During the charity event, the two teams engaged in a fierce tussle over the final prize.
synonyms
scufflebrawlstruggle
word origin — The word 'tussle' likely originates from the late 16th century, a variant of 'tussel', which itself comes from the Middle English 'tosse' meaning 'to toss or shake'.
SAT Vocabulary Level 3 — Set 12
Set 12 of SAT Vocabulary Level 3 covers 5 words: tussle, gadfly, inquisitor, avocation, tedium. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.
tussle · noun/ˈtʌs.əl/
a struggle or fight in a rough or confused manner
During the charity event, the two teams engaged in a fierce tussle over the final prize.
Synonyms: scuffle, brawl, struggle
Origin: The word 'tussle' likely originates from the late 16th century, a variant of 'tussel', which itself comes from the Middle English 'tosse' meaning 'to toss or shake'.
gadfly · noun/ˈɡæd.flaɪ/
a person who annoys or provokes others into action
As a political gadfly, she often questioned the establishment and urged citizens to demand better governance.
Synonyms: nuisance, pest, irritant
Origin: The word 'gadfly' originates from the Old Norse word 'gaddr', meaning 'a spike or a sting', combined with the word 'fly' from the Old English 'fleoge'. It historically referred to a type of fly that bites livestock, symbolically representing someone who irritates or provokes.
inquisitor · noun/[ɪnˈkwɪzɪtər]/
a person who inquires or investigates thoroughly
The inquisitor conducted a thorough investigation into the allegations of misconduct within the organization.
Synonyms: interrogator, investigator, examiner
Origin: The word 'inquisitor' comes from the Latin 'inquisitor', meaning 'one who inquires or examines', derived from 'inquirere', which means 'to inquire'.
avocation · noun/ˌævəˈkeɪʃən/
a hobby or minor occupation
While her day job as a teacher is fulfilling, she finds her true joy in her avocation of painting landscapes on weekends.
Synonyms: hobby, pastime, pursuit
Origin: from Latin 'avocatio', meaning 'a calling away'
tedium · noun/ˈtiːdiəm/
the state of being tedious or boring
She struggled to concentrate during the long lecture, which was filled with tedium and monotony.
Synonyms: monotony, boredom, dreariness
Origin: from Latin 'taedium', meaning 'weariness' or 'disgust'