conclude, interfere, react, depress, overcome: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 1 set 265. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. conclude · verb/kənˈklud/

   to bring something to an end or to reach a decision or agreement

   After much discussion, the committee decided to conclude the meeting early due to the lack of new information.

   Synonyms: finish, complete, decide

   Origin: from Latin 'concludere', meaning 'to shut up, enclose', from 'con-' (together) + 'cludere' (to close)

2. interfere · verb/ˌɪn.tərˈfɪr/

   to involve oneself in a situation where one is not wanted or has not been invited

   It’s best not to interfere in their personal matters, as they are capable of handling it themselves.

   Synonyms: meddle, intrude, intervene

   Origin: from Latin 'interferre', meaning 'to carry between'

3. react · verb/riˈækt/

   to respond or behave in a particular way in response to something

   When she told him the news, he didn't know how to react, so he remained silent for a moment.

   Synonyms: respond, reply, respond to

   Origin: From Latin 'reactus', past participle of 'reagere', combining 're-' (back) with 'agere' (to do or act).

4. depress · verb/dɪˈprɛs/

   to decrease in amount or intensity

   The new regulations are likely to depress consumer spending due to higher taxes.

   Synonyms: diminish, decrease, reduce

   Origin: Late Latin 'deprimere', meaning 'to press down' (de- 'down' + primere 'to press')

5. overcome · verb/ˌoʊvərˈkʌm/

   to succeed in dealing with a problem or difficulty

   She was determined to overcome her fears and speak in public despite her anxiety.

   Synonyms: conquer, defeat, prevail

   Origin: Middle English, from the prefix 'over-' meaning 'over' and 'come' meaning 'to come'