polish, stimulate, correlate, utter, flee: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 1 set 123. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. polish · noun/ˈpɑː.lɪʃ/

   a substance used to give something a smooth and glossy surface

   After sanding the furniture, he applied a coat of wood polish to give it a beautiful shine.

   Synonyms: gleam, luster, shine

   Origin: from Middle English 'polisshen', derived from the Old French 'polir', from Latin 'polire', meaning 'to polish, to make smooth'.

2. stimulate · verb/ˈstɪmjəˌleɪt/

   to encourage or strengthen the activity of something

   The government implemented new policies to stimulate economic growth in the region.

   Synonyms: encourage, invigorate, boost

   Origin: from Latin 'stimulus', meaning 'a goad, impetus, or incentive'

3. correlate · verb/ˈkɔːrəleɪt/

   to show a mutual relationship or connection between two or more things

   Researchers found that there is a strong correlation between sleep quality and overall mental health, indicating that they correlate significantly over time.

   Synonyms: connect, relate, associate

   Origin: Late Latin 'correlare', from 'com-' (together) + 'relare' (to relate)

4. utter · verb/ˈʌtər/

   to express audibly or to speak

   She didn't utter a single word during the entire meeting, leaving everyone puzzled about her thoughts.

   Synonyms: speak, say, vocalize

   Origin: from Middle English 'uttren', from Old English 'ūttra', meaning 'to put out, to express'.

5. flee · verb/fli/

   to run away from a place or situation of danger

   When the fire broke out, the residents had to flee their homes in search of safety.

   Synonyms: run away, escape, bolt

   Origin: Old English 'flēon', meaning 'to run away, to escape'