homicide, carnivore, iota, garrison, melancholy: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 2 set 241. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. homicide · noun/ˈhɑː.mɪ.saɪd/

   the intentional killing of another person

   The police are investigating a homicide that occurred late last night in the downtown area.

   Synonyms: murder, manslaughter, killing

   Origin: From Latin 'homicidium', from 'homo' (man) + 'caedere' (to kill)

2. carnivore · noun/ˈkɑrnɪˌvɔr/

   an organism that primarily feeds on flesh

   The lion is a top carnivore in the African savannah, preying on herbivores like wildebeests and zebras.

   Synonyms: meat eater, flesh eater, predator

   Origin: from Latin 'carnivorus', from 'carni-' meaning 'flesh' and '-vorus' meaning 'eating'

3. iota · noun/aɪˈoʊtə/

   a very small amount or degree

   Despite his extensive efforts, there wasn't an iota of evidence to support his claims.

   Synonyms: bit, ounce, smidgen

   Origin: Latin iota, from Greek iōta, the name of the letter 'i'

4. garrison · noun/ˈɡɛrɪsən/

   a body of troops stationed in a fortified place

   The garrison was tasked with defending the strategic fortress against enemy attacks.

   Synonyms: fortress, stronghold, military post

   Origin: from Old French 'garisson' meaning 'protection, guard', from 'garir' meaning 'to protect'

5. melancholy · noun/ˈmɛl.ən.kə.li/

   a deep, persistent sadness or gloom

   After the rainy week, a sense of melancholy settled over the town as people stayed indoors, reflecting on their own struggles.

   Synonyms: sadness, gloom, despondency

   Origin: The word 'melancholy' comes from the Greek 'melankholía', which is derived from 'melas' meaning 'black' and 'khole' meaning 'bile', reflecting the ancient belief that an excess of black bile caused sadness.