viper, slag, parable, hegemony, cringe: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 2 set 62. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. viper · noun/ˈvaɪ.pɚ/

   a venomous snake of the family viperidae typically characterized by long retractable fangs

   The hiker spotted a viper coiled under a rock, its distinctive markings blending seamlessly with the environment.

   Synonyms: serpent, snake, adder

   Origin: from Middle English 'viper', via Old French from Latin 'vipera', probably derived from 'vivere', meaning 'to live', in reference to their viviparous nature.

2. slag · noun/slæɡ/

   waste material left after the metal has been extracted from ore

   The furnace produced a considerable amount of slag, which was carefully removed and disposed of as waste material.

   Synonyms: dross, scoria, residue

   Origin: Middle Dutch 'slak', related to the Dutch 'slak', meaning 'slime' or 'slack'

3. parable · noun/ˈpɛrəbl/

   a simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson

   The teacher used a parable about the prodigal son to illustrate the importance of forgiveness.

   Synonyms: allegory, fable, tale

   Origin: from Old French 'parabole', which originates from Latin 'parabola', and from Greek 'parabole', meaning 'comparison'.

4. hegemony · noun/hɪˈdʒɛməni/

   dominance or leadership of one group over others

   The hegemony of the dominant nation in the region has led to significant political changes among its neighbors.

   Synonyms: dominance, leadership, supremacy

   Origin: derived from the Greek word 'hēgemonia', meaning 'leadership' or 'guide', from 'hēgemon', meaning 'leader'.

5. cringe · noun/krɪndʒ/

   a feeling of discomfort or embarrassment caused by someone else's actions or behavior

   Every time I watch that old video of him dancing at the party, I feel a wave of cringe wash over me.

   Synonyms: discomfort, embarrassment, awkwardness

   Origin: The word 'cringe' comes from the Old English 'cringan', meaning 'to fall' or 'to yield'. It has evolved over time to refer to the feeling of discomfort or embarrassment.