munificence, dissension, pugnacity, plaudit, ingrate: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 3 set 156. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. munificence · noun/mjuˈnɪfɪsəns/

   great generosity in giving

   The university was able to expand its scholarship program thanks to the munificence of its alumni.

   Synonyms: generosity, philanthropy, beneficence

   Origin: from Latin 'munificus', meaning 'generous, liberal'.

2. dissension · noun/dɪˈsɛnʃən/

   disagreement or conflict within a group

   The board meeting was tense due to the rising dissension among members over the proposed budget cuts.

   Synonyms: disagreement, discord, conflict

   Origin: from Latin 'dissensio', from 'dissensere', meaning 'to disagree'

3. pugnacity · noun/pʌɡˈnæs.ɪ.ti/

   tendency to fight or quarrel

   His pugnacity often led to arguments with friends, as he would readily challenge anyone who disagreed with him.

   Synonyms: aggressiveness, belligerence, combative nature

   Origin: from Latin 'pugnax', meaning 'fighting' or 'combative', derived from 'pugna', meaning 'a fight'.

4. plaudit · noun/ˈplɔː.dɪt/

   enthusiastic approval or praise

   The actor received high plaudits from critics after his compelling performance in the film.

   Synonyms: acclaim, praise, applause

   Origin: from Latin 'plaudit' meaning 'he/she applauds', from 'plaudere' meaning 'to applaud'

5. ingrate · noun/ˈɪŋˌɡreɪt/

   a person who is ungrateful or does not show appreciation

   After all the hard work she put into organizing the event, he acted like an ingrate when he didn’t even thank her for the effort.

   Synonyms: ungrateful person, thankless person, ingrateful

   Origin: The word 'ingrate' comes from the Latin 'ingratus', meaning 'ungrateful', from 'in-' (not) + 'gratus' (pleasing, grateful).