warp, pursue, assort, allot, comprise: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 1 set 236. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. warp · verb/wɔrp/

   to twist or bend out of shape

   The extreme heat caused the plastic to warp, making it unusable for its intended purpose.

   Synonyms: twist, distort, bend

   Origin: Middle English 'warpen', from Old English 'weorpan' meaning 'to throw or to cast'.

2. pursue · verb/pərˈsu/

   to follow or chase someone or something in order to catch or achieve

   The police had to pursue the suspect through the crowded streets until they finally caught him.

   Synonyms: chase, follow, seek

   Origin: Middle English 'pursuen', from Old French 'poursuire', from Latin 'pursūere' (to run after)

3. assort · verb/əˈsɔrt/

   to organize or arrange into categories or groups

   We need to assort the books by genre so that customers can easily find what they are looking for.

   Synonyms: categorize, classify, sort

   Origin: derived from Middle French 'assortir', from 'à' (to) + 'sortir' (to sort)

4. allot · verb/əˈlɑt/

   to assign or distribute a portion of something

   The teacher decided to allot extra time for the students to complete their projects.

   Synonyms: allocate, apportion, assign

   Origin: Middle English 'alotten' from Old French 'alotir', from 'a-' (to) + 'lot' (portion)

5. comprise · verb/kəmˈpraɪz/

   to consist of or be made up of

   The committee comprises five members who each represent different departments.

   Synonyms: include, consist of, encompass

   Origin: from Middle French 'comprendre', from Latin 'comprehendere', meaning 'to seize' or 'to grasp'.