SAT Vocabulary Level 1 — Set 107

Set 107 of SAT Vocabulary Level 1 covers 5 words: construct, sustain, redeem, confer, decode. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. construct · verb/kənˈstrʌkt/

   to build or form by putting together parts

   The team will construct a new bridge over the river to improve transportation.

   Synonyms: build, create, assemble

   Origin: from Latin 'construere', meaning 'to put together, to build' (com- 'together' + struere 'to build')

2. sustain · verb/səˈsteɪn/

   to support or hold up over time

   The community efforts aim to sustain environmental conservation in the region for future generations.

   Synonyms: maintain, support, uphold

   Origin: from Latin 'sustinere', where 'sus-' means 'up' and 'tenere' means 'to hold'.

3. redeem · verb/rɪˈdim/

   to recover or reclaim something in exchange for payment or by fulfilling a condition

   I decided to redeem my coupon at the store to get a discount on my purchase.

   Synonyms: retrieve, reclaim, recover

   Origin: From Old French 'redempcion' (influenced by Latin 'redimere' - 'to buy back')

4. confer · verb/kənˈfɜr/

   to grant or bestow a title, degree, right, or benefit

   The university will confer an honorary degree upon the distinguished author during the graduation ceremony.

   Synonyms: bestow, grant, award

   Origin: from Latin 'conferre', meaning 'to bring together', from 'con-' (together) + 'ferre' (to carry)

5. decode · verb/dɪˈkoʊd/

   to convert a coded or encoded message into understandable form

   The intelligence officer was able to decode the intercepted messages from the enemy, revealing their plans.

   Synonyms: unravel, decipher, interpret

   Origin: from 'de-' meaning 'down, away' + 'code', from Latin 'codex' meaning 'book'