SAT Vocabulary Level 1 — Set 141

Set 141 of SAT Vocabulary Level 1 covers 5 words: excel, retain, manipulate, reside, circulate. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. excel · verb/ɪkˈsɛl/

   to be exceptionally good at or proficient in an activity or subject

   She tends to excel in mathematics, consistently earning top grades in her class.

   Synonyms: outshine, surpass, excel

   Origin: From Latin 'excellere' which means 'to rise up' or 'to be prominent'.

2. retain · verb/rɪˈteɪn/

   to keep possession of or continue to have something

   It's important for a company to retain customer loyalty in order to succeed in a competitive market.

   Synonyms: keep, maintain, hold

   Origin: from Old French 'retenir' and Latin 'retinere'

3. manipulate · verb/məˈnɪpjʊleɪt/

   to handle or control something skillfully or in a cunning way

   The skilled technician was able to manipulate the intricate machinery with remarkable precision during the demonstration.

   Synonyms: maneuver, exploit, control

   Origin: from Latin 'manipulare', meaning 'to handle', from 'manus' meaning 'hand' and 'pallere' meaning 'to handle' or 'to ply'

4. reside · verb/rɪˈzaɪd/

   to live or be situated in a particular place

   Many families reside in suburban areas to enjoy a quieter lifestyle.

   Synonyms: live, inhabit, dwell

   Origin: From Latin 'residēre' which means 'to sit back' or 'to remain'

5. circulate · verb/ˈsɜr.kjʊ.leɪt/

   to move or cause to move continuously or freely through a closed system or area

   The air conditioning system is designed to circulate cool air throughout the building, ensuring a comfortable environment for all occupants.

   Synonyms: flow, distribute, disperse

   Origin: from Latin 'circulatus', past participle of 'circulare', from 'circulus' meaning 'circle'