SAT Vocabulary Level 3 — Set 221

Set 221 of SAT Vocabulary Level 3 covers 5 words: dregs, dormer, waif, misapprehension, monotony. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. 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'.

2. 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.

3. 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'.

4. 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.

   Synonyms: misunderstanding, misconception, misinterpretation

   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.'

5. 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'