SAT Vocabulary Level 3 — Set 63

Set 63 of SAT Vocabulary Level 3 covers 5 words: hilarity, enormity, whelp, abnegation, pessimism. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. hilarity · noun/hɪˈlɛr.ə.ti/

   extreme amusement or laughter

   The comedian's jokes were met with uncontrollable hilarity from the audience.

   Synonyms: amusement, laughter, merriment

   Origin: The word 'hilarity' originates from the Latin 'hilaritas', which means 'cheerfulness' or 'merriment', derived from 'hilaris', meaning 'cheerful'.

2. enormity · noun/ɪˈnɔr.mə.ti/

   the state or quality of being a great size, extent, or seriousness

   The enormity of the challenge ahead left the team feeling overwhelmed and unprepared for the task at hand.

   Synonyms: massiveness, magnitude, vastness

   Origin: from Latin 'enormitas', from 'enormis' meaning 'out of the norm' or 'unusual'

3. whelp · noun/wɛlp/

   a young offspring of a mammal especially a dog

   The mother dog lovingly nursed her whelp until it was strong enough to eat solid food.

   Synonyms: puppy, cub, runt

   Origin: Middle English 'whelp', from Old English 'hwelp', possibly of Germanic origin

4. abnegation · noun/ˌæb.nɪˈɡeɪ.ʃən/

   the act of renouncing or rejecting something that one desires

   Her abnegation of personal desires for the sake of her family was truly admirable.

   Synonyms: self-denial, renunciation, rejection

   Origin: from Latin 'abnegatio', from 'abnegare', meaning 'to refuse or deny'

5. pessimism · noun/ˈpɛsɪˌmɪzəm/

   a tendency to see the worst aspect of things or believe that the worst will happen

   His constant pessimism about the future makes it difficult for him to enjoy the present.

   Synonyms: negativity, gloom, defeatism

   Origin: from Latin 'pessimus' meaning 'worst'