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vindication

noun/ˌvɪndɪˈkeɪʃən/

definition

the act of clearing someone of blame or suspicion

example

The evidence presented in court provided a clear vindication of the defendant's innocence.

synonyms
justificationexonerationabsolution
word origin — from Latin 'vindicatio', meaning 'a claiming or defense; a justification'

SAT Vocabulary Level 3 — Set 298

Set 298 of SAT Vocabulary Level 3 covers 5 words: vindication, chortle, potentate, cognate, postmodernist. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

  1. vindication · noun/ˌvɪndɪˈkeɪʃən/

    the act of clearing someone of blame or suspicion

    The evidence presented in court provided a clear vindication of the defendant's innocence.

    Synonyms: justification, exoneration, absolution

    Origin: from Latin 'vindicatio', meaning 'a claiming or defense; a justification'

  2. chortle · verb/ˈtʃɔrt(ə)l/

    a gleeful or chuckling laugh

    When the children heard the funny joke, they couldn't help but chortle in delight.

    Synonyms: giggle, chuckle, snicker

    Origin: Coined in the early 20th century, combining 'chuckle' and 'snort'.

  3. potentate · noun/ˈpoʊ.tənˌteɪt/

    a person who has great power or influence, especially a ruler

    The ancient potentate ruled with an iron fist, demanding absolute loyalty from his subjects.

    Synonyms: sovereign, ruler, monarch

    Origin: from Latin 'potentatus', meaning 'power' or 'rule', derived from 'potens', meaning 'powerful'.

  4. cognate · noun/ˈkɑːɡneɪt/

    a word that is related in origin to another word

    The English word 'mother' is a cognate of the German word 'Mutter', both deriving from the same ancient root.

    Synonyms: relative, counterpart, relation

    Origin: The word 'cognate' comes from the Latin 'cognatus', meaning 'blood relative', which is derived from 'co-' (together) and 'gnatus' (born).

  5. postmodernist · adjective/poʊstˈmɑː.dɚ.nɪst/

    relating to or characterized by a broad skepticism of grand narratives and ideologies often challenging traditional forms and conventions

    The postmodernist approach to literature often incorporates irony and pastiche, challenging the traditional narrative structures that define earlier works.

    Synonyms: contemporary, avant-garde, innovative

    Origin: The term 'postmodernist' is derived from 'postmodern,' which first appeared in the late 20th century. The prefix 'post-' means 'after' or 'beyond,' indicating a movement beyond or a reaction against modernism, which is characterized by its emphasis on reason, universality, and objectivity.