SAT Vocabulary Level 3 — Set 305

Set 305 of SAT Vocabulary Level 3 covers 5 words: diminutive, counterfeiter, digression, mendacity, bulwark. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. diminutive · adjective/dɪˈmɪnjʊtɪv/

   a word or term that denotes smallness or is used as a term of endearment

   She gave her puppy a diminutive nickname that suited its tiny size perfectly.

   Synonyms: miniature, tiny, little

   Origin: from Latin 'diminutivus', meaning 'causing to diminish'

2. counterfeiter · noun/ˈkaʊntərˌfɪtər/

   a person who falsifies or replicates items, especially currency or documents, with the intent to deceive

   After a lengthy investigation, the authorities finally caught the notorious counterfeiter who had been producing fake currency for years.

   Synonyms: forger, falsifier, phony

   Origin: The word 'counterfeiter' comes from 'counterfeit', which originated from the Middle English word 'counterfeten', meaning to imitate or feign. This in turn derived from the Old French 'contrefaire', which combines 'contre-' (against) and 'faire' (to make).

3. digression · noun/dɪˈɡrɛʃən/

   a temporary departure from the main subject in speech or writing

   The professor's digression about his travels was amusing, but it took away from the main topic of the lecture.

   Synonyms: diversion, deviation, aside

   Origin: from Latin 'digressio', from 'digredior' meaning 'to go aside' or 'depart'.

4. mendacity · noun/mɛnˈdæsəˌti/

   the quality of being untruthful or deceitful

   The politician's mendacity was evident in his constant flip-flopping on key issues, leading to a loss of public trust.

   Synonyms: dishonesty, deceit, untruthfulness

   Origin: The word 'mendacity' originates from the Latin 'mendacitas', which means 'lying' or 'falsehood', derived from 'mendax', meaning 'lying'.

5. bulwark · noun/ˈbʊl.wɚk/

   a defensive wall or barrier

   The ancient castle was surrounded by a massive bulwark that protected it from enemy attacks.

   Synonyms: barrier, fortress, rampart

   Origin: Middle Dutch 'bolwerk', from 'bol' meaning 'bulwark' and 'werk' meaning 'work'