SAT Vocabulary Level 3 — Set 268

Set 268 of SAT Vocabulary Level 3 covers 5 words: foretaste, scourge, leeway, probity, calumny. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. foretaste · noun/ˈfɔrˌteɪst/

   an indication or preliminary experience of something to come

   The exhibit provided a foretaste of the innovative technologies that will transform our daily lives in the coming years.

   Synonyms: prelude, preview, anticipation

   Origin: Middle English, from fore- (before) + taste (an experience of flavor or sensation)

2. scourge · noun/skɜrdʒ/

   a source of great suffering or distress

   The scourge of addiction continues to devastate families and communities across the country.

   Synonyms: bane, plague, torment

   Origin: Middle English 'scourge', from Old French 'escurge' (modern 'escourge'), from Latin 'excurgere' meaning 'to whip out'.

3. leeway · noun/ˈliːweɪ/

   the amount of freedom to act or make choices

   The manager gave her team some leeway to explore creative solutions for the project.

   Synonyms: freedom, latitude, flexibility

   Origin: The term 'leeway' originates from the Old Norse word 'lǽ,' meaning 'to allow, let, or permit.' It initially referred to the sideways movement of a ship when sailing, and later evolved to mean freedom of action or choice.

4. probity · noun/ˈproʊ.bɪ.ti/

   the quality of having strong moral principles and honesty

   Her probity in handling the company’s finances earned her the respect of both colleagues and clients.

   Synonyms: integrity, honesty, rectitude

   Origin: From Latin 'probitas', meaning 'uprightness, honesty', derived from 'probus', meaning 'good, upright'.

5. calumny · noun/ˈkæl.əm.ni/

   the making of false and defamatory statements about someone

   The politician was the target of a relentless calumny campaign designed to tarnish his reputation.

   Synonyms: slander, defamation, libel

   Origin: from Latin 'calumnia' meaning 'false accusation, slander', stemming from 'calvi', meaning 'to deceive'.