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abstinence

noun/ˈæb.stə.nəns/

the practice of refraining from indulging in something, typically alcohol or sexual activity

Many individuals choose abstinence from alcohol during the month of January to support their health goals.

self-denialrefrainingtemperance
word origin — From Latin 'abstinentia', from 'abstinere' meaning 'to hold back'.

SAT Vocabulary Level 2 — Set 106

Set 106 of SAT Vocabulary Level 2 covers 5 words: abstinence, embargo, cask, azure, acuity. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

  1. abstinence · noun/ˈæb.stə.nəns/

    the practice of refraining from indulging in something, typically alcohol or sexual activity

    Many individuals choose abstinence from alcohol during the month of January to support their health goals.

    Synonyms: self-denial, refraining, temperance

    Origin: From Latin 'abstinentia', from 'abstinere' meaning 'to hold back'.

  2. embargo · noun/ɛmˈbɑrɡoʊ/

    a government order that restricts trade with a specific country or the exchange of specific goods

    The government imposed an embargo on all military supplies to the country in an effort to curb its aggressive actions.

    Synonyms: ban, restriction, blockade

    Origin: The word 'embargo' comes from the Spanish word 'embargar', which means 'to seize' or 'to interrupt', traced back to the late 16th century.

  3. cask · noun/kæsk/

    a sturdy container usually made of wood used for storing liquids

    The winemaker carefully stored the vintage wine in a large oak cask to enhance its flavor over time.

    Synonyms: barrel, keg, vat

    Origin: Middle English 'caske', from Old French 'casque', from Latin 'cascā' (meaning container).

  4. azure · noun/ˈæʒ.ər/

    a bright blue color typically associated with the sky

    The artist chose an azure for the sky in her painting, capturing its beauty at dawn.

    Synonyms: blue, sky-blue, cerulean

    Origin: The word 'azure' comes from Old French 'azur', from Latin 'caeruleus', meaning 'blue'.

  5. acuity · noun/əˈkjuː.ɪ.ti/

    sharpness or keenness of thought, vision, or hearing

    Her visual acuity allowed her to spot the tiniest of details in the artwork, making her an exceptional critic.

    Synonyms: sharpness, keenness, perceptiveness

    Origin: from Latin 'acuitas', meaning 'sharpness' or 'keenness', from 'acutus' meaning 'sharp, pointed'