Her petulance was evident when she didn't get her way, leading to a dramatic outburst over a minor inconvenience.
synonyms
irritabilitysulkinesspeevishness
word origin — The word 'petulance' originates from the Latin 'petulans', which means 'striking', 'reproaching', or 'ruffian-like'. It entered English in the late 14th century.
SAT Vocabulary Level 3 — Set 48
Set 48 of SAT Vocabulary Level 3 covers 5 words: petulance, profusion, charlatan, recluse, perquisite. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.
petulance · noun/ˈpɛtʃ.əl.əns/
irritable or sulky temperament
Her petulance was evident when she didn't get her way, leading to a dramatic outburst over a minor inconvenience.
Synonyms: irritability, sulkiness, peevishness
Origin: The word 'petulance' originates from the Latin 'petulans', which means 'striking', 'reproaching', or 'ruffian-like'. It entered English in the late 14th century.
profusion · noun/prəˈfjuːʒən/
an abundance or large quantity of something
The garden was filled with a profusion of colorful flowers, creating a breathtaking display in the springtime.
Synonyms: abundance, plethora, excess
Origin: from Middle French 'profusion', from Latin 'profusio', from 'profundere' meaning 'to pour forth'
charlatan · noun/ˈʃɑr.lə.tən/
a person who pretends to have knowledge or skill that they do not possess
The self-proclaimed healer turned out to be a charlatan, exploiting desperate patients for their money.
Synonyms: fraud, impostor, quack
Origin: from French 'charlatan', which originally referred to a seller of medicinal herbs in the 16th century.
recluse · noun/rɪˈkluːs/
a person who lives a solitary life and tends to avoid other people
After years of living in the mountains, he became a well-known recluse, rarely venturing into town to see other people.
Synonyms: hermit, 孤立者, reclusive
Origin: from Latin 'reclusus', past participle of 'recludere' meaning 'to shut up or enclose', combined with the prefix 're-' meaning 'back' or 'away'.
perquisite · noun/ˈpɜr.kɪ.zɪt/
a benefit or privilege received in addition to regular income or wages
Many executives enjoy generous perquisites, such as company cars and exclusive club memberships.
Synonyms: perk, benefit, advantage
Origin: from Latin 'perquisitum', meaning 'something obtained' or 'a benefit'