composure, miser, precipice, throe, platitude: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 3 set 26. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. composure · noun/kəmˈpoʊʒər/

   the state of being calm and in control of oneself

   Despite the chaos around her, she maintained her composure and handled the situation with grace.

   Synonyms: calmness, self-control, poise

   Origin: from Latin 'componere' meaning 'to put together'

2. miser · noun/ˈmaɪ.zɚ/

   a person who hoards wealth and spends as little money as possible

   Despite his vast fortune, the old miser refused to donate even a single dime to charity.

   Synonyms: cheapskate, skinflint, penny-pincher

   Origin: Middle English 'misere' meaning 'wretched, miserable,' derived from Old French 'miser' and Latin 'miser,' meaning 'wretched, miserable.'

3. precipice · noun/ˈprɛsɪpɪs/

   a very steep or overhanging place

   The hikers stood at the edge of the precipice, staring down into the deep canyon below, their hearts racing with both fear and exhilaration.

   Synonyms: cliff, crag, bluff

   Origin: from Latin 'praecipitium', meaning 'a headlong fall' or 'precipice', derived from 'praecipitem', meaning 'headlong, steep', from 'prae' (before) + 'capere' (to seize)

4. throe · noun/θroʊ/

   a sharp pang or spasm of pain

   She felt a sudden throe of pain in her chest, causing her to pause mid-sentence.

   Synonyms: agony, pang, spasm

   Origin: Middle English 'throe', from Old English 'þrēaw', meaning 'a struggle' or 'pain'

5. platitude · noun/ˈplætɪˌtud/

   a remark or statement that is trite or overused and lacks originality

   His speech was filled with platitudes about hard work and perseverance, failing to offer any real insights into the challenges we face.

   Synonyms: cliché, banality, truism

   Origin: From French 'platitude', from 'plat' meaning 'flat'; originally meaning a flat or level condition.