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legerdemain

noun/ˌlɛdʒ.ər.dəˈmeɪn/

sleight of hand or deceptive skill especially in performing tricks

The magician's legerdemain left the audience in awe as he seamlessly made the rabbit disappear from the hat.

sleighttrickeryconjuring
word origin — from French 'léger de main,' meaning 'light of hand'

SAT Vocabulary Level 3 — Set 230

Set 230 of SAT Vocabulary Level 3 covers 5 words: legerdemain, euphemism, salvo, apotheosis, knave. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

  1. legerdemain · noun/ˌlɛdʒ.ər.dəˈmeɪn/

    sleight of hand or deceptive skill especially in performing tricks

    The magician's legerdemain left the audience in awe as he seamlessly made the rabbit disappear from the hat.

    Synonyms: sleight, trickery, conjuring

    Origin: from French 'léger de main,' meaning 'light of hand'

  2. euphemism · noun/ˈjuː.fəˌmɪ.zəm/

    a mild or indirect word or expression used in place of a more direct or harsh one

    The phrase 'passed away' is a euphemism for 'died' that many people use to soften the impact of loss.

    Synonyms: circumlocution, understatement, softening

    Origin: from Greek 'euphemismos' meaning 'using a favorable speech', from 'eu' meaning 'good' and 'pheme' meaning 'speaking'

  3. salvo · noun/ˈsæl.voʊ/

    a simultaneous discharge of artillery or guns or a sudden outburst of cheers or applause

    The military initiated a coordinated salvo of artillery fire to target the enemy stronghold at dawn.

    Synonyms: barrage, cannonade, volley

    Origin: from Latin 'salvō' meaning 'to save or greet, salute' which evolved through the Italian 'salvo' meaning 'a discharge of firearms.'

  4. apotheosis · noun/əˌpɑː.θiˈoʊ.sɪs/

    the highest point in the development of something or the elevation of someone to divine status

    The artist's latest work is considered the apotheosis of her career, showcasing her unique style and achievements.

    Synonyms: culmination, elevation, exaltation

    Origin: from Greek 'apotheōsis', meaning 'deification' or 'to make a god', from 'apo-' meaning 'from' and 'theōsis' meaning 'deification'

  5. knave · noun/neɪv/

    a deceitful or untrustworthy person

    Despite his charming smile, everyone knew he was a knave who could not be trusted with their secrets.

    Synonyms: rogue, scoundrel, villain

    Origin: Middle English, from Old English 'cneowa' meaning 'boy, lad, servant'