canto, obstruction, potion, rigor, martyr: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 2 set 86. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. canto · noun/ˈkæntoʊ/

   a principal form of division in a long poem

   In Dante's 'Divine Comedy', each canto explores a different aspect of the afterlife.

   Synonyms: section, part, division

   Origin: from Italian 'canto' meaning 'song', related to the Latin 'cantus' meaning 'song or chant'

2. obstruction · noun/əbˈstrʌkʃən/

   the act of obstructing or hindering progress

   The obstruction of justice charges against the politician raised serious concerns about the integrity of the investigation.

   Synonyms: hindrance, impediment, barrier

   Origin: from Latin 'obstructio', from 'obstruere' meaning 'to build against'

3. potion · noun/ˈpoʊʃən/

   a liquid with magical or medicinal properties

   The old wizard carefully brewed a powerful potion to heal the injured knight.

   Synonyms: elixir, brew, mixture

   Origin: from Middle English 'pocioun', from Old French 'potion', from Latin 'potionem', meaning 'a drink, potion, draught'

4. rigor · noun/ˈrɪɡər/

   the quality of being extremely thorough and accurate

   The researcher conducted the experiment with great rigor to ensure that the results were accurate and reliable.

   Synonyms: thoroughness, accuracy, precision

   Origin: from Latin 'rigor', meaning 'stiffness, severity'

5. martyr · noun/ˈmɑrtər/

   a person who is killed or suffers greatly for a religion, cause, or principle

   The young activist became a martyr for her beliefs, inspiring countless others to join the fight for justice.

   Synonyms: sacrificial victim, saint, sufferer

   Origin: The word 'martyr' originates from the Greek 'martus,' meaning 'witness.' It was later adopted into Latin as 'martyrium' and Old French as 'martire.'