SAT Vocabulary Level 3 — Set 217

Set 217 of SAT Vocabulary Level 3 covers 5 words: conflagration, rejoinder, sustenance, squalor, pessimist. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. conflagration · noun/ˌkɑnfləˈɡreɪʃən/

   a large and destructive fire

   The firefighters worked tirelessly to contain the raging conflagration that was consuming the forest.

   Synonyms: fire, blaze, inferno

   Origin: from Latin 'conflagratio', from 'conflagrare' meaning 'to burn up'

2. rejoinder · noun/rɪˈdʒɔɪndɚ/

   a response or reply to a statement or accusation

   Her quick rejoinder to the accusation not only deflected the criticism but also showcased her confidence.

   Synonyms: reply, response, retort

   Origin: from the Latin 'respondere', meaning 'to answer' or 'to reply'

3. sustenance · noun/ˈsəstənəns/

   food and drink regarded as a source of strength and nourishment

   During the harsh winter, the community relied on stored food and other sources of sustenance to survive.

   Synonyms: nourishment, sustenance, provisions

   Origin: from Middle English, from Old French 'sustenance', from Latin 'sustinentia', from 'sustinere' meaning to support or uphold.

4. squalor · noun/ˈskwɑːlər/

   a state of being extremely dirty and unpleasant due to poverty or neglect

   The families lived in squalor, surrounded by filth and decay that was a constant reminder of their poverty.

   Synonyms: filth, dirtiness, misery

   Origin: from Latin 'squalor', meaning 'filth, roughness, or dirt', derived from 'squalere', meaning 'to be dirty or filthy'

5. pessimist · noun/ˈpɛsɪmɪst/

   a person who tends to see the worst aspect of things or believes that the worst will happen

   Despite the team's recent successes, the pessimist in the group kept bringing up potential problems that could arise in the future.

   Synonyms: cynic, defeatist, doomsayer

   Origin: from Latin 'pessimus' meaning 'worst'