Set 280 · Study 1 / 5
Exitexaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally
His claim that he could lift a car was pure hyperbole, meant to impress his friends rather than reflect reality.
Set 280 of SAT Vocabulary Level 3 covers 5 words: hyperbole, affectation, vernacular, egoism, ornamentation. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.
exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally
His claim that he could lift a car was pure hyperbole, meant to impress his friends rather than reflect reality.
a display of artificial behavior or mannerisms intended to impress others
Her affectation of a posh accent was clearly intended to impress her peers at the party.
the language or dialect spoken by the ordinary people in a particular country or region
The playwright skillfully incorporated the local vernacular into his dialogue to make the characters more relatable.
the ethical theory that treats self-interest as the foundation of morality
Critics argue that egoism undermines the importance of altruism in moral decision-making, suggesting that a focus on self-interest can lead to ethical shortcomings.
decorative elements added to enhance appearance
The ornate ornamentation on the facade of the building impressed all the visitors with its intricate designs.