mock, pend, avenge, endow, appoint: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 1 set 126. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. mock · verb/mɑk/

   to tease or make fun of someone or something in a sarcastic or derisive manner

   The students began to mock their classmate's accent during the group discussion, making him feel embarrassed.

   Synonyms: ridicule, deride, taunt

   Origin: Middle English mocen, from Old French moquer, meaning 'to make fun of'.

2. pend · verb/pɛnd/

   to be in a state of waiting or uncertainty

   The decision on the new policy will pend until further review by the committee.

   Synonyms: await, linger, hover

   Origin: Middle English 'penden', from Latin 'pendere' meaning 'to hang, to weigh'

3. avenge · verb/əˈvɛnʤ/

   to take revenge for a wrongdoing or injury

   She vowed to avenge her brother's death by bringing the criminals to justice.

   Synonyms: revenge, retaliate, vindicate

   Origin: from Old French 'avenger', from Latin 'vindicare' meaning 'to reclaim or take vengeance'.

4. endow · verb/ɪnˈdaʊ/

   to provide with a quality, ability, or asset

   The scholarship was established to endow students with the resources they need to succeed in their studies.

   Synonyms: bestow, equip, grant

   Origin: The word 'endow' originates from the Middle English 'endowen', which derives from the Old French 'endouer' and is rooted in the Latin 'induare', meaning 'to provide' or 'to adorn'.

5. appoint · verb/əˈpɔɪnt/

   to assign a job or role to someone

   The board decided to appoint a new manager to lead the project team.

   Synonyms: assign, designate, nominate

   Origin: Middle English 'apointen', from Old French 'apointier', from Latin 'ad punctum', meaning 'to fasten, fix, or agree'.