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pitfall

noun/ˈpɪtfɔl/

definition

a hidden or unsuspected danger or difficulty

example

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).

SAT Vocabulary Level 2 — Set 246

Set 246 of SAT Vocabulary Level 2 covers 5 words: pitfall, chameleon, stipend, decoy, annexation. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

  1. 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).

  2. 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')

  3. 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'.

  4. 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.

  5. 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)