SAT Vocabulary Level 3 — Set 172

Set 172 of SAT Vocabulary Level 3 covers 5 words: ruse, potshot, primacy, ascetic, populist. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. ruse · noun/ruːz/

   a deceptive trick or stratagem

   The cunning thief devised a clever ruse to distract the guards while he stole the jewels.

   Synonyms: trick, ploy, scam

   Origin: Late Middle English, from Old French 'ruse' meaning 'deception' or 'trick', from Latin 'rusa' meaning 'a trick' or 'a device'.

2. potshot · noun/ˈpɑtʃɑt/

   a speculative or unsubstantiated remark or criticism

   During the debate, the candidate took a potshot at his opponent's record on healthcare, even though the claims were largely unfounded.

   Synonyms: shot, jab, dig

   Origin: The term 'potshot' originates from the practice of taking a quick, opportunistic shot at a target, such as a wild animal for food. It evolved metaphorically to refer to taking aim at someone or something in a casual or unsubstantiated manner.

3. primacy · noun/ˈpraɪməsi/

   the state of being first or most important

   In the debate over climate policy, the primacy of scientific evidence must be acknowledged and prioritized.

   Synonyms: preeminence, supremacy, priority

   Origin: from Middle English 'primacie', from Old French 'primacie', from Latin 'primaciam', from 'primus' meaning 'first'

4. ascetic · noun/əˈsɛtɪk/

   a person who renounces material comforts and leads a life of severe self-discipline and abstention

   The ascetic lived a life of simplicity, shunning all material possessions to focus on spiritual growth.

   Synonyms: hermit, recluse, monk

   Origin: from Greek 'asketes', meaning 'one who exercises, a hermit'.

5. populist · adjective/ˈpɑp.jə.lɪst/

   a political approach that seeks to represent the interests and rights of ordinary people against a perceived elite

   The candidate's populist rhetoric resonated with the working class, who felt neglected by the political elite.

   Synonyms: democratic, grassroots, plebeian

   Origin: The term 'populist' originates from late Latin 'populus' meaning 'people', and entered English in the late 19th century.