penalty, dissent, revolution, cognition, cipher: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 1 set 57. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. penalty · noun/ˈpɛn.əl.ti/

   a punishment imposed for breaking a law, rule, or contract

   The athlete faced a stiff penalty for violating the league's drug policy.

   Synonyms: punishment, fine, sanction

   Origin: Middle English, from Old French 'penalite', from Latin 'poena' meaning 'punishment, penalty'

2. dissent · noun/dɪˈsɛnt/

   the expression or holding of opinions that differ from those previously, commonly, or officially expressed

   The public's dissent regarding the new policy was evident during the town hall meeting, as many citizens voiced their concerns.

   Synonyms: disagreement, dissenting opinion, opposition

   Origin: Late Middle English: from Latin 'dissentire', from 'dis-' (from) + 'sentire' (to feel or think)

3. revolution · noun/ˌrɛvəˈluːʃən/

   a significant change in political power or organizational structures that occurs in a relatively short period of time

   The French Revolution marked a drastic change in the social and political landscape of France, leading to the rise of new ideologies.

   Synonyms: upheaval, overthrow, revolt

   Origin: from Latin 'revolutionem', meaning 'a rolling back', from 'revolvere', meaning 'to roll back'

4. cognition · noun/kɑɡˈnɪʃ.ən/

   the mental process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought experience and the senses

   The study of cognition reveals how humans process information and develop understanding from their experiences.

   Synonyms: understanding, perception, awareness

   Origin: from Latin 'cognitio', meaning 'knowledge', derived from 'cognoscere', meaning 'to know'

5. cipher · noun/ˈsaɪfər/

   a method of transforming a message to conceal its meaning

   The ancient manuscript was written in a complex cipher that took scholars years to decode.

   Synonyms: code, cryptogram, ciphered text

   Origin: The word 'cipher' comes from the Arabic 'sifr' meaning 'zero' or 'empty' and was used in medieval Latin as 'cifra' referring to a numerical figure.