from Old English 'dyn' meaning noise or sound

2. charity · noun/ˈtʃer.ɪ.ti/

   the voluntary giving of help, typically in the form of money, to those in need

   The charity organized a fundraiser to provide support for families affected by the recent disaster.

   Synonyms: philanthropy, benevolence, aid

   Origin: From Old French 'charité', from Latin 'caritas', originally meaning 'dear', 'beloved', 'high price', and by extension 'love' or 'charity'.

3. negligence · noun/ˈnɛɡ.lɪ.dʒəns/

   failure to take proper care in doing something which causes harm or injury to another

   The doctor's negligence in monitoring the patient's condition led to serious complications.

   Synonyms: carelessness, disregard, inattention

   Origin: from Latin 'negligentia', meaning 'neglect', derived from 'neglegere' which means 'to neglect'

4. acme · noun/ˈakmi/

   the highest point or peak of something

   The artist achieved the acme of her career when her painting was displayed in the Louvre.

   Synonyms: peak, summit, apex

   Origin: from Greek 'akmē', meaning 'point, edge, peak'

5. brochure · noun/broʊˈʃʊr/

   a small booklet or pamphlet that provides information about a product or service

   I picked up a colorful brochure at the hotel reception that highlighted all the local attractions.

   Synonyms: booklet, pamphlet, leaflet

   Origin: from French 'brochure' meaning 'a small book or pamphlet', derived from 'brochier' meaning 'to bind (a book)'.