epidemic, debut, implication, ridge, disclosure: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 1 set 44. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. epidemic · noun/ˌɛp.ɪˈdɛm.ɪk/

   a widespread occurrence of an infectious disease in a community at a particular time

   The health department declared an epidemic after the sudden rise in flu cases within the community.

   Synonyms: outbreak, pandemic, contagion

   Origin: From the Greek 'epidemikos', meaning 'among the people'

2. debut · noun/deɪˈbju/

   the first appearance or performance of someone or something

   The young actress received critical acclaim for her stunning debut in the new theater production.

   Synonyms: debutante, introduction, premiere

   Origin: French "début", from Latin "debutare" meaning 'to lead off' or 'to begin'

3. implication · noun/ˌɪmplɪˈkeɪʃən/

   a conclusion that can be drawn from something although it is not explicitly stated

   The implication of her resignation was that she was unhappy with the company's direction.

   Synonyms: inference, suggestion, hint

   Origin: from Latin 'implicatio', from 'implicare' meaning to fold in, to involve

4. ridge · noun/rɪdʒ/

   a long narrow elevated landform or a raised strip on a surface

   The hikers followed the narrow ridge that offered stunning views of the valley below.

   Synonyms: hill, embankment, bank

   Origin: Middle English, from Old English 'hrycg' meaning 'back, ridge'

5. disclosure · noun/dɪsˈkloʊʒər/

   the action of making new or secret information known

   The company's disclosure of financial information was met with mixed reactions from investors.

   Synonyms: revelation, announcement

   Origin: from Middle English 'disclosure', derived from Old French 'desclore', which combines 'des-' (apart) and 'clore' (to close), essentially meaning 'to unclose or unveil'.