spawn, perceive, accomplish, embed, allocate: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 1 set 200. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. spawn · verb/spɔn/

   to produce or generate offspring or new entities

   The river's healthy ecosystem allows fish to spawn in large numbers every spring.

   Synonyms: generate, produce, create

   Origin: Middle English 'spawn', from Old French 'espoignier', meaning to produce offspring, from Latin 'spagnare', meaning to shed or give forth.

2. perceive · verb/pərˈsiːv/

   to become aware or conscious of something through the senses

   She can easily perceive the subtle differences in taste between the two dishes.

   Synonyms: discern, detect, recognize

   Origin: Middle English: from Old French perceveir, from Latin percipere, from per- 'through' + capere 'to seize'.

3. accomplish · verb/əˈkɑmplɪʃ/

   to achieve or complete successfully

   Her dedication and hard work allowed her to accomplish her goals in record time.

   Synonyms: achieve, complete, fulfill

   Origin: from Middle English 'accomplišen', from Old French 'accomplir', from Latin 'accomplire' (to fill up, complete), from 'ad-' (to) + 'complere' (to fill up).

4. embed · verb/ɪmˈbɛd/

   to fix an object firmly and deeply in a surrounding mass

   The archaeologists found pottery shards that were embedded in the soil around the ancient site.

   Synonyms: implant, insert, fix

   Origin: Middle English 'embeden', from Old English 'embēodan', meaning 'to place in'.

5. allocate · verb/ˈæləˌkeɪt/

   to distribute resources or duties for a specific purpose

   The manager decided to allocate the budget for marketing campaigns to ensure maximum outreach this quarter.

   Synonyms: assign, distribute, apportion

   Origin: from Latin 'allocare', meaning to assign or allot