Solving the conundrum of how to balance work and personal life can be quite challenging.
synonyms
puzzleenigmadilemma
word origin — The word 'conundrum' is believed to have originated in the late 16th century, possibly from an invented term or from Latin 'conundrō', meaning 'to puzzle.'
SAT Vocabulary Level 2 — Set 147
Set 147 of SAT Vocabulary Level 2 covers 5 words: conundrum, discernment, sprawl, hesitation, pall. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.
conundrum · noun/kəˈnʌndrəm/
a confusing and difficult problem or question
Solving the conundrum of how to balance work and personal life can be quite challenging.
Synonyms: puzzle, enigma, dilemma
Origin: The word 'conundrum' is believed to have originated in the late 16th century, possibly from an invented term or from Latin 'conundrō', meaning 'to puzzle.'
discernment · noun/dɪˈsɜrn.mənt/
the ability to judge well
Her discernment in choosing the right candidates for the job impressed everyone in the hiring committee.
Synonyms: judgment, perception, insight
Origin: From Middle English 'discernement', from Old French 'discernement', from 'discernere' in Latin, meaning 'to separate, distinguish'.
sprawl · noun/sprɔl/
the spread of a city or urban area into surrounding regions
The rapid urban sprawl has led to increased traffic congestion and a loss of green spaces in the city.
Synonyms: expansion, spread, extension
Origin: The word 'sprawl' originates from Middle English 'spralen', meaning to 'spread out' or 'to stretch out', which is connected to the Old English 'sprǣlan', meaning 'to spread'.
hesitation · noun/ˌhɛzɪˈteɪʃən/
the act of pausing or delaying in uncertainty or indecision
Her hesitation to accept the job offer made her reconsider her priorities and future plans.
Synonyms: uncertainty, indecision, pause
Origin: from Latin 'haesitatio', which comes from 'haesitare', meaning 'to hesitate, to stick fast'.
pall · noun/pæl/
a dark cloud or covering of smoke, dust, or similar matter
A pall of smoke hung in the air after the fire, obscuring the view of the buildings nearby.
Synonyms: veil, shroud, blanket
Origin: from Old English 'pælle', meaning a covering or cloak, related to Latin 'pallium' meaning a cloak.