Set 169 · Study 1 / 5

Exit

grimace

noun/ˈɡrɪməs/

definition

a facial expression that shows disgust, pain, or disapproval

example

She couldn't hide her grimace of disgust when she tasted the sour milk.

synonyms
scowlfrownwince
word origin — The word 'grimace' comes from the French word 'grimace' meaning 'a distortion of the face', which is believed to have its roots in the Middle French 'grimaçe'.

SAT Vocabulary Level 3 — Set 169

Set 169 of SAT Vocabulary Level 3 covers 5 words: grimace, succor, expropriation, mettle, conformist. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

  1. grimace · noun/ˈɡrɪməs/

    a facial expression that shows disgust, pain, or disapproval

    She couldn't hide her grimace of disgust when she tasted the sour milk.

    Synonyms: scowl, frown, wince

    Origin: The word 'grimace' comes from the French word 'grimace' meaning 'a distortion of the face', which is believed to have its roots in the Middle French 'grimaçe'.

  2. succor · noun/ˈsʌkər/

    assistance and support in times of hardship

    During the natural disaster, many organizations came forward to provide succor to the victims in need.

    Synonyms: aid, support, help

    Origin: From Middle English 'suker', from Old French 'secours', from Latin 'succursus', meaning 'to run to help'.

  3. expropriation · noun/ɛkˌsproʊpriˈeɪʃən/

    the act of taking property for public use without the consent of the owner usually with compensation

    The government's expropriation of land for the new highway project was met with significant public outcry.

    Synonyms: appropriation, confiscation, acquisition

    Origin: from late Latin 'expropriatio', from 'expropriare' meaning to take away property

  4. mettle · noun/ˈmɛt̬.əl/

    courage and resilience in facing difficulties

    Despite facing numerous setbacks in her career, she proved her mettle by continuing to pursue her dreams with unwavering determination.

    Synonyms: spirit, resilience, courage

    Origin: Middle English: from Old French 'metal', which meant 'metal' but was originally derived from Latin 'metallum', relating to hardiness and substance.

  5. conformist · noun/kənˈfɔrmɪst/

    a person who complies with accepted rules and customs

    As a conformist, he always followed the crowd and never questioned societal norms.

    Synonyms: follower, traditionalist, conformer

    Origin: The word 'conformist' originates from the Latin 'conformare', meaning 'to form or shape together', and entered the English language in the late 19th century.