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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.

extractcondense
word origin — from Middle English 'destillen', derived from Latin 'destillare', which means 'to drip down'.

SAT Vocabulary Level 1 — Set 1

Set 1 of SAT Vocabulary Level 1 covers 5 words: distill, dominate, bate, concede, drain. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

  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, dominate, 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'.