outcry, nemesis, misfortune, lunge, tangent: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 2 set 187. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. outcry · noun/ˈaʊtkraɪ/

   a strong expression of public dissatisfaction or anger

   The proposed policy change sparked a national outcry among citizens who felt their voices were being ignored.

   Synonyms: protest, dissent, uproar

   Origin: Middle English, from 'out' + 'cry', meaning to call out or shout in protest.

2. nemesis · noun/ˈnɛm.ə.sɪs/

   a long-standing rival or enemy

   After years of rivalry, he finally defeated his nemesis in the championship match.

   Synonyms: rival, adversary, foe

   Origin: From Greek 'nemesis', meaning 'to give what is due', personified as the goddess of retribution.

3. misfortune · noun/mɪsˈfɔrʧən/

   an unfortunate condition or event

   Despite his many misfortunes, he remained optimistic and hopeful for the future.

   Synonyms: adversity, hardship, misadventure

   Origin: from Old French 'mesfortune', from 'mes-' (badly) + 'fortune' (fortune, fate)

4. lunge · noun/lʌndʒ/

   a sudden forward movement or thrust typically made with the body or a weapon

   With a quick lunge, the fencer managed to reach his opponent and score a point.

   Synonyms: thrust, dash, surge

   Origin: Late Middle English, from the verb lungen, meaning to leap or dive

5. tangent · noun/ˈtændʒənt/

   a line that touches a curve at a single point without crossing it

   In geometry, a tangent line to a circle shows the exact point where it touches the circumference without crossing it.

   Synonyms: touching line, tangent line, adhering line

   Origin: From Latin 'tangens', present participle of 'tangere', meaning 'to touch'