SAT Vocabulary Level 3 — Set 33

Set 33 of SAT Vocabulary Level 3 covers 5 words: bevy, stalemate, whiff, gibe, larder. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. bevy · noun/ˈbɛvi/

   a large group of people or things of the same kind

   The garden was filled with a bevy of colorful butterflies fluttering around the flowers.

   Synonyms: group, array, gathering

   Origin: Middle English 'bevi', from Old French 'beuvie' meaning 'a place where animals drink', which is related to 'bever' (beverage).

2. stalemate · noun/ˈsteɪlˌmeɪt/

   a situation in which no progress can be made or no advancement is possible

   The negotiations have reached a stalemate, leaving both parties unable to come to an agreement.

   Synonyms: deadlock, impasse, standstill

   Origin: The word 'stalemate' originates from the Middle English 'stal' meaning 'to stand' and 'mate' from 'mate' meaning 'to make'.

3. whiff · noun/wɪf/

   a quick or slight smell or puff of air

   As I walked past the bakery, I caught a delightful whiff of freshly baked bread.

   Synonyms: hint, puff, trace

   Origin: The word 'whiff' originates from the early 19th century, likely imitative of the sound of a puff of air.

4. gibe · verb/dʒaɪb/

   to make mocking or insulting remarks

   Despite his attempts to stay focused, he couldn't ignore the constant gibes from his classmates about his unusual attire.

   Synonyms: taunt, jeer, mock

   Origin: From Middle English 'giben', meaning to scoff or deride, possibly of uncertain origin.

5. larder · noun/ˈlɑrdər/

   a room or cabinet for storing food

   She opened the larder and was pleased to find it stocked with fresh ingredients for dinner.

   Synonyms: pantry, storeroom, cupboard

   Origin: Middle English 'larderer', from 'lard', referring to the storage of lard or other foods.