SAT Vocabulary Level 3 — Set 310

Set 310 of SAT Vocabulary Level 3 covers 5 words: stilted, seamy, convivial, laborious, acrid. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. stilted · adjective/ˈstɪltɪd/

   lacking fluency or naturalness in speech or writing

   His stilted speech during the presentation made it difficult for the audience to stay engaged.

   Synonyms: unnatural, affected, contrived

   Origin: from 'stilt', meaning raised or elevated; the sense of being awkwardly elevated in style emerged in the 19th century.

2. seamy · adjective/ˈsiː.mi/

   characterized by sordid or disreputable qualities

   The city was known for its seamy underbelly, where crime and corruption thrived in the shadows.

   Synonyms: sordid, disreputable, immoral

   Origin: middle English, from the word 'seam' meaning 'sordid' or 'shabby'

3. convivial · adjective/kənˈvɪv.i.əl/

   friendly and lively atmosphere or personality

   The party had a convivial atmosphere, with laughter and music filling the air.

   Synonyms: sociable, jovial, cheerful

   Origin: from Latin 'convivialis', from 'convivium' meaning 'feast' or 'banquet'

4. laborious · adjective/ləˈbɔːrɪəs/

   requiring considerable effort and time

   The research process was particularly laborious, requiring countless hours of data collection and analysis.

   Synonyms: arduous, strenuous, herculean

   Origin: from Latin 'laboriosus', meaning 'full of toil, labor, or work'

5. acrid · adjective/ˈækrɪd/

   having a strong and unpleasant taste or smell

   The acrid smoke from the fire made it difficult to breathe and left a bitter taste in my mouth.

   Synonyms: pungent, sharp, bitter

   Origin: from Latin 'acridus' meaning 'bitter, sour, sharp,' which is related to the root 'acer' meaning 'sharp' or 'sour'.