truism, condescension, boor, magnate, ignominy: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 3 set 75. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. truism · noun/ˈtru.ɪ.zəm/

   a statement that is obviously true and says nothing new or interesting

   It’s a truism that hard work often leads to success, but many people still expect shortcuts.

   Synonyms: platitude, banality, axiom

   Origin: Originating from the Latin word 'truismus' and from the French word 'truisme', which refer to a statement that is self-evident.

2. condescension · noun/ˌkɑndɪˈsɛnʃən/

   an attitude of patronizing superiority

   Her condescension towards her colleagues was evident when she dismissed their ideas without consideration.

   Synonyms: patronization, disdain, superiority

   Origin: Derived from the late Latin 'condescensio', from 'condescendere' meaning 'to descend together', which implies a sense of superiority.

3. boor · noun/bʊr/

   a rude or unmannerly person

   At the party, he acted like a total boor, interrupting everyone and making rude comments.

   Synonyms: oaf, lout, clod

   Origin: The word 'boor' originates from the Middle Dutch 'boer,' meaning 'farmer' or 'peasant,' and it came to denote a person of low social standing, leading to its current meaning of a rude or unmannerly person.

4. magnate · noun/ˈmæɡ.neɪt/

   a wealthy and influential person in a specific industry or field

   The real estate magnate expanded his portfolio by acquiring several new high-rise buildings in the city.

   Synonyms: tycoon, baron, mogul

   Origin: from Latin 'magnas' meaning 'great', from 'magnus' meaning 'great' or 'large'

5. ignominy · noun/ˈɪɡnəˌmɪni/

   public shame or disgrace

   After the scandal, he faced public ignominy, which tarnished his reputation forever.

   Synonyms: shame, dishonor, disgrace

   Origin: from Latin 'ignominia', from 'in-' + 'nomen' meaning 'name' or 'reputation'