hiatus, citadel, multiplicity, quarry, collusion: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 2 set 96. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. hiatus · noun/haɪˈeɪtəs/

   a pause or break in continuity

   After a brief hiatus from social media, she returned to share her latest adventures.

   Synonyms: break, pause, interruption

   Origin: from Latin 'hiatus', meaning 'gap' or 'opening'

2. citadel · noun/ˈsɪt.ə.dəl/

   a fortress or stronghold typically on high ground

   The ancient citadel stood majestically on the hilltop, offering a panoramic view of the surrounding valleys.

   Synonyms: stronghold, fortress, bastion

   Origin: Derived from the Latin 'civitas' meaning 'city', influenced by the diminutive form 'civitas' in Medieval Latin.

3. multiplicity · noun/ˌmʌltɪˈplɪsɪti/

   the state of having multiple parts or forms

   The multiplicity of opinions presented during the meeting made it clear that finding a consensus would be challenging.

   Synonyms: variety, diversity, multitude

   Origin: Late Middle English from Latin 'multiplicitas', from 'multiplex' meaning 'manyfold'

4. quarry · noun/ˈkwɔr.i/

   a place where stone, rock, or minerals are extracted from the ground

   The workers at the granite quarry spend their days extracting large blocks of stone for construction projects.

   Synonyms: pit, mine, excavation

   Origin: Middle English, from Old French 'quari' meaning 'to extract stone', which is related to the Latin 'quadrarium', meaning a place for obtaining stones.

5. collusion · noun/kəˈluːʒən/

   secret cooperation between parties for an illegal or deceptive purpose

   The investigation revealed a shocking collusion between the two firms to fix prices and eliminate competition.

   Synonyms: conspiracy, complicity

   Origin: from Latin 'collusio', which means 'a playing together' or 'secret agreement'