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texture

noun/ˈtɛks.tʃɚ/

definition

the feel or appearance of a surface or substance

example

The artist chose a canvas with a rough texture to give his painting more depth.

synonyms
surfacequalityfeel
word origin — from Middle French 'texture', from Latin 'textura' meaning 'a weaving, arrangement'.

SAT Vocabulary Level 1 — Set 4

Set 4 of SAT Vocabulary Level 1 covers 5 words: texture, foil, acclaim, paradigm, conservative. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

  1. texture · noun/ˈtɛks.tʃɚ/

    the feel or appearance of a surface or substance

    The artist chose a canvas with a rough texture to give his painting more depth.

    Synonyms: surface, quality, feel

    Origin: from Middle French 'texture', from Latin 'textura' meaning 'a weaving, arrangement'.

  2. foil · noun/fɔɪl/

    a person or thing that contrasts with and highlights the qualities of another

    In the novel, the cunning villain serves as a foil to the heroic protagonist, emphasizing the hero's noble qualities.

    Synonyms: contrast, complement, counterpoint

    Origin: Middle English: from Old French 'foille' meaning 'leaf', based on Latin 'folium'

  3. acclaim · noun/əˈkleɪm/

    enthusiastic and public praise

    The artist received widespread acclaim for her latest exhibition, which captivated audiences across the nation.

    Synonyms: approval, praise, acclaim

    Origin: Middle English, from Latin 'acclamatio(n-)', from 'acclamare' meaning 'to shout at or to cry out'.

  4. paradigm · noun/ˈpær.ə.daɪm/

    a typical example or pattern of something a model

    The scientific community is exploring a new paradigm in renewable energy that could change our approach to sustainability.

    Synonyms: model, pattern, example

    Origin: From the Greek 'paradeigma', meaning 'pattern, example', from 'paradeiknunai' meaning 'to show alongside'

  5. conservative · adjective/kənˈsɜr.və.tɪv/

    favoring traditional views and values and tending to oppose change

    His conservative beliefs often lead him to resist progressive changes in society.

    Synonyms: traditional, conventional, cautious

    Origin: The word 'conservative' comes from the Latin 'conservare', meaning 'to preserve'. It was first used in English in the early 19th century to describe political views that favor maintaining traditional institutions.