SAT Vocabulary Level 1 — Set 186

Set 186 of SAT Vocabulary Level 1 covers 5 words: commence, prescribe, betray, induce, compete. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. commence · verb/kəˈmɛns/

   to begin or start something

   The event will commence at 10 AM, so please arrive early to find your seats.

   Synonyms: start, begin, initiate

   Origin: from Old French 'comencier' (to begin), based on Latin 'cominitiare' (to initiate, begin).

2. prescribe · verb/prɪˈskraɪb/

   to recommend or authorize the use of something, especially in a medical context

   The doctor decided to prescribe a new medication to help manage the patient's chronic pain.

   Synonyms: recommend, dictate, authorize

   Origin: from Latin 'praescribere', meaning 'to write before', from 'prae-' meaning 'before' and 'scribere' meaning 'to write'.

3. betray · verb/bɪˈtreɪ/

   to be disloyal to someone or something by revealing secrets or breaking trust

   She felt he would betray their friendship if he shared her secrets with others.

   Synonyms: betray, double-cross, backstab

   Origin: Middle English 'betrayen', from Old French 'betrayer', from Latin 'tradere', meaning 'to hand over'

4. induce · verb/ɪnˈdus/

   to cause something to happen or bring about

   The scientist conducted experiments to induce a reaction in the chemical mixture.

   Synonyms: cause, instigate, bring about

   Origin: From Latin 'inducere', meaning 'to lead in, bring in; induce'.

5. compete · verb/kəmˈpiːt/

   to strive against others to achieve a goal or win something

   The two companies compete fiercely for market share in the technology sector.

   Synonyms: contend, vie, contest

   Origin: from Latin 'competere', meaning 'to strive together'.