SAT Vocabulary Level 1 — Set 34

Set 34 of SAT Vocabulary Level 1 covers 5 words: crypt, colleague, coincidence, constraint, clarification. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. crypt · noun/krɪpt/

   a vault or chamber for burial or storage of crypts

   The ancient cathedral featured an elaborate crypt, filled with elaborate tombs of nobles and saints.

   Synonyms: vault, tomb, catacomb

   Origin: from Latin 'crypta', meaning 'hidden, covered'.

2. colleague · noun/ˈkɔːliːɡ/

   a person with whom one works in a profession or business

   My colleague and I collaborated on the project to ensure we met the deadline.

   Synonyms: co-worker, associate, companion

   Origin: Late Middle English, from the Latin 'collega', meaning 'partner' or 'associate', derived from 'col-' (together) and 'legare' (to choose or to assign).

3. coincidence · noun/koʊˈɪn.sɪ.dəns/

   a remarkable occurrence of events or circumstances without apparent causal connection

   It was a strange coincidence that we both chose the same restaurant without knowing the other would be there.

   Synonyms: chance, coincidence, happenstance

   Origin: The word 'coincidence' comes from the Latin 'coincidere', which means 'to fall together'.

4. constraint · noun/kənˈstreɪnt/

   a limitation or restriction on something

   The project was delayed due to time constraints that limited our ability to complete the work on schedule.

   Synonyms: limitation, restriction, constraint

   Origin: Middle English, from Old French 'constrainte', from Latin 'constrainere', meaning 'to bind together'

5. clarification · noun/ˌklær.ɪ.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/

   the act of making something clear or easier to understand

   The teacher provided additional clarification on the homework assignments to ensure all students understood the requirements.

   Synonyms: explanation, elucidation, clarification

   Origin: from Latin 'clarificare', meaning 'to make clear', from 'clarus' meaning 'clear' + 'facere' meaning 'to make'