the period of human history before the invention of writing
example
Archaeologists have uncovered a wealth of artifacts from prehistory, shedding light on the lives of early humans.
synonyms
ancient historyprehistoric periodprimeval times
word origin — The term 'prehistory' combines the prefix 'pre-' meaning 'before' and 'history,' which comes from the Greek word 'historia' meaning 'inquiry' or 'knowledge acquired by investigation.'
SAT Vocabulary Level 3 — Set 235
Set 235 of SAT Vocabulary Level 3 covers 5 words: prehistory, stricture, scoundrel, disarray, soliloquy. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.
prehistory · noun/priˈhɪs.t̬ɚ.i/
the period of human history before the invention of writing
Archaeologists have uncovered a wealth of artifacts from prehistory, shedding light on the lives of early humans.
Synonyms: ancient history, prehistoric period, primeval times
Origin: The term 'prehistory' combines the prefix 'pre-' meaning 'before' and 'history,' which comes from the Greek word 'historia' meaning 'inquiry' or 'knowledge acquired by investigation.'
stricture · noun/ˈstrɪk.tʃər/
a restriction or limitation on a person or activity
The new regulations imposed a strict stricture on outdoor advertising, limiting the size and placement of billboards.
Synonyms: limitation, constraint, restriction
Origin: from Latin 'strictura' meaning 'a drawing tight'
scoundrel · noun/ˈskaʊndrəɫ/
a dishonest or unscrupulous person
The charming scoundrel won the hearts of many while secretly scheming to rob them of their fortunes.
Synonyms: rogue, villain, knave
Origin: The word 'scoundrel' originates from the early 17th century, with uncertain origins, possibly derived from a dialectal term in Middle English meaning 'a person without means' or 'one without property'.
disarray · noun/ˌdɪs.əˈreɪ/
a state of disorder or confusion
After the party, the living room was in complete disarray, with empty cups and scattered decorations everywhere.
Synonyms: disorder, confusion, turmoil
Origin: from Middle French 'désarreiement', meaning 'unarrangement' or 'disorder', combined with 'dis-' indicating negation and 'array' meaning 'order' or 'arrangement'.
soliloquy · noun/səˈlɪləkwi/
the act of speaking one's thoughts aloud when by oneself or regardless of any hearers often used as a theatrical device
In Shakespeare's plays, the hero often shares his deepest fears through a poignant soliloquy, revealing his inner turmoil to the audience.
Synonyms: monologue, aside, discourse
Origin: From Latin 'soliloquium', derived from 'solus' meaning 'alone' and 'loqui' meaning 'to speak'.