SAT Vocabulary Level 2 — Set 212

Set 212 of SAT Vocabulary Level 2 covers 5 words: impunity, medley, veto, discontinuity, clout. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. impunity · noun/ɪmˈpjunɪti/

   exemption from punishment or freedom from the injurious consequences of an action

   The corrupt officials operated with impunity, knowing that they would face no consequences for their actions.

   Synonyms: exemption, immunity, absolution

   Origin: Late Middle English, from Latin 'impunitas', from 'impunis' meaning 'unpunished' (in- 'not' + 'poena' 'punishment')

2. medley · noun/ˈmɛdli/

   a mixture of different things

   The concert featured a lively medley of classic rock hits that got everyone dancing.

   Synonyms: mixture, assortment, blend

   Origin: Middle English 'medle', from Old French 'medler', from Latin 'miscēre' meaning 'to mix'

3. veto · noun/ˈviːtoʊ/

   the right to reject or prohibit a decision or proposal

   The president exercised his veto on the proposed budget, refusing to approve its spending measures.

   Synonyms: reject, prohibition, denial

   Origin: from Latin 'veto', meaning 'I forbid'

4. discontinuity · noun/ˌdɪskənˈtjunəti/

   a lack of continuity or cohesion in a sequence or process

   The teacher noticed a discontinuity in the student's understanding of the subject, indicating that some foundational concepts were missing.

   Synonyms: break, interruption, gap

   Origin: from Latin 'discontinuus' meaning 'not continuous', from 'dis-' (apart) + 'continuus' (continuous)

5. clout · noun/klaʊt/

   influence or power, especially in politics or business

   Her deep connections in the industry give her significant clout in decision-making processes.

   Synonyms: influence, power, sway

   Origin: The word 'clout' comes from Middle English 'cloute,' meaning 'a cloth' or 'a piece of cloth, often used in a slang sense to mean influence or power. It is believed to have evolved from the Old Norse word 'klut' meaning 'a piece of cloth.'