acknowledge, depart, erode, stir, expel: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 1 set 196. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. acknowledge · verb/əkˈnɑːlɪdʒ/

   to recognize the existence or importance of something or someone

   The committee chose to acknowledge the contributions of all members in their final report.

   Synonyms: recognize, admit, accept

   Origin: Middle English: from Old French acloer, based on Latin cognoscere 'to know'.

2. depart · verb/dɪˈpɑrt/

   to leave a place or a situation

   The train will depart from platform 3 at exactly 5 PM.

   Synonyms: leave, exit, go away

   Origin: from Old French 'departer', based on Latin 'departire', meaning to divide or distribute.

3. erode · verb/ɪˈroʊd/

   to gradually wear away or diminish through natural processes

   Heavy rainfall can erode the soil on steep hillsides, leading to landslides.

   Synonyms: wear away, diminish, deteriorate

   Origin: from Latin 'erodere', meaning 'to gnaw away'

4. stir · verb/stɜr/

   to mix or move a substance in a circular motion

   She used a wooden spoon to stir the soup gently, ensuring all the flavors combined.

   Synonyms: mix, blend, agitate

   Origin: Middle English 'styrien', from Old English 'styrigan', meaning to stir up or to cause to move.

5. expel · verb/ɪkˈspɛl/

   to force someone to leave a place or organization

   The school decided to expel the student after repeated violations of the code of conduct.

   Synonyms: remove, oust, eject

   Origin: from Latin 'expellere', where 'ex-' means 'out' and 'pellere' means 'to drive'.