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personification

noun/pərˌsɑnɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/

definition

attribution of human characteristics or behaviors to non-human entities or abstract concepts

example

In literature, personification is often used to give life to inanimate objects, making them relatable to the reader.

synonyms
embodimentrepresentationanthropomorphism
word origin — from Middle French 'personnification', from Latin 'personificat' which is derived from 'persona' meaning 'mask, character' and the suffix '-ficare' meaning 'to make'.

SAT Vocabulary Level 3 — Set 276

Set 276 of SAT Vocabulary Level 3 covers 5 words: personification, protuberance, touchstone, raconteur, transgression. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

  1. personification · noun/pərˌsɑnɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/

    attribution of human characteristics or behaviors to non-human entities or abstract concepts

    In literature, personification is often used to give life to inanimate objects, making them relatable to the reader.

    Synonyms: embodiment, representation, anthropomorphism

    Origin: from Middle French 'personnification', from Latin 'personificat' which is derived from 'persona' meaning 'mask, character' and the suffix '-ficare' meaning 'to make'.

  2. protuberance · noun/proʊˈtjuːbərəns/

    a bulging or protruding part

    The tree had an unusual protuberance on its trunk that made it look like a face.

    Synonyms: bulge, prominence, projection

    Origin: from Latin 'protuberare' which means 'to swell out' or 'to bulge out'

  3. touchstone · noun/ˈtʌtʃstoʊn/

    a standard or criterion by which something is judged or recognized

    The classic novel served as a touchstone for generations of writers, influencing their style and themes.

    Synonyms: benchmark, standard, criterion

    Origin: The word 'touchstone' originates from the practice of using a stone to test the purity of gold or silver by the color of the streak it leaves.

  4. raconteur · noun/ˌrɑːkənˈtɜr/

    a person who tells stories in an interesting and amusing way

    At the family gathering, Uncle Joe became the highlight of the evening, captivating everyone as a skilled raconteur who effortlessly brought our childhood stories to life.

    Synonyms: storyteller, narrator, anecdotalist

    Origin: French, from 'raconter' meaning 'to tell'

  5. transgression · noun/trænˈɡrɛʃ.ən/

    an act that goes against a law rule or code of conduct

    The committee reviewed the transgression of the organization's code of conduct, leading to disciplinary action against the employee.

    Synonyms: violation, infringement, breach

    Origin: from Latin 'transgressio', from 'transgredi', meaning 'to step across' or 'cross over'