One common pitfall in financial investments is not diversifying your portfolio, which can lead to significant losses.
synonyms
traphazardsnag
word origin — The word 'pitfall' originates from the early 17th century, combining 'pit' (meaning a hole in the ground) with 'fall' (indicating a dangerous descent or drop).
pitfall, chameleon, stipend, decoy, annexation: meanings and examples
Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 2 set 246. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.
pitfall · noun/ˈpɪtfɔl/
a hidden or unsuspected danger or difficulty
One common pitfall in financial investments is not diversifying your portfolio, which can lead to significant losses.
Synonyms: trap, hazard, snag
Origin: The word 'pitfall' originates from the early 17th century, combining 'pit' (meaning a hole in the ground) with 'fall' (indicating a dangerous descent or drop).
chameleon · noun/kəˈmiː.li.ɒn/
a small lizard known for its ability to change color to blend in with its surroundings
The chameleon can change its color to blend in with the environment, making it almost invisible to predators.
Synonyms: anole, agamid, lizard
Origin: from Latin 'chamaeleon', from Greek 'chamaileōn' ('chamae' meaning 'on the ground' and 'leōn' meaning 'lion')
stipend · noun/ˈstaɪ.pɛnd/
a fixed regular payment, typically made to cover living expenses or as compensation for work
The university offers a generous stipend to graduate students to help cover their living expenses while they conduct research.
Synonyms: allowance, salary, compensation
Origin: from Latin 'stipendius', meaning 'pertaining to payment or salary'.
decoy · noun/ˈdiː.kɔɪ/
a lure or trap used to attract or deceive wildlife or people
The hunter set up a decoy in the pond to attract the ducks to his blinds.
Synonyms: lure, bait, trap
Origin: The word 'decoy' originates from the Dutch term 'de coey,' meaning 'the cove' or 'the place of the birds,' referring to a duck decoy used for hunting.
annexation · noun/ˌænɛkˈseɪʃən/
the action of annexing something, especially territory
The annexation of Crimea by Russia has sparked international controversy and condemnation.
Synonyms: incorporation, addition, acquisition
Origin: from Latin 'annexare', meaning to attach or join to, composed of 'ad-' (to) + 'nexus' (a joining or binding)