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languor

noun/ˈlæŋɡər/

a state of tiredness or lethargy often associated with a relaxed or dreamy feeling

After a long afternoon under the sun, she succumbed to a delightful languor, drifting off into a peaceful nap.

fatiguelethargylanguidness
word origin — From Latin 'languor', meaning 'faintness, weakness', from 'languere', meaning 'to be weak or faint'.

SAT Vocabulary Level 3 — Set 88

Set 88 of SAT Vocabulary Level 3 covers 5 words: languor, nonchalance, blandishment, rationalization, impiety. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

  1. languor · noun/ˈlæŋɡər/

    a state of tiredness or lethargy often associated with a relaxed or dreamy feeling

    After a long afternoon under the sun, she succumbed to a delightful languor, drifting off into a peaceful nap.

    Synonyms: fatigue, lethargy, languidness

    Origin: From Latin 'languor', meaning 'faintness, weakness', from 'languere', meaning 'to be weak or faint'.

  2. nonchalance · noun/ˌnɑn.ʃəˈlæns/

    the state of being casually calm and relaxed; indifference

    His nonchalance in the face of danger was both admirable and puzzling.

    Synonyms: casualness, indifference, apathy

    Origin: The term 'nonchalance' comes from the French word 'nonchalance', which is derived from the Latin 'nonchalare', meaning 'to be indifferent'.

  3. blandishment · noun/ˈblændɪʃmənt/

    flattering speech or actions used to persuade someone

    Despite the salesperson's charming blandishments, I remained hesitant to make a purchase without further research.

    Synonyms: flattery, allurement, cajolery

    Origin: The word 'blandishment' comes from the Middle English 'blandisshment,' from Old French 'blandissement,' derived from the Latin 'blandiri,' meaning 'to smooth, to flatter.'

  4. rationalization · noun/ˌræʃ.ən.ə.laɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/

    the process of explaining or justifying one's behavior or decisions logically or reasonably

    His rationalization for missing the deadline was that he had too many other commitments, but his boss didn't find it convincing.

    Synonyms: justification, explanation, defense

    Origin: from Latin 'rationalizatio', from 'rationalis' meaning 'reasonable'.

  5. impiety · noun/ɪmˈpaɪ.ə.ti/

    lack of reverence or respect for sacred things

    The community was outraged by the impiety exhibited during the festival, which included mockery of their sacred traditions.

    Synonyms: irreverence, desecration, blasphemy

    Origin: from Middle French 'impieté', from Latin 'impietatem' (nominative 'impietas'), from 'in-' meaning 'not' + 'pietas' meaning 'piety'.