Set 69 · Study 1 / 5

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crisis

noun/ˈkraɪsɪs/

definition

a time of intense difficulty or danger

example

The country faced an economic crisis that led to widespread unemployment and social unrest.

synonyms
emergencydisasterpredicament
word origin — from the Greek 'krisis' meaning 'decision' or 'judgment'

crisis, rant, marsh, badger, autobiography: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 1 set 69. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

  1. crisis · noun/ˈkraɪsɪs/

    a time of intense difficulty or danger

    The country faced an economic crisis that led to widespread unemployment and social unrest.

    Synonyms: emergency, disaster, predicament

    Origin: from the Greek 'krisis' meaning 'decision' or 'judgment'

  2. rant · noun/rænt/

    a loud and passionate speech or piece of writing expressing strong opinions

    His lengthy rant about the government's failures made the audience both laugh and think seriously about the issues at hand.

    Synonyms: diatribe, tirade, harangue

    Origin: The word 'rant' comes from the early 17th century, likely derived from the Dutch word 'ranten', meaning 'to rave or to boast'.

  3. marsh · noun/mɑrʃ/

    a wetland area characterized by soft, low-lying land that is often waterlogged and supports grasses, reeds, and other herbaceous plants

    The wildlife refuge is home to a diverse ecosystem, with various species thriving in the lush marsh environment.

    Synonyms: swamp, bog, fen

    Origin: The word 'marsh' originates from the Old English 'mersc', which is akin to the Middle Dutch 'mersch' and the Old High German 'mersca', meaning 'wetland' or 'bog'.

  4. badger · noun/ˈbædʒ.ɚ/

    a heavily built omnivorous mammal known for its burrowing habits

    The badger dug a deep burrow in the forest, creating a cozy home for its family.

    Synonyms: wolverine, ferret

    Origin: Middle English 'badge' derived from the Old French 'bache', and ultimately from the Latin 'baca', meaning 'berry'.

  5. autobiography · noun/ˌɔtəˈbaɪɡrəfi/

    the story of a person's life written by that person

    In her autobiography, she candidly shared the challenges and triumphs of her early life.

    Synonyms: self-biography, life story, memoir

    Origin: The word 'autobiography' comes from the Greek words 'auto-' meaning 'self', 'bio-' meaning 'life', and 'graphy' meaning 'writing'.