ethos, panacea, aberration, injunction, vengeance: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 2 set 252. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. ethos · noun/ˈiːθɑs/

   the characteristic spirit or ideals of a community, culture, or era

   The ethos of the community is centered around inclusivity and support for one another.

   Synonyms: spirit, character, values

   Origin: from the Greek 'ēthos' meaning 'character, custom, habit'

2. panacea · noun/ˌpænəˈsiə/

   a solution or remedy for all difficulties or diseases

   Many believe that a universal basic income could be a panacea for economic inequality, providing a solution to financial struggles for all.

   Synonyms: universal remedy, cure-all, elixir

   Origin: From Latin 'panacea', from Greek 'panakeia', meaning 'all healing' (from 'pan-' meaning 'all' and 'akos' meaning 'remedy')

3. aberration · noun/ˌæbəˈreɪʃən/

   a departure from what is normal or expected

   The sudden drop in temperature was an aberration from the typical weather patterns for this time of year.

   Synonyms: anomaly, deviation, irregularity

   Origin: from Latin 'aberratio', from 'aberrare' meaning 'to stray away'

4. injunction · noun/ɪn'dʒʌŋkʃən/

   a judicial order prohibiting a party from doing a particular act

   The court issued a temporary injunction to prevent the company from launching the new product until the legal dispute was resolved.

   Synonyms: prohibition, order, mandate

   Origin: from Latin 'injunctio', meaning 'a joining, a command', from 'injungere' meaning 'to join, to impose'

5. vengeance · noun/ˈvɛn.dʒəns/

   the act of inflicting harm in return for an injury or wrong received

   After years of betrayal, she felt a deep thirst for vengeance against those who had wronged her.

   Synonyms: revenge, retribution, retaliation

   Origin: from Old French 'vengeance', from Latin 'vindicta' meaning 'vengeance, revenge'