endeavor, distinction, crusade, surge, eon: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 1 set 81. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. endeavor · noun/ɪnˈdɛv.ɚ/

   a serious attempt or effort to achieve something

   His endeavor to improve his public speaking skills significantly boosted his confidence during presentations.

   Synonyms: attempt, effort, undertaking

   Origin: From Middle English 'endevoren', from Old French 'endevourer', from Latin 'indevorare', meaning 'to put oneself into' or 'to make an effort'.

2. distinction · noun/dɪsˈtɪŋkʃən/

   a difference or contrast between similar things

   The distinction between classical and contemporary art styles is often blurred, making it difficult for critics to categorize them.

   Synonyms: difference, contrast, differentiation

   Origin: Middle English: from Old French distinction, from Latin distinctio(n-), from distinguere 'to distinguish'

3. crusade · noun/kruˈseɪd/

   a vigorous campaign for a cause

   The organization launched a crusade for environmental protection to raise awareness about climate change.

   Synonyms: campaign, movement, campaign

   Origin: from Old French 'crusade', from 'croisade', from 'croix' meaning 'cross', relating to the medieval military expeditions undertaken by Christians to recover the Holy Land.

4. surge · noun/sɝdʒ/

   a sudden powerful forward or upward movement

   The sudden surge in demand for electric cars caught many manufacturers off guard.

   Synonyms: swell, rise, rush

   Origin: from Middle English 'surgen', from Old French 'surgir', from Latin 'surgere' meaning 'to rise'.

5. eon · noun/ˈiːən/

   a long period of time that is often considered as part of the geological time scale

   The dinosaurs ruled the Earth for nearly an eon before their sudden extinction.

   Synonyms: era, age, epoch

   Origin: from Greek 'aiōn', meaning 'age' or 'lifetime'