SAT Vocabulary Level 2 — Set 24

Set 24 of SAT Vocabulary Level 2 covers 5 words: disillusion, rift, twig, fluency, facade. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. disillusion · noun/ˌdɪs.ɪˈluː.ʒən/

   the loss of naive beliefs or ideals

   Her disillusion with politics grew after witnessing the corruption within the system.

   Synonyms: disenchantment, disappointment, letdown

   Origin: The word 'disillusion' comes from the prefix 'dis-' meaning 'removal or reversal' and 'illusion' from the Latin 'illūsiō' meaning 'deception, misleading.'

2. rift · noun/rɪft/

   a narrow opening or gap often caused by a split or break

   The earthquake created a large rift in the ground that seemed to stretch for miles.

   Synonyms: crack, gap, splits

   Origin: The word 'rift' originates from the Old Norse word 'r skip', which means 'to split or tear'.

3. twig · noun/twɪɡ/

   a small, thin branch or division of a branch

   The children carefully picked up a twig from the ground to help build their fort.

   Synonyms: branch, stick, sprig

   Origin: Middle English twigg, from Old Norse twigga; akin to Old English twigga, meaning 'twig, branch'.

4. fluency · noun/ˈfluənsi/

   the ability to express oneself easily and articulately

   Her fluency in multiple languages is impressive and makes her an asset in international negotiations.

   Synonyms: proficiency, eloquence, fluency

   Origin: from Latin 'fluens', meaning 'flowing', from 'fluere' meaning 'to flow'

5. facade · noun/fəˈsæd/

   a deceptive outward appearance or an illusion of something

   Despite his cheerful facade, he was struggling with deep feelings of sadness and isolation.

   Synonyms: front, guise, illusion

   Origin: from French 'façade', meaning 'front' or 'face', which comes from the Latin 'facies' meaning 'face'.