libertine, discord, nomad, tether, eloquence: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 2 set 76. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. libertine · noun/ˈlɪbərˌtiːn/

   a person who behaves without moral principles in sexual matters

   The libertine lifestyle of the artist was evident in his numerous affairs and disregard for conventional relationships.

   Synonyms: debauchee, libertin, rake

   Origin: from Middle French 'libertin', from Latin 'libertinus' meaning 'of or belonging to a freedman', from 'liber' meaning 'free'.

2. discord · noun/ˈdɪskɔrd/

   a lack of harmony or agreement among people or groups

   The discord among the team members led to a breakdown in communication and ultimately affected the project’s success.

   Synonyms: dissonance, conflict, disagreement

   Origin: Middle English 'discorde', from Old French 'discorder', from Latin 'discordia', from 'dis-' (apart) + 'cor, cordis' (heart)

3. nomad · noun/ˈnoʊ.mæd/

   a member of a community that moves from place to place to find food and pasture

   The nomadic lifestyle of her tribe involved moving across vast landscapes in search of food and water.

   Synonyms: itinerant, wanderer, roamer

   Origin: Originating from the Latin word 'nomada', which means 'one who wanders', and from the Greek 'nomas', meaning 'to pasture' or 'one who roams.'

4. tether · noun/ˈtɛð.ɚ/

   a rope or chain used to secure an animal or object to prevent movement

   The horse was secured with a sturdy tether to prevent it from wandering off.

   Synonyms: tie, leash, cord

   Origin: Middle English, from Old Norse 'þæðr' meaning 'a band or tether'.

5. eloquence · noun/ˈɛləkwəns/

   the ability to express ideas and emotions in a compelling and effective manner

   Her eloquence captivated the audience as she spoke passionately about the importance of education.

   Synonyms: fluency, articulacy, expressiveness

   Origin: from Latin 'eloquentia', meaning 'speaking out' or 'discourse', derived from 'eloquens', the present participle of 'eloqui', meaning 'to speak out'