distill, dominate, bate, concede, drain: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 1 set 1. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. distill · verb/dɪˈstɪl/

   to extract the essential meaning or most important aspects of something

   In his thesis, he was able to distill complex theories into simple concepts that anyone could understand.

   Synonyms: extract, condense

   Origin: from Middle English 'destillen', derived from Latin 'destillare', which means 'to drip down'.

2. dominate · verb/ˈdɑːməˌneɪt/

   to have control or power over something or someone

   In the business world, one company's ability to dominate the market often leads to increased profits and brand recognition.

   Synonyms: control, prevail

   Origin: from Latin 'dominare', meaning 'to rule or govern'

3. bate · verb/beɪt/

   to reduce the intensity or severity of something

   The doctor advised her to take medication to bate the pain from her injury.

   Synonyms: diminish, lessen, reduce

   Origin: Middle English 'baten', from Old English 'bātian', meaning 'to lessen' or 'to abate'

4. concede · verb/kənˈsid/

   to admit or acknowledge something as true, often reluctantly

   After a lengthy debate, she had to concede that her opponent had made some valid points.

   Synonyms: acknowledge, accept, confess

   Origin: Middle English, from Latin 'concedere', meaning 'to grant' or 'to yield'.

5. drain · verb/dreɪn/

   to remove liquid from a substance or area

   After the heavy rain, we had to drain the water from the flooded basement to prevent damage.

   Synonyms: remove, empty, siphon

   Origin: From Old French 'drainer', from Latin 'drainare', meaning 'to draw off water'.