SAT Vocabulary Level 2 — Set 232

Set 232 of SAT Vocabulary Level 2 covers 5 words: credo, apportionment, helm, conservatism, idiom. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. credo · noun/ˈkriː.doʊ/

   a set of beliefs or principles guiding someone's actions

   The organization operates under a strict credo of integrity and transparency in all its dealings.

   Synonyms: creed, doctrine, belief

   Origin: From Latin 'credo', meaning 'I believe'.

2. apportionment · noun/əˈpɔrʃənmənt/

   the distribution or allocation of something among multiple parties

   The apportionment of tax revenues among different state departments is a crucial aspect of budget planning.

   Synonyms: distribution, allocation, division

   Origin: Middle English apportionement, from Old French apportionement, from apportioner, to allocate.

3. helm · noun/hɛlm/

   the steering apparatus of a ship or boat

   The captain took his place at the helm to navigate through the stormy seas.

   Synonyms: steering wheel, pilot house, steering apparatus

   Origin: Old English 'helma', which means 'rudder' or 'a steering apparatus'.

4. conservatism · noun/kənˈsɜrvəˌtɪzəm/

   a political and social philosophy promoting traditional institutions and values

   The rise of conservatism in recent years has sparked debates about the role of tradition in modern society.

   Synonyms: traditionalism, rightism, reactionism

   Origin: The word conservatism derives from the Latin 'conservare', meaning 'to preserve'.

5. idiom · noun/ˈɪd.i.əm/

   a phrase or expression whose meaning is not predictable from the usual meanings of its constituent elements

   Understanding an idiom can be challenging, especially if it is not commonly used in your native language.

   Synonyms: expression, phrase, locution

   Origin: From Latin 'idioma', from Greek 'idiōma' meaning 'private quality' or 'peculiar phrase'