Set 329 · Study 1 / 5

Exit

onus

noun/ˈoʊ.nəs/

a burden or duty that is one's responsibility

The onus is on the teacher to ensure that all students understand the material being presented.

burdendutyresponsibility
word origin — from Latin 'onus', meaning 'burden' or 'load'

SAT Vocabulary Level 2 — Set 329

Set 329 of SAT Vocabulary Level 2 covers 5 words: onus, amalgam, nostalgia, recourse, montage. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

  1. onus · noun/ˈoʊ.nəs/

    a burden or duty that is one's responsibility

    The onus is on the teacher to ensure that all students understand the material being presented.

    Synonyms: burden, duty, responsibility

    Origin: from Latin 'onus', meaning 'burden' or 'load'

  2. amalgam · noun/əˈmæl.ɡəm/

    a mixture or blend of different elements

    The festival was an amalgam of art, music, and culture, showcasing the diversity of the community.

    Synonyms: mixture, blend, combination

    Origin: The word 'amalgam' originated from the Medieval Latin 'amalgama,' which comes from the Arabic 'melṭaqām' meaning 'to gather' or 'to aggregate.'

  3. nostalgia · noun/nɑˈstæl dʒə/

    a sentimental longing for the past

    As she flipped through the old photo album, a wave of nostalgia washed over her, reminding her of carefree summers spent with friends.

    Synonyms: wistfulness, reminiscence, longing

    Origin: The word 'nostalgia' comes from the Greek words 'nostos' meaning 'return home' and 'algos' meaning 'pain' or 'suffering'.

  4. recourse · noun/ˈriˌkɔrs/

    a source of help or support in a difficult situation

    In times of financial uncertainty, many families find recourse in community support programs that provide meals and shelter.

    Synonyms: resort, solution, alternative

    Origin: from Middle French 'recours', from Old French 'recourre', based on Latin 'recursus', meaning 'a running back or return'.

  5. montage · noun/mɑnˈtɑʒ/

    a series of selected images or segments, often combined to create a unified narrative or artistic expression

    The film's emotional impact was heightened by a stunning montage of the main character's memories, seamlessly woven together to tell her story.

    Synonyms: composite, collage, assembly

    Origin: French, from 'monter' meaning 'to mount'