SAT Vocabulary Level 3 — Set 162

Set 162 of SAT Vocabulary Level 3 covers 5 words: omnivorous, staunch, mawkish, inveterate, supercilious. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. omnivorous · adjective/ɑmˈnɪvərəs/

   feeding on both plants and animals

   Bears are omnivorous animals that consume a variety of foods, including fruits, nuts, and fish.

   Synonyms: carnivorous, herbivorous, polyphagous

   Origin: from Latin 'omnivorus', from 'omni-' meaning 'all' and 'vorare' meaning 'to eat'.

2. staunch · adjective/stɔntʃ/

   loyal and committed in attitude

   She has always been a staunch supporter of environmental conservation efforts, advocating for change in her community.

   Synonyms: steadfast, loyal, faithful

   Origin: Middle English 'stanche' (to stop, to hold back), from Old French 'estancher' (to stop the flow), ultimately from Latin 'stancare' (to stand firm).

3. mawkish · adjective/ˈmɔkɪʃ/

   excessively sentimental or emotional to the point of being sickening

   The film was criticized for its mawkish sentimentality, which made it hard for the audience to connect with the characters.

   Synonyms: sentimental, sappy, oversentimental

   Origin: The word 'mawkish' originates from the late Middle English 'maukish', meaning 'mushy' or 'soft', likely derived from 'maw' (meaning 'stomach') with the idea of something being overly rich or weak.

4. inveterate · adjective/ɪnˈvɛt̬.ɚ.ət/

   having a particular habit, activity, or interest that is long-established and unlikely to change

   Despite his attempts to quit, he remained an inveterate gambler, always returning to the tables whenever he could.

   Synonyms: chronic, habitual, entrenched

   Origin: from Latin 'inveteratus', meaning 'to grow old', from 'in-' (into) and 'veterare' (to make old)

5. supercilious · adjective/ˌsuː.pɚˈsɪl.jəs/

   behaving or looking as though one thinks one is superior to others

   Her supercilious attitude made it difficult for her to make friends, as she often looked down on others.

   Synonyms: arrogant, haughty, disdainful

   Origin: Latin 'superciliosus', from 'supercilium' meaning 'eyebrow,' symbolizing arrogance or haughtiness.