the remnants of a liquid left in a container, often undesirable solid substances that settle at the bottom
example
After finishing my coffee, I noticed the bitter dregs at the bottom of the cup that I couldn't bring myself to drink.
synonyms
residueremnantssediment
word origin — The word 'dregs' comes from the Middle English 'dregges', derived from Old Norse 'dreggr', which means 'sediment' or 'lees'.
dregs, dormer, waif, misapprehension, monotony: meanings and examples
Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 3 set 221. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.
dregs · noun/drɛɡz/
the remnants of a liquid left in a container, often undesirable solid substances that settle at the bottom
After finishing my coffee, I noticed the bitter dregs at the bottom of the cup that I couldn't bring myself to drink.
Synonyms: residue, remnants, sediment
Origin: The word 'dregs' comes from the Middle English 'dregges', derived from Old Norse 'dreggr', which means 'sediment' or 'lees'.
dormer · noun/ˈdɔrmər/
a structural element of a building that projects from a sloping roof and typically contains a window
The house featured a charming dormer that brought in plenty of natural light to the upper floor.
Synonyms: roof window, gable window, attic window
Origin: The word 'dormer' comes from the Middle French word ' dormir,' meaning 'to sleep,' which relates to the fact that this structure is often found in rooms used for sleeping, particularly in attics.
waif · noun/weɪf/
a homeless or abandoned child or animal
The charity organization is dedicated to rescuing waifs from the streets and providing them with shelter and education.
Synonyms: orphan, street urchin, stray
Origin: Middle English 'waif', from Old French 'waif', from 'gaif', meaning 'abandoned' or 'lost'.
misapprehension · noun/ˌmɪs.æp.rɪˈhɛn.ʃən/
a misunderstanding or incorrect interpretation of something
Her misapprehension about the project requirements led to significant delays in the work schedule.
Origin: The word 'misapprehension' comes from the prefix 'mis-' meaning 'wrongly' and the noun 'apprehension,' which derives from the Latin 'apprehensio,' meaning 'seizing, grasping, or understanding.'
monotony · noun/məˈnɑːtəni/
lack of variety and interest; tedious repetition
After years of working the same job, she found herself growing weary of the monotony of her daily routine.
Synonyms: tedium, sameness, monotone
Origin: from Greek 'monotonos' meaning 'of one tone', from 'monos' meaning 'single' + 'tonos' meaning 'tone'