After the economic crisis, stock prices began to plummet, causing widespread panic among investors.
synonyms
dropplungefall
word origin — The word 'plummet' originates from the late Middle English term 'plummete,' which comes from the Old French 'plommet,' meaning 'a weight' or 'plumb bob,' derived from Latin 'plumbum,' meaning 'lead.'
plummet, careen, cohere, whet, lionize: meanings and examples
Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 3 set 287. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.
plummet · verb/ˈplʌm.ɪt/
to fall or drop sharply in amount or value
After the economic crisis, stock prices began to plummet, causing widespread panic among investors.
Synonyms: drop, plunge, fall
Origin: The word 'plummet' originates from the late Middle English term 'plummete,' which comes from the Old French 'plommet,' meaning 'a weight' or 'plumb bob,' derived from Latin 'plumbum,' meaning 'lead.'
careen · verb/kəˈrin/
to tilt or lean over while moving, or to rush headlong in a reckless manner
The car began to careen wildly around the corner as the driver lost control during the rainstorm.
Synonyms: sway, lurch
Origin: Originates from the early 19th century, possibly from the French 'cariner', meaning 'to tilt a ship' or from 'careen', a term for the action of a ship being placed on her side for cleaning or repair.
cohere · verb/koʊˈhɪr/
to stick together or be united in a logical or consistent manner
The ideas in her essay cohere beautifully, creating a strong argument that is easy to follow.
Synonyms: adhere, unite, bond
Origin: from Latin 'cohaerere', meaning 'to stick together'
whet · verb/wɛt/
to sharpen or stimulate interest or appetite
The enticing aroma of freshly baked cookies was enough to whet my appetite for dessert.
Synonyms: stimulate, sharpen, arouse
Origin: Middle English 'whetton', from Old English 'hwettan', meaning to make sharp
lionize · verb/ˈlaɪəˌnaɪz/
to treat someone as a celebrity or to idolize them
The media tends to lionize celebrities, often crafting narratives that elevate them to larger-than-life status.
Synonyms: celebrate, idolize, extol
Origin: The word 'lionize' originated in the early 19th century, derived from the name of the lion, a symbol of grandeur and authority. It suggested treating someone as a lion, someone of great status or importance.