exemption from punishment or freedom from the injurious consequences of an action
example
The corrupt officials operated with impunity, knowing that they would face no consequences for their actions.
synonyms
exemptionimmunityabsolution
word origin — Late Middle English, from Latin 'impunitas', from 'impunis' meaning 'unpunished' (in- 'not' + 'poena' 'punishment')
impunity, medley, veto, discontinuity, clout: meanings and examples
Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 2 set 212. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.
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')
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'
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'
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)
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.'