SAT Vocabulary Level 2 — Set 23

Set 23 of SAT Vocabulary Level 2 covers 5 words: recession, fleck, longing, gamut, lullaby. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. recession · noun/rɪˈsɛʃən/

   a period of temporary economic decline during which trade and industrial activity are reduced

   The country entered a recession, leading to a significant rise in unemployment rates and business closures.

   Synonyms: decline, depression, downturn

   Origin: The word 'recession' originates from the Latin 'recessio', meaning 'a going back', derived from 'recedere', which means 'to go back' or 'withdraw'.

2. fleck · noun/flɛk/

   a small spot or mark

   She noticed a fleck of paint on the floor after finishing the art project.

   Synonyms: speck, blot, spot

   Origin: Middle English flekke, from Old Norse flekka

3. longing · noun/ˈlɔːŋ.ɪŋ/

   a strong feeling of wanting something or someone

   Her longing for a sense of belonging was evident in the way she sought out close friendships.

   Synonyms: yearning, desire, craving

   Origin: The word 'longing' originates from the Middle English 'longen', which is derived from the Old English 'langian', meaning 'to long for, to desire'.

4. gamut · noun/ˈɡæmət/

   the complete range or scope of something

   The artist's new exhibition showcases a gamut of styles, reflecting her diverse artistic influences.

   Synonyms: range, spectrum, scope

   Origin: Originates from the Latin word 'gamut', which derived from the Greek 'gamma', referring to the musical scale.

5. lullaby · noun/ˈlʌl.ə.baɪ/

   a soothing song commonly sung to calm a child or help them fall asleep

   She gently sang a lullaby to her baby, hoping to soothe him to sleep.

   Synonyms: cradle song, serenade, sleep song

   Origin: The word 'lullaby' is derived from the late Middle English 'lullay,' a word used in soothing or lull sounds, combined with 'bye,' a term often used in a comforting context.