SAT Vocabulary Level 2 — Set 112

Set 112 of SAT Vocabulary Level 2 covers 5 words: savory, temperate, pert, petty, permissive. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. savory · adjective/ˈseɪ.vɚ.i/

   having a pleasant taste or smell that is salty or spicy rather than sweet

   The chef prepared a savory stew that was rich with herbs and spices, making it the perfect dish for a cold evening.

   Synonyms: spicy, salty, flavorful

   Origin: from Old French 'savorer', meaning 'to taste, to have flavor'; originated from Latin 'sapor', meaning 'taste, flavor'

2. temperate · adjective/ˈtɛmpərɪt/

   characterized by moderation or self-restraint

   His temperate approach to conflict resolution often helped to de-escalate tense situations.

   Synonyms: moderate, restrained, mild

   Origin: from Latin 'temperatus', past participle of 'temperare', meaning 'to moderate, restrain'

3. pert · adjective/pɜrt/

   lively and cheerful in manner

   The pert young girl danced joyfully at the party, captivating everyone with her energetic spirit.

   Synonyms: lively, spirited, vivacious

   Origin: Middle English 'pert' meaning 'bold or lively', derived from Old French 'pert' and possibly from Latin 'pertinere', meaning 'to pertain'.

4. petty · adjective/ˈpɛti/

   of little importance or significance

   He tends to focus on petty issues instead of addressing the larger problems at hand.

   Synonyms: trivial, insignificant, minor

   Origin: from Middle English 'petit', from Old French 'petit' meaning small, little

5. permissive · adjective/pərˈmɪs.ɪv/

   allowing or characterized by great or excessive freedom of behavior

   Many parents choose to adopt a permissive parenting style, allowing their children a great deal of freedom in making decisions.

   Synonyms: tolerant, lenient, indulgent

   Origin: Middle French 'permissif', from Latin 'permissivus', from 'permittere', meaning 'to allow, let through'