lively and noisy festivities, especially when these involve drinking large amounts of alcohol
example
The streets were filled with revelry as the townspeople celebrated the festival with music and dancing.
synonyms
celebrationfestivitymerrymaking
word origin — Middle English 'revelrie', from 'revel' (to engage in noisy festivities), from the Old French 'reveillier' meaning to awake, from 'revel' meaning to indulge in pleasures.
revelry, desecration, promontory, spontaneity, volition: meanings and examples
Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 3 set 144. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.
revelry · noun/ˈrɛv.əl.ri/
lively and noisy festivities, especially when these involve drinking large amounts of alcohol
The streets were filled with revelry as the townspeople celebrated the festival with music and dancing.
Synonyms: celebration, festivity, merrymaking
Origin: Middle English 'revelrie', from 'revel' (to engage in noisy festivities), from the Old French 'reveillier' meaning to awake, from 'revel' meaning to indulge in pleasures.
desecration · noun/ˌdɛsɪˈkreɪʃən/
the act of disrespecting or ruining something sacred
The vandalism of the historic church was a clear act of desecration that upset the entire community.
Synonyms: profanation, violation, sacrilege
Origin: from the Latin 'desecratio', which combines 'de-' (down, away from) and 'sacrare' (to consecrate)
promontory · noun/ˈprɑːmənˌtɔri/
a high point of land or rock projecting into a body of water
The lighthouse stood proudly on the rocky promontory, guiding ships safely through the treacherous waters.
Synonyms: headland, cape, point
Origin: The word 'promontory' originates from the Latin 'promontorium', which is derived from 'pro-' (meaning 'before' or 'forward') and 'montis', the genitive form of 'mons' (meaning 'mountain').
spontaneity · noun/spɑːn.təˈneɪ.ə.ti/
the quality of being impulsive or acting without premeditation
The spontaneity of their decision to go on a road trip made the experience even more exhilarating.
Synonyms: impulsiveness, unpremeditatedness
Origin: The word 'spontaneity' originates from the Latin word 'spontaneus', meaning 'of one's own accord', which is derived from 'sponte', meaning 'voluntarily'.
volition · noun/vəˈlɪʃən/
the power or faculty of choosing or determining
She chose to leave the company of her own volition, seeking a more fulfilling career path.
Synonyms: choice, will, decision
Origin: from Latin 'volitio', meaning 'a wishing' or 'a will, desire'