dignitary, howl, chasm, stigma, bromide: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 2 set 269. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. dignitary · noun/ˈdɪɡ.nəˌtɛr.i/

   a person considered to be important or influential due to their high rank or status

   The event was attended by several foreign dignitaries who came to strengthen diplomatic ties.

   Synonyms: official, dignified, notable

   Origin: from Middle French 'dignitaire' or Latin 'dignitatis', meaning 'worthiness'

2. howl · noun/haʊl/

   a long, loud sound made by a wolf or dog

   The eerie howl of the wolf echoed through the night as the moon rose high in the sky.

   Synonyms: wail, ululation, cry

   Origin: Middle English 'houl', from Old English 'hūlian', of unknown origin.

3. chasm · noun/ˈkæz.əm/

   a deep fissure in the earth's surface or a wide gap or divide between people or ideas

   The explorers carefully approached the edge of the chasm, where the deep fissure in the earth's surface seemed to stretch endlessly.

   Synonyms: abyss, gap, divide

   Origin: The word 'chasm' comes from the Greek 'khasma', meaning 'yawning' or 'gap'.

4. stigma · noun/ˈstɪɡ.mə/

   a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance quality or person

   Many mental health sufferers face a significant stigma that prevents them from seeking help.

   Synonyms: shame, disgrace, tarnish

   Origin: from Latin 'stigma', meaning 'a mark' or 'stigma', derived from Greek 'stīgma', which means 'a mark made by a pointed instrument'

5. bromide · noun/ˈbroʊ.maɪd/

   a trite or unoriginal idea or remark

   The speaker's presentation was filled with tired bromides about success and hard work that failed to inspire the audience.

   Synonyms: platitude, cliché, banality

   Origin: The word 'bromide' originally referred to a chemical compound (a bromine salt) and was later used in a metaphorical sense to describe something that has a calming effect but is ultimately unoriginal or trite, particularly in conversation.