devastate, exert, elaborate, absorb, cleanse: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 1 set 134. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. devastate · verb/ˈdɛvəˌsteɪt/

   to cause severe and extensive damage to

   The hurricane is expected to devastate the coastal communities, leaving them in ruins.

   Synonyms: destroy, ruin, ravage

   Origin: from Latin 'devastare', meaning 'to lay waste'; from 'de-' (completely) + 'vastare' (to waste)

2. exert · verb/ɪɡˈzɜrt/

   to apply or bring to bear (a force or influence)

   The scientists had to exert a significant amount of pressure to achieve accurate results in their experiments.

   Synonyms: apply, utilize, exercise

   Origin: from Latin 'exertus', past participle of 'exergere', meaning 'to set in motion, to bring forth'

3. elaborate · verb/ɪˈlæb.ə.reɪt/

   to develop or present an idea in detail

   The researcher was asked to elaborate on her findings during the presentation, providing more details and context to her initial statements.

   Synonyms: expand, develop, clarify

   Origin: from Latin 'elaborare' meaning 'to work out' or 'to work through'

4. absorb · verb/əbˈzɔrb/

   to take in or soak up a substance or idea

   The sponge can easily absorb the spilled water on the kitchen counter.

   Synonyms: inhale, soak up, assimilate

   Origin: from Latin 'absorbere', where 'ab-' means 'from' and 'sorbere' means 'to suck in'.

5. cleanse · verb/klɛnz/

   to make clean or remove impurities from

   To improve her skin health, she decided to cleanse her face every evening to remove impurities.

   Synonyms: purify, clean, detoxify

   Origin: Middle English 'clensen', from Old English 'clǣnsian', from 'clǣne' meaning 'clean'.