codicil, diatribe, effervescence, avarice, seclusion: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 3 set 243. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. codicil · noun/ˈkɑː.dɪ.sɪl/

   a document that adds to or revises a will

   After reviewing his estate plans, John decided to add a codicil to his will to include his new charitable donations.

   Synonyms: amendment, addition, supplement

   Origin: Latin 'codicillus', diminutive of 'codex', meaning a small book or manuscript.

2. diatribe · noun/ˈdaɪətraɪb/

   a bitter and abusive verbal attack

   The politician's diatribe against his opponents was filled with personal attacks and unfounded accusations.

   Synonyms: tirade, harangue, rant

   Origin: from the Greek word 'diatribe', meaning 'a rubbing away' or 'a spending of time', originally in the context of 'prose discourse' or 'conversation'.

3. effervescence · noun/ˌɛf.ɚˈvɛs.əns/

   the bubbling or fizzing of a liquid caused by the release of gas

   The effervescence of the sparkling water made it a refreshing choice on a hot summer day.

   Synonyms: fizz, bubbling, carbonation

   Origin: From Latin 'effervescere', meaning 'to boil up' or 'to bubble up'

4. avarice · noun/ˈæv.ɚ.ɪs/

   extreme greed for wealth or material gain

   His avarice for wealth led him to betray his closest friends.

   Synonyms: greed, cupidity, avariciousness

   Origin: from Middle English 'avarice', from Old French 'avarice', from Latin 'avaritia' meaning 'greed' or 'greediness'

5. seclusion · noun/sɪˈkluʒən/

   the state of being private and away from other people

   After years of living in the bustling city, she finally found peace in the seclusion of the mountains.

   Synonyms: privacy, solitude, isolation

   Origin: from Middle English 'seclusioun', from Old French 'seclusion', from Latin 'seclusionem', from 'secludere' meaning 'to shut out'