antithesis, predicament, ennui, chaff, catharsis: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 3 set 316. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. antithesis · noun/ænˈtɪθəˌsɪs/

   a contrast or opposition between two things

   In literature, the themes of love and hate often serve as an antithesis, highlighting the complexities of human emotion.

   Synonyms: contrast, opposition, reverse

   Origin: From the Greek 'antithesis', meaning 'opposition' or 'contrast', from 'anti-' meaning 'against' and 'thesis' meaning 'a placing' or 'a proposition'.

2. predicament · noun/prɪˈdɪkəmənt/

   a difficult or unpleasant situation

   After losing my job unexpectedly, I found myself in a financial predicament that I never anticipated.

   Synonyms: dilemma, plight, quandary

   Origin: from Latin 'praedicamentum', meaning 'category' or 'condition', derived from 'praedicare' which means 'to declare'

3. ennui · noun/ɑnˈwi/

   a feeling of listlessness and dissatisfaction arising from a lack of occupation or excitement

   After finishing the book, she fell into a deep ennui, longing for something more stimulating to occupy her thoughts.

   Synonyms: boredom, tedium, dissatisfaction

   Origin: French, originating from 'ennuyer' which means 'to bore'.

4. chaff · noun/tʃæf/

   the husks of corn or other seed separated by winnowing or threshing

   After the harvest, the farmer separated the chaff from the grain, ensuring only the finest seeds remained.

   Synonyms: husk, refuse, waste

   Origin: Old English 'cæf', of Germanic origin; related to Dutch 'kaf' and German 'Kaffer'.

5. catharsis · noun/kəˈθɑr.sɪs/

   the release of strong or repressed emotions often resulting in a feeling of purification or renewal

   After the intense therapy session, she experienced a profound sense of catharsis that helped her release years of pent-up grief.

   Synonyms: purification, release, emotional relief

   Origin: from Greek 'katharsis', meaning 'purification' or 'cleansing'