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tiller

noun/ˈtɪlər/

definition

a lever used to control the direction of a boat or ship

example

He adjusted the tiller to steer the small boat away from the rocky shore.

synonyms
helmsteering gearrudder
word origin — Middle English 'tiler', from Old English 'tilian' meaning 'to direct or steer'.

SAT Vocabulary Level 3 — Set 56

Set 56 of SAT Vocabulary Level 3 covers 5 words: tiller, indolence, clime, acerbity, stickler. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

  1. tiller · noun/ˈtɪlər/

    a lever used to control the direction of a boat or ship

    He adjusted the tiller to steer the small boat away from the rocky shore.

    Synonyms: helm, steering gear, rudder

    Origin: Middle English 'tiler', from Old English 'tilian' meaning 'to direct or steer'.

  2. indolence · noun/ˈɪndələns/

    laziness or avoidance of activity

    His indolence in completing his assignments led to poor grades and missed opportunities.

    Synonyms: sloth, idleness, lethargy

    Origin: from Latin 'indolentia' meaning 'freedom from pain' or 'laziness', derived from 'indolens', which means 'not feeling pain' or 'inactive'.

  3. clime · noun/klaɪm/

    a region considered with reference to its climate

    They decided to move to a warmer clime to enjoy year-round sunshine.

    Synonyms: zone, region, climate

    Origin: Middle English, from Old French 'clime', from Latin 'clima', from Greek 'klima' meaning 'slope, inclination, region'.

  4. acerbity · noun/əˈsɝː.bɪ.ti/

    sharpness or bitterness of speech or temper

    Her acerbity during the meeting surprised everyone, as they expected her to remain diplomatic despite the heated discussions.

    Synonyms: acerbity, bitterness, harshness

    Origin: Derived from the Latin word 'acerbitas', which means 'bitterness' or 'sharpness', from 'acer' meaning 'sharp' or 'sour'.

  5. stickler · noun/ˈstɪklər/

    a person who insists on a certain quality or type of behavior

    As a stickler for detail, she meticulously checks every assignment before submission.

    Synonyms: perfectionist, pedant, stickler for detail

    Origin: The word 'stickler' originated in the late 19th century, derived from the verb 'stickle,' which means to argue or insist on a point. It is thought to have originated from the Middle English 'stiklen', meaning to stick or adhere.