SAT Vocabulary Level 2 — Set 284

Set 284 of SAT Vocabulary Level 2 covers 5 words: livelihood, phobia, vogue, skeptic, tact. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. livelihood · noun/ˈlaɪv.lɪ.hʊd/

   the means by which someone makes a living

   Many families depend on agriculture as their primary livelihood.

   Synonyms: income, sustenance, means

   Origin: Middle English, from 'livelode,' meaning a means of living, from 'live' + 'lode' meaning 'course' or 'way'

2. phobia · noun/foʊˈbiː.ə/

   an extreme or irrational fear of or aversion to something

   Her phobia of spiders made it impossible for her to enter the garden without feeling anxious.

   Synonyms: fear, aversion, dread

   Origin: from the Greek word 'phobia', meaning 'fear' or 'aversion'

3. vogue · noun/voʊɡ/

   the prevailing fashion or trend in a particular time or context

   In the 1980s, oversized clothing was in vogue, with many fashion icons embracing the trend.

   Synonyms: fashion, trend, style

   Origin: The word 'vogue' comes from the French word 'vogue,' meaning 'a way, a course' or 'to sail,' originating from the Latin word 'vocare,' meaning 'to call.'

4. skeptic · noun/ˈskɛptɪk/

   a person who questions or doubts accepted opinions

   As a lifelong skeptic, she always questioned the effectiveness of new treatments before accepting them.

   Synonyms: doubter, questioner, agnostic

   Origin: from Greek 'skeptikos' meaning 'inquiring, reflective'

5. tact · noun/tækt/

   sensitivity in dealing with others or with difficult issues

   She handled the delicate situation with great tact, ensuring everyone's feelings were considered.

   Synonyms: diplomacy, sensitivity, discretion

   Origin: from Latin 'tactus', meaning 'touch'