SAT Vocabulary Level 1 — Set 110

Set 110 of SAT Vocabulary Level 1 covers 5 words: degrade, survive, condense, convene, condemn. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. degrade · verb/dɪˈɡreɪd/

   to lower in quality, value, or dignity

   The constant exposure to pollution can degrade the quality of the local water supply.

   Synonyms: detract, demean, debase

   Origin: Middle English, from Latin 'degradare', meaning 'to lower, to bring down', composed of 'de-' (down) + 'gradus' (step or grade)

2. survive · verb/sərˈvaɪv/

   to continue to live or exist especially in spite of danger or hardship

   Despite facing severe drought, the resilient plants managed to survive the harsh conditions.

   Synonyms: persist, endure, outlast

   Origin: Middle English, from Latin 'survivere', where 'super-' means 'over' and 'vivere' means 'to live'.

3. condense · verb/kənˈdɛns/

   to make something denser or more concentrated by reducing its volume or size

   As the water in the pot began to boil, it started to condense into steam, filling the kitchen with vapor.

   Synonyms: concentrate, reduce, compress

   Origin: from Latin 'condensare', meaning 'to make thick', from 'com-' (together) and 'densus' (dense)

4. convene · verb/kənˈvin/

   to come together or assemble for a meeting or gathering

   The committee will convene on Thursday to discuss the new policy changes.

   Synonyms: gather, assemble, meet

   Origin: The word 'convene' comes from the Latin word 'convenire', meaning 'to come together'.

5. condemn · verb/kənˈdɛm/

   to express strong disapproval of something

   The UN decided to condemn the ongoing violence in the region, calling for an immediate ceasefire.

   Synonyms: censure, criticize, denounce

   Origin: from the Latin 'condemnare', meaning 'to sentence, condemn.'