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pledge

noun/plɛdʒ/

definition

a solemn promise or commitment to do or refrain from doing something

example

The organization made a public pledge to reduce carbon emissions by 50% over the next decade.

synonyms
promisecommitmentvow
word origin — Middle English 'plegge', from Old French 'plege' meaning 'to pledge or promise', which is derived from the Latin 'plicare' meaning 'to fold'.

SAT Vocabulary Level 1 — Set 143

Set 143 of SAT Vocabulary Level 1 covers 5 words: pledge, nutrient, canyon, maxim, tradition. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

  1. pledge · noun/plɛdʒ/

    a solemn promise or commitment to do or refrain from doing something

    The organization made a public pledge to reduce carbon emissions by 50% over the next decade.

    Synonyms: promise, commitment, vow

    Origin: Middle English 'plegge', from Old French 'plege' meaning 'to pledge or promise', which is derived from the Latin 'plicare' meaning 'to fold'.

  2. nutrient · noun/ˈnuː.tri.ənt/

    a substance that provides nourishment essential for growth and the maintenance of life

    Leafy green vegetables are rich in essential nutrients that support overall health.

    Synonyms: nourishment, sustenance, food

    Origin: derived from the Latin 'nutriens', present participle of 'nutrire', meaning 'to nourish'

  3. canyon · noun/ˈkæn.jən/

    a deep ravine between cliffs often carved from the landscape by a river

    The Grand Canyon is one of the most breathtaking canyons in the world, attracting millions of visitors each year.

    Synonyms: gorge, ravine, abyss

    Origin: The word 'canyon' comes from the Spanish word 'cañón', meaning 'tube' or 'pipe', which in turn derives from the Latin 'canna' meaning 'reed'.

  4. maxim · noun/ˈmæksɪm/

    a general principle or rule of conduct

    The maxim 'treat others as you want to be treated' serves as a guiding principle in many cultures.

    Synonyms: principle, rule, axiom

    Origin: from Latin 'maxima', meaning 'largest, greatest' (feminine form of 'maximus')

  5. tradition · noun/trəˈdɪʃ.ən/

    a long-established custom or belief that is passed down from generation to generation

    Every year, our family gathers for a reunion to celebrate the tradition of sharing stories from our ancestors.

    Synonyms: custom, practice, convention

    Origin: from Middle French 'tradition', from Latin 'traditio', meaning 'to hand over, to deliver'.