commend, escalate, bluff, fuse, energize: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 1 set 129. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. commend · verb/kəˈmɛnd/

   to praise formally or officially

   The committee decided to commend the volunteers for their outstanding service during the event.

   Synonyms: praise, acclaim, applaud

   Origin: From Latin 'commendare', meaning to entrust or suggest, from 'com-' (altogether) + 'mandare' (to order)

2. escalate · verb/ˈɛskəleɪt/

   to increase in intensity or magnitude

   As tensions between the two countries continued to escalate, diplomatic efforts were urgently needed to prevent a conflict.

   Synonyms: intensify, increase, expand

   Origin: The word 'escalate' originated in the mid-20th century from the term 'escalator', derived from Latin 'scala' meaning 'ladder'.

3. bluff · verb/blʌf/

   to deceive someone into believing something is true or real

   He tried to bluff his way through the interview by pretending he had more experience than he actually did.

   Synonyms: coax, deceive, swindle

   Origin: The word 'bluff' comes from the Dutch 'bluffen', meaning to boast or to brag, which evolved in English usage relating to deceiving or misleading.

4. fuse · verb/fjuːz/

   to join or blend together by melting or combining heat

   The artist decided to fuse glass and metal to create a stunning piece of sculpture.

   Synonyms: melt, amalgamate, blend

   Origin: from Latin 'fusere', meaning 'to pour out'

5. energize · verb/ˈɛnərˌdʒaɪz/

   to give energy or vitality to

   A morning workout can really energize your body and mind for the day ahead.

   Synonyms: invigorate, stimulate, revive

   Origin: The word 'energize' comes from the Greek word 'energeia', meaning 'activity' or 'operation', originally derived from 'energos', meaning 'active' or 'working'.