interact, commemorate, reinforce, tempt, elevate: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 1 set 180. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. interact · verb/ˌɪn.təˈrækt/

   to act upon or influence each other

   In a group project, it's important for team members to interact effectively to achieve common goals.

   Synonyms: communicate, engage, connect

   Origin: The word 'interact' comes from the Latin 'inter-' meaning 'between' and 'agere' meaning 'to act'.

2. commemorate · verb/kəˈmɛm.ə.reɪt/

   to honor the memory of someone or something with a ceremony or memorial

   Every year, we gather at the park to commemorate those who lost their lives in the war.

   Synonyms: memorialize, celebrate, honor

   Origin: from Latin 'commemorare', meaning 'to call to memory', from 'com-' (together) + 'memor' (mindful)

3. reinforce · verb/ˌriː.ɪnˈfɔrs/

   to strengthen or support an idea, behavior, or structure

   The teacher used various activities to reinforce the students' understanding of the concept.

   Synonyms: support, strengthen, bolster

   Origin: from Middle French 'renforcer', from 're-' meaning 'again' + 'forcer' meaning 'to force'

4. tempt · verb/tɛmpt/

   to entice someone to do something they might find wrong or unwise

   Despite knowing it was against the rules, she felt tempted to cheat on the exam after seeing her classmates do the same.

   Synonyms: entice, lure, attract

   Origin: Middle English, from Old French 'templer', from Latin 'temptare', meaning 'to try or test'

5. elevate · verb/ˈɛlɪveɪt/

   to raise or lift to a higher position or level

   The new marketing strategy aims to elevate brand awareness among younger consumers.

   Synonyms: raise, lift, hoist

   Origin: From Latin 'elevare', meaning 'to lift up'