SAT Vocabulary Level 3 — Set 137

Set 137 of SAT Vocabulary Level 3 covers 5 words: epigram, dross, vagrant, alacrity, leaven. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. epigram · noun/ˈɛpɪˌɡræm/

   a pithy saying or remark expressing an idea in a clever and amusing way

   Her witty epigram about love had everyone laughing because it captured the absurdity of relationships perfectly.

   Synonyms: quippy remark, witticism, maxim

   Origin: from Latin 'epigramma', from Greek 'epigramma', meaning 'something written on' (epi- 'upon' + gramma 'writing')

2. dross · noun/drɔs/

   waste material or unwanted impurities

   During the metal refining process, the workers carefully remove the dross from the molten material to ensure high purity.

   Synonyms: refuse, waste, scum

   Origin: Middle English, from Old English 'dros' meaning 'waste matter, dross'; related to the Old Norse 'dross' meaning 'silt, sludge'.

3. vagrant · noun/ˈveɪɡrənt/

   a person without a settled home or regular work who wanders from place to place

   The city council has implemented a new program to assist vagrants living in the park and provide them with shelter.

   Synonyms: wanderer, drifter, itinerant

   Origin: from Middle English 'vagraunt', from the Old French 'vagant', from Latin 'vagantem', the present participle of 'vagari' meaning 'to wander'

4. alacrity · noun/əˈlækrɪti/

   quick and cheerful readiness to do something

   She accepted the invitation to the party with alacrity, eager to catch up with her friends.

   Synonyms: eagerness, willingness, readiness

   Origin: from Latin alacritas, from alacer meaning 'lively, cheerful'

5. leaven · noun/ˈlɛvən/

   a substance that causes dough or batter to rise by introducing gas bubbles

   Yeast is a common leaven that helps bread rise and gives it a light, airy texture.

   Synonyms: ferment, raising agent, yeast

   Origin: From Old English 'lefan', meaning 'to raise, to lift'.