SAT Vocabulary Level 3 — Set 232

Set 232 of SAT Vocabulary Level 3 covers 5 words: demagogue, invigoration, cistern, scurvy, counterbalance. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. demagogue · noun/ˈdɛm.ə.ɡɑɡ/

   a political leader who seeks support by appealing to popular desires and prejudices rather than by using rational argument

   The charismatic demagogue stirred the crowd's emotions, promising to address their grievances without presenting any concrete plans.

   Synonyms: politician, rabble-rouser, firebrand

   Origin: The term 'demagogue' comes from the Greek 'demagogos', meaning 'leader of the people'. It is composed of 'demos' meaning 'people' and 'agein' meaning 'to lead'.

2. invigoration · noun/ɪnˈvɪɡəˌreɪʃən/

   the act of giving strength, energy, or vitality

   The invigorating morning sun provided a sense of invigoration that energized everyone in the park.

   Synonyms: revitalization, rejuvenation, stimulation

   Origin: from Latin 'invigorare', meaning 'to give strength' (in- 'in' + vigor 'strength, energy')

3. cistern · noun/ˈsɪstɚn/

   a reservoir or tank for storing water

   The old mansion's cistern had been neglected for years, but it still held a surprising amount of water.

   Synonyms: tank, reservoir, container

   Origin: From Latin 'cisterna', meaning 'reservoir or tank', derived from 'cista', meaning 'basket'.

4. scurvy · noun/ˈskɜrvi/

   a disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin c characterized by swollen gums and bleeding

   Sailors in the 18th century often suffered from scurvy due to their lack of fresh fruits and vegetables during long voyages.

   Synonyms: gum disease, malnutrition, deficiency disease

   Origin: Late Middle English; originally from the Dutch word 'scorbutus', from Latin 'scorbutus', which in turn may be derived from the Greek 'skorbos' meaning 'a disease'.

5. counterbalance · verb/ˌkaʊntərˈbæl.əns/

   to offset or neutralize the effect of something

   The teacher used interactive activities to counterbalance the students' lack of interest in traditional lectures.

   Synonyms: offset, neutralize, balance

   Origin: From Middle French 'contrebalancer', combining 'contre' (against) and 'balancer' (to balance).