SAT Vocabulary Level 3 — Set 290

Set 290 of SAT Vocabulary Level 3 covers 5 words: elation, killjoy, chicanery, criminality, clapper. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. elation · noun/ɪˈleɪ.ʃən/

   a feeling of great happiness and excitement

   Her elation was palpable when she received the news of her promotion.

   Synonyms: exhilaration, euphoria, joy

   Origin: derived from the Latin word 'elatio', meaning 'to raise or lift up'

2. killjoy · noun/ˈkɪlˌdʒɔɪ/

   a person who spoils the enjoyment of others

   Don't be such a killjoy; we just want to have fun at the party!

   Synonyms: spoilsport, wet blanket, party pooper

   Origin: The term 'killjoy' is a combination of 'kill' (to put an end to) and 'joy' (happiness, pleasure), dating back to the early 19th century.

3. chicanery · noun/ʃɪˈkeɪnəri/

   deception or trickery used to achieve a goal

   The politician's chicanery in manipulating facts led to widespread distrust among the voters.

   Synonyms: deception, trickery, deceit

   Origin: The word 'chicanery' originates from the French word 'chicanerie,' which means 'subterfuge' or 'trickery.' It is derived from 'chicaner,' meaning 'to quibble' or 'to bicker.'

4. criminality · noun/ˌkrɪməˈnælɪti/

   the state of being criminal or engaging in criminal behavior

   The rise in urban criminality has prompted local authorities to implement new security measures.

   Synonyms: wrongdoing, illegality, offense

   Origin: from Latin 'criminalis' meaning 'pertaining to crime', from 'crimen' meaning 'crime'

5. clapper · noun/ˈklæp.ɚ/

   a device or person that makes a loud sound by striking two objects together

   The church's bell rang out with a resonant sound, thanks to the clapper that struck the bronze surface.

   Synonyms: clang, clank, rattle

   Origin: Middle English 'claper', from Old French 'clapet', diminutive of 'clap', meaning 'to strike'.