SAT Vocabulary Level 2 — Set 340

Set 340 of SAT Vocabulary Level 2 covers 5 words: mite, guile, hue, mastery, mammoth. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. mite · noun/maɪt/

   a very small arachnid that is often parasitic or free-living

   The farmer noticed that the crops were infested with a type of spider mite, which was causing significant damage.

   Synonyms: tick, sipunculid

   Origin: Middle English 'mite' from Old English 'mīte' meaning 'small creature' or 'little insect'

2. guile · noun/ɡaɪl/

   sly or cunning intelligence

   The con artist relied on his guile to deceive unsuspecting victims into investing in fake businesses.

   Synonyms: cunning, deceit, trickery

   Origin: Middle English, from the Anglo-French word 'guiler', meaning 'to deceive'.

3. hue · noun/hju/

   a color or shade

   The sunset painted the sky in vibrant hues of orange and pink.

   Synonyms: shade, tint, color

   Origin: Old English 'hiw' meaning 'color' or 'appearance'

4. mastery · noun/ˈmæstəri/

   complete control or understanding of a subject or skill

   Her mastery of the piano was evident when she performed the complex piece flawlessly.

   Synonyms: expertise, command, proficiency

   Origin: from Middle English 'maestrie', derived from Old French 'maistrie', from Latin 'magisterium', meaning 'mastery, skill, or position of a master'.

5. mammoth · noun/ˈmæməθ/

   a large extinct elephant-like mammal characteristic of the ice age

   The remains of a mammoth were discovered frozen in the ice, providing valuable insights into the prehistoric world.

   Synonyms: behemoth, giant, colossus

   Origin: The word 'mammoth' originates from the Russian word 'mamont' which is derived from the Komi word 'mamont' or 'mamon', meaning 'earth' or 'underground'. This relates to the notion that mammoths were found in the ground, often frozen in permafrost.