verity, revulsion, privation, apiary, oration: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 3 set 6. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. verity · noun/ˈvɛrəti/

   the state of being true or real

   The verity of her claims was supported by a mountain of evidence, proving that she was telling the truth.

   Synonyms: truth, reality, authenticity

   Origin: from Middle English, from Latin 'veritas' meaning 'truth'.

2. revulsion · noun/rɪˈvʌlʃən/

   a strong feeling of disgust or repulsion

   She felt a deep revulsion at the sight of the abandoned animal suffering in the street.

   Synonyms: disgust, repulsion, aversion

   Origin: derived from Latin 'revulsio', meaning 'a pulling away' or 'a sudden emotion', from 'revellere', meaning 'to pull away'.

3. privation · noun/praɪˈveɪʃən/

   the state of being deprived of something essential

   During the winter months, the village faced severe privation, as the food supplies dwindled and people struggled to find enough to eat.

   Synonyms: deprivation, deficiency, loss

   Origin: from Latin 'privatio', meaning 'deprivation', from 'privare', meaning 'to deprive'

4. apiary · noun/ˈeɪ.piˌɛri/

   a place where beehives are kept

   The local beekeeper maintains several hives in her well-organized apiary, ensuring the bees are healthy and productive.

   Synonyms: bee yard, beehive, honey farm

   Origin: Derived from the Latin word 'apiarium', which comes from 'apis', meaning 'bee'.

5. oration · noun/əˈreɪ.ʃən/

   a formal speech, especially one given on a special occasion

   The students were captivated by the valedictorian's heartfelt oration during the graduation ceremony.

   Synonyms: speech, lecture, discourse

   Origin: from Latin 'oratio', meaning 'speech, discourse', from 'orare' meaning 'to speak, pray'.