overture, labyrinth, retraction, auspice, fulcrum: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 2 set 140. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. overture · noun/ˈoʊvərtʃər/

   a preliminary proposal or introduction to something

   The company made an overture for a partnership with the local business to enhance community relations.

   Synonyms: proposal, introduction, initiative

   Origin: from Middle French 'ouverture', meaning 'opening', from Latin 'apertūra', meaning 'an opening'

2. labyrinth · noun/ˈlæb.ə.rɪnθ/

   a complicated network of winding passages or paths

   The ancient ruins were like a labyrinth of narrow passages that confused even the most experienced explorers.

   Synonyms: maze, complex, network

   Origin: The word 'labyrinth' originates from the Greek 'laburinthos', which referred to an elaborate structure or maze.

3. retraction · noun/rɪˈtrækʃən/

   the action of taking back or withdrawing something that has been stated or published

   After the investigation revealed inaccuracies, the company issued a public retraction of their previous claims about the product's effectiveness.

   Synonyms: withdrawal, recantation, disavowal

   Origin: from Latin 'retractio', which comes from 'retractus', past participle of 'retrahere', meaning 'to draw back'.

4. auspice · noun/ˈɔs.pɪs/

   a favorable sign or omen

   The project commenced under the auspices of a renowned organization, which many interpreted as a positive omen for its success.

   Synonyms: omen, indication, sign

   Origin: from Latin 'auspicium', meaning 'divination' or 'omen'

5. fulcrum · noun/ˈfʌl.krəm/

   the point against which a lever pivots

   The engineer placed the fulcrum at the center of the beam to maximize the lever's effectiveness.

   Synonyms: pivot, support, axis

   Origin: From Latin 'fulcrum', meaning 'bedpost, support, prop'