a derogatory or insulting term used to refer to a group or individual
example
Using a racial slur during the debate sparked outrage among the audience.
synonyms
insultslanderderogatory term
word origin — The word 'slur' originates from the Middle English term 'sluren', which meant to slur or blur. Its current meaning as a derogatory term developed in the 20th century.
slur, alcove, insincerity, protege, poignancy: meanings and examples
Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 3 set 153. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.
slur · noun/slɜr/
a derogatory or insulting term used to refer to a group or individual
Using a racial slur during the debate sparked outrage among the audience.
Synonyms: insult, slander, derogatory term
Origin: The word 'slur' originates from the Middle English term 'sluren', which meant to slur or blur. Its current meaning as a derogatory term developed in the 20th century.
alcove · noun/ˈæl.koʊv/
a small recessed space or nook in a room
She arranged the plants beautifully in the alcove by the window, creating a serene reading nook.
Synonyms: nook, recess, corner
Origin: from Middle French 'alcôve', from Arabic 'al-qubbah' meaning 'the vault' or 'the dome'
insincerity · noun/ˌɪn.sɪnˈsɪr.ɪ.ti/
the quality of being dishonest or having a lack of genuine feelings
Her insincerity during the meeting was evident, as her compliments felt forced and unmeaningful.
Synonyms: dishonesty, deceitfulness, duplicity
Origin: The word 'insincerity' originates from the Latin 'insincerus', meaning 'not pure' or 'not genuine', with 'in-' meaning 'not' and 'sincerus' meaning 'pure' or 'genuine'.
protege · noun/ˈprəʊtəˌʒeɪ/
a person who is guided and supported by a more experienced individual
As a young artist, she felt grateful to have a mentor who was willing to invest time in her development as a protege.
Synonyms: apprentice, disciple, ward
Origin: French 'protégé', meaning 'protected', from the past participle of 'protéger', meaning 'to protect'.
poignancy · noun/ˈpɔɪn(j)ənsi/
the quality of evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret
The film's poignancy left the audience in tears as they reflected on their own lost loved ones.
Synonyms: sorrowfulness, sadness, regret
Origin: from Middle English 'poignant', from Old French 'poignant', present participle of 'poindre', meaning to prick or pierce. The word relates to the sense of being sharply felt.