quiver, recompense, refurbish, salvage, sate: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from GRE Vocabulary set 191. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. quiver · verb/ˈkwɪvɚ/

   to shake or tremble with slight rapid movements

   The dog began to quiver in fear when it heard the thunder rumbling outside.

   Synonyms: tremble, shake, shiver

   Origin: Middle English 'quiveren', of uncertain origin

2. recompense · verb/ˈrekəmpɛns/

   to make amends to someone for loss or harm

   The company promised to recompense the employees for the overtime they worked during the busy season.

   Synonyms: compensate, reimburse, make amends

   Origin: from Middle French 'recompenser', from Latin 'recompensare' meaning 'to compensate again'

3. refurbish · verb/rɪˈfɜrbɪʃ/

   to restore to good condition by cleaning, repairing, or redecorating

   The city decided to refurbish the old theater to make it a vibrant venue for community events.

   Synonyms: renovate, restore, revamp

   Origin: The word 'refurbish' is derived from the prefix 're-' meaning 'again' and 'furbish', which comes from Middle English 'furbisshen', meaning to polish or brighten, itself derived from Old French 'furbir'.

4. salvage · verb/ˈsæl.vɪdʒ/

   to recover or save something from loss or destruction

   The firefighters worked tirelessly to salvage valuable artifacts from the burning museum.

   Synonyms: rescue, recover, save

   Origin: From Old French 'sauver', which comes from Latin 'salvāre', meaning 'to save'.

5. sate · verb/seɪt/

   to satisfy fully or to excess

   After a long day of hiking, I indulged in a hearty meal that could sate my hunger completely.

   Synonyms: satisfy, fulfill, quench

   Origin: Middle English 'saten', from Old English 'sætan' meaning 'to satisfy, satiate'.