SAT Vocabulary Level 2 — Set 265

Set 265 of SAT Vocabulary Level 2 covers 5 words: trough, reluctance, patronage, aversion, bough. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. trough · noun/trɔf/

   a long, narrow container for animals to drink from or for carrying water

   The farmer filled the trough with fresh water for the horses to drink from during the hot afternoon.

   Synonyms: trough, basin, container

   Origin: Middle English 'troghe', from Old English 'troga'; possibly related to Old Norse 'trogg' meaning 'trough', 'gutter'.

2. reluctance · noun/rɪˈlʌk.təns/

   unwillingness or hesitation to do something

   Her reluctance to speak in public was evident during the presentation.

   Synonyms: hesitation, unwillingness, aversion

   Origin: from Latin 'reluctantia', from 'reluctari' meaning 'to struggle against'

3. patronage · noun/ˈpeɪ.trə.nɪdʒ/

   support or financial aid given to an individual or organization

   The artist was grateful for the financial patronage from the local art gallery, which allowed them to create new works.

   Synonyms: sponsorship, support, backing

   Origin: Derived from the Latin word 'patronus', meaning 'protector' or 'patron', combined with the suffix '-age', which denotes a relationship or condition.

4. aversion · noun/əˈvɜr.ʒən/

   a strong feeling of dislike or disinclination

   Her aversion to spicy food makes dining out a challenge for her friends.

   Synonyms: dislike, distaste, hatred

   Origin: from Latin 'aversio', which comes from 'aversus', the past participle of 'avertere', meaning 'to turn away'.

5. bough · noun/baʊ/

   a main branch of a tree

   The children climbed up the sturdy bough to get a better view of the garden below.

   Synonyms: branch, limb, arm

   Origin: From Middle English 'bough', from Old English 'bōg', related to Old Norse 'bóg', meaning an arm or a branch.