perfectionist, acclamation, gavel, animus, psychoanalysis: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 3 set 23. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. perfectionist · noun/pərˈfɛkʃənɪst/

   a person who refuses to accept any standard short of perfection

   As a perfectionist, she often found it hard to meet deadlines because she insisted on revising her work endlessly until it was flawless.

   Synonyms: idealist, purist, nitpicker

   Origin: Early 20th century: from perfection + -ist

2. acclamation · noun/ˌæk.ləˈmeɪ.ʃən/

   loud and enthusiastic approval or praise

   The crowd erupted in loud acclamation as the winning team took their victory lap.

   Synonyms: applause, acclaim, approval

   Origin: from Latin 'acclamatio', which means 'shouting' or 'a shout of approval,' derived from 'acclamare', meaning 'to shout at'.

3. gavel · noun/ˈɡæv.əl/

   a small mallet used by a judge or an auctioneer to signal for attention or to mark the commencement or conclusion of a proceeding

   As the judge brought down the gavel, the courtroom fell silent in anticipation of the verdict.

   Synonyms: mallet, hammer, baton

   Origin: The word 'gavel' originates from the Middle English 'gavel' meaning 'a small mallet' and is thought to derive from the Old French 'gavel', which in turn comes from a Germanic root related to the word 'gafl', meaning 'to give or present'.

4. animus · noun/ˈæn.ə.məs/

   a feeling of hostility or animosity

   Despite their longstanding friendship, there was an underlying animus between them that made their interactions tense.

   Synonyms: hostility, animosity, antagonism

   Origin: Latin 'animus' meaning 'soul, spirit, mind, or courage'.

5. psychoanalysis · noun/ˌsaɪ.kəˈæn.ə.lɪs.ɪs/

   a therapeutic approach that focuses on the unconscious mind and its influence on behavior

   Many therapists incorporate psychoanalysis into their practice to help clients explore their subconscious thoughts and feelings.

   Synonyms: psychotherapy, depth psychology, analysis

   Origin: from Greek 'psyche' meaning 'soul' or 'mind' and 'analysis' from 'analusis', meaning 'a breaking up'