affix, zenith, amalgamation, innovator, combatant: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 2 set 159. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. affix · noun/ˈæfɪks/

   a morpheme that is attached to a word to modify its meaning or create a new word

   In English, the suffix 'ly' is an affix that transforms adjectives into adverbs, such as 'quick' into 'quickly'.

   Synonyms: attachment, modifier, addition

   Origin: from Latin 'affixus', past participle of 'affigere', meaning 'to fasten to'

2. zenith · noun/ˈziːnəθ/

   the highest point reached by a celestial or other object

   The stars were at their zenith, creating a breathtaking display in the night sky.

   Synonyms: peak, summit, apex

   Origin: Derived from Middle English 'cenith', from Old French 'cenith', from Arabic 'samt' meaning 'path' or 'way'

3. amalgamation · noun/əˌmælɡəˈmeɪʃən/

   the process of combining or uniting two or more entities into one

   The amalgamation of the two companies resulted in a stronger market presence and increased resources for innovation.

   Synonyms: merger, fusion, combination

   Origin: Late Latin amalgamatio, from amalgalmare, meaning to knead together.

4. innovator · noun/ˈɪnəˌveɪtər/

   a person who introduces new ideas, products, or methods

   As a leading innovator in the tech industry, she has introduced several groundbreaking products that have changed the way we communicate.

   Synonyms: pioneer, trailblazer, creator

   Origin: The word 'innovator' originates from the Latin 'innovare', which means 'to renew or change'.

5. combatant · noun/ˈkɑːmˌbætənt/

   a person who engages in combat or warfare

   The combatant trained rigorously for months before being deployed to the front lines.

   Synonyms: fighter, warrior, adversary

   Origin: Originating from the Latin word 'combatantem', the present participle of 'combare' which means 'to fight'.