the act of acquiring gain or advantage, especially through dishonest or unethical means
example
The politician's career was marred by allegations of graft, as he was accused of accepting bribes in exchange for favorable legislation.
synonyms
corruptionbriberydishonesty
word origin — The word 'graft' originates from Middle English 'graften,' which means to 'insert or implant,' and is derived from Old English 'graftan,' meaning 'to dig' or 'to carve.' The specific connotation of acquiring gain dishonestly emerged in the early 20th century.
SAT Vocabulary Level 2 — Set 315
Set 315 of SAT Vocabulary Level 2 covers 5 words: graft, tenet, gentry, paragon, grassroots. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.
graft · noun/ɡræft/
the act of acquiring gain or advantage, especially through dishonest or unethical means
The politician's career was marred by allegations of graft, as he was accused of accepting bribes in exchange for favorable legislation.
Synonyms: corruption, bribery, dishonesty
Origin: The word 'graft' originates from Middle English 'graften,' which means to 'insert or implant,' and is derived from Old English 'graftan,' meaning 'to dig' or 'to carve.' The specific connotation of acquiring gain dishonestly emerged in the early 20th century.
tenet · noun/ˈtɛn.ɪt/
a principle or belief, especially one of the main principles of a religion or philosophy
One fundamental tenet of Buddhism is the principle of non-attachment, which encourages individuals to let go of material desires.
Synonyms: principle, belief, doctrine
Origin: Latin 'tenet', meaning 'he/she/it holds'
gentry · noun/ˈdʒɛn.tri/
the class of people next below the nobility in social rank
At the annual county fair, members of the local gentry showcased their prized livestock, demonstrating their status in the community.
Synonyms: aristocracy, nobility, upper class
Origin: from Middle English 'gentry', from Old French 'gentil', meaning 'noble, high-born', from Latin 'gentilis', meaning 'of the same family or clan'.
paragon · noun/ˈpɛrəˌɡɑn/
a model of excellence or perfection
Her dedication to her work makes her a paragon of professionalism in the industry.
Synonyms: ideal, epitome, model
Origin: The word 'paragon' originates from the Middle French 'paragon', which comes from the Italian 'paragone', meaning 'touchstone' or 'sharp edge', derived from the Latin 'paragonem'.
grassroots · noun/ˈɡræst.ruːts/
the most basic level of an organization or movement consisting of ordinary people
The grassroots movement gained momentum as everyday citizens rallied together to demand change from their local government.
Synonyms: base, foundation, community
Origin: The term 'grassroots' originated in the early 20th century, combining 'grass', referring to the earth or ground, and 'roots', signifying the fundamental level of an organization, indicating support from the local or basic levels of society.