ridicule, phylum, tycoon, inconsistency, dissonance: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 2 set 205. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. ridicule · noun/ˈrɪdɪkjuːl/

   the act of mocking or making fun of someone or something

   The comedian faced harsh ridicule from the audience after his poorly received joke.

   Synonyms: mockery, derision, scorn

   Origin: from Latin 'ridiculum' meaning 'a thing to be laughed at'; from 'ridere', meaning 'to laugh'

2. phylum · noun/ˈfaɪləm/

   a primary category in biological classification that ranks above class and below kingdom

   The animal kingdom is divided into various phyla, each representing a distinct group of organisms with shared characteristics.

   Synonyms: division, taxon

   Origin: from Modern Latin phylum, from Greek phylon meaning 'race' or 'class'

3. tycoon · noun/taɪˈkun/

   a wealthy and powerful business person

   The tech tycoon announced a new initiative to invest in renewable energy startups.

   Synonyms: magnate, capitalist, mogul

   Origin: Japanese 'taikun' meaning 'great lord' or 'shogun'

4. inconsistency · noun/ˌɪnkənˈsɪstənsɪ/

   lack of harmony or agreement among parts or elements

   The inconsistency between his statements and actions raised doubts about his honesty.

   Synonyms: discrepancy, contradiction

   Origin: The word 'inconsistency' originates from the Latin 'inconsistentia', which combines 'in-' meaning 'not' and 'consistentia' meaning 'consistency'.

5. dissonance · noun/ˈdɪsənəns/

   a lack of harmony or agreement between elements

   The dissonance between her words and actions caused her friends to doubt her sincerity.

   Synonyms: discord, conflict, disagreement

   Origin: Middle English, from Latin 'dissonantia', from 'dissonare' meaning 'to disagree'.