entertain, emulate, characterize, confine, append: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 1 set 151. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. entertain · verb/ˌɛntəˈteɪn/

   to hold the attention of someone by being interesting or fun

   The magician's incredible tricks always entertain the audience during the show.

   Synonyms: amuse, engage, divert

   Origin: from Old French 'entretenir', meaning 'to hold among', derived from Latin 'intertenere', where 'inter-' means 'among' and 'tenere' means 'to hold'.

2. emulate · verb/ˈɛm.jə.leɪt/

   to strive to equal or excel by imitating

   Many young athletes strive to emulate their sports heroes by adopting their training routines and dedication.

   Synonyms: imitate, mimic

   Origin: from Latin 'aemulatus', the past participle of 'aemulari', meaning 'to strive to equal or excel'

3. characterize · verb/ˈkɛrɪktəraɪz/

   to describe the distinctive qualities or features of something

   The artist's use of color and texture characterize her unique style, making her paintings instantly recognizable.

   Synonyms: depict, describe, define

   Origin: The word 'characterize' comes from the late Middle English 'characterisien', derived from the late Latin 'characterizare', which stems from the Greek 'kharaktēr', meaning 'a mark or engraving'.

4. confine · verb/kənˈfaɪn/

   to limit or restrict within a certain area or boundary

   The new regulations will confine the use of plastic bags to certain areas of the city.

   Synonyms: restrict, limit, bound

   Origin: from Middle English 'confinien', from Latin 'confinare', meaning 'to end, limit, confine', from 'con-' (together) + 'finis' (end, boundary)

5. append · verb/əˈpɛnd/

   to add something as an attachment or supplement

   Please append the necessary documents to your application before submission.

   Synonyms: attach, add, join

   Origin: from Latin 'appendere', meaning 'to hang upon', from 'ad-' (to) + 'pendere' (to hang)