girth, mishap, requisite, boomerang, cadaver: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 2 set 44. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. girth · noun/ɡɜrθ/

   the measurement around the middle of something especially a person's waist or an object's circumference

   After months of training, she was pleased to see a reduction in her waist girth, which motivated her to continue her fitness journey.

   Synonyms: waist, circumference, breadth

   Origin: Old English 'gyrð', related to 'gyrd' meaning 'to encircle'

2. mishap · noun/ˈmɪshæp/

   an unfortunate accident or an unfortunate event

   Despite the planning, the event turned into a mishap when the guest speaker cancelled last minute.

   Synonyms: accident, mistake, misfortune

   Origin: The word 'mishap' originates from the Middle English term 'mishap', which combines 'mis-' meaning 'wrongly' and 'hap' meaning 'chance' or 'happening'.

3. requisite · noun/ˈrɛkwɪzɪt/

   something that is necessary or required

   The job requires a requisite level of experience, which is essential for the role.

   Synonyms: necessity, requirement, prerequisite

   Origin: From Latin 'requisite', meaning 'needed, required', from the verb 'requirere'.

4. boomerang · noun/ˈbuməˌræŋ/

   a curved tool that, when thrown, returns to the thrower

   He expertly threw the boomerang, watching as it curved through the air and returned to his hand.

   Synonyms: returning stick, throwing stick

   Origin: The word 'boomerang' originates from the Dharug language of Indigenous Australians, specifically from the term 'bumerang'.

5. cadaver · noun/kəˈdæv.ɚ/

   a dead body especially of a human being

   The medical students studied the cadaver during their anatomy class to better understand human physiology.

   Synonyms: corpse, body, remains

   Origin: From Latin 'cadaver', meaning 'dead body'.