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treatise

noun/ˈtriː.tɪs/

definition

a formal and systematic written discourse on a subject

example

The philosopher published a detailed treatise on ethics, outlining his theories and arguments systematically.

synonyms
discourseessaypaper
word origin — from Middle English 'tretis', from Old French 'traité', from Latin 'tractatus', meaning 'a handling, treatment'

SAT Vocabulary Level 2 — Set 239

Set 239 of SAT Vocabulary Level 2 covers 5 words: treatise, empathy, farce, optician, elixir. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

  1. treatise · noun/ˈtriː.tɪs/

    a formal and systematic written discourse on a subject

    The philosopher published a detailed treatise on ethics, outlining his theories and arguments systematically.

    Synonyms: discourse, essay, paper

    Origin: from Middle English 'tretis', from Old French 'traité', from Latin 'tractatus', meaning 'a handling, treatment'

  2. empathy · noun/ˈɛmpəθi/

    the ability to understand and share the feelings of another

    Her empathy for the struggling students was evident in the way she patiently listened to their concerns.

    Synonyms: compassion, understanding, sympathy

    Origin: The word 'empathy' comes from the Greek word 'empatheia', meaning 'passion' or 'emotion', which is composed of 'em-' meaning 'in' and 'pathos' meaning 'feeling'. The term was first used in English in the early 20th century.

  3. farce · noun/fɑrs/

    a comic dramatic work using buffoonery and absurdity

    The play was a total farce, filled with ridiculous scenarios and slapstick humor that had the audience in stitches.

    Synonyms: mockery, parody, satire

    Origin: from French 'farce', meaning 'to stuff', originally from Latin 'farcire'

  4. optician · noun/ɑpˈtɪʃ.ən/

    a professional who is qualified to make and dispense eyeglasses and contact lenses

    I scheduled an appointment with the optician to get a new prescription for my glasses.

    Synonyms: optometrist, eyewear specialist, vision care professional

    Origin: The word 'optician' originates from the Greek word 'optikos', meaning 'of sight or vision', combined with the suffix '-ian', indicating a profession.

  5. elixir · noun/ɪˈlɪk.sɚ/

    a magical or medicinal potion

    The ancient alchemist claimed to have discovered a powerful elixir of life that could grant immortality.

    Synonyms: potion, remedy, cure

    Origin: from Medieval Latin 'elixir', derived from Greek 'elixīr', meaning 'a mixture' or 'a compound'.