SAT Vocabulary Level 3 — Set 259

Set 259 of SAT Vocabulary Level 3 covers 5 words: egotist, spendthrift, sycophant, solemnity, quandary. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. egotist · noun/ˈiːɡəˌtɪst/

   a person who is excessively self-centered or self-absorbed

   His constant bragging about his accomplishments revealed him to be a classic egotist who cared little for others' opinions.

   Synonyms: narcissist, egocentric, self-absorbed

   Origin: The word 'egotist' comes from the Latin 'ego', meaning 'I', combined with the suffix '-ist', indicating a person characterized by a certain tendency or behavior.

2. spendthrift · noun/ˈspɛndˌθrɪft/

   a person who spends money extravagantly or wastefully

   Despite his family's wealth, he remained a spendthrift, often squandering his inheritance on lavish parties and luxury cars.

   Synonyms: profligate, squanderer, waster

   Origin: The word 'spendthrift' is formed from the combination of 'spend' (to use money) and 'thrift' (economy or frugality), with the prefix 'spend-' indicating the act of spending. It emerged in the late 16th century.

3. sycophant · noun/ˈsɪkəfænt/

   a person who acts obsequiously toward someone important in order to gain advantage

   The board was filled with sycophants who were more interested in pleasing the CEO than in making sound business decisions.

   Synonyms: fawn, flatterer, toady

   Origin: The word 'sycophant' originates from the Greek word 'sykophantēs', which means 'informer' or 'accuser'. It combines 'sykon' (fig) and 'phainein' (to show), historically referring to someone who brings accusations or informs on others.

4. solemnity · noun/səˈlɛmənti/

   the quality of being serious or dignified

   The solemnity of the ceremony was palpable as everyone stood in silence, paying their respects to the fallen.

   Synonyms: seriousness, gravity, dignity

   Origin: from Latin 'sollemnis', meaning 'ceremonial, annual, solemn'

5. quandary · noun/ˈkwɑːndəri/

   a state of perplexity or uncertainty over what to do in a difficult situation

   She found herself in a moral quandary when asked to choose between loyalty to her friend and doing what was ethically right.

   Synonyms: dilemma, predicament, uncertainty

   Origin: The word 'quandary' comes from the Latin 'quando', meaning 'when', coupled with 'ary', indicating a state or condition.