SAT Vocabulary Level 1 — Set 285

Set 285 of SAT Vocabulary Level 1 covers 5 words: exploit, tolerate, envision, pierce, compensate. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. exploit · verb/ɪkˈsplɔɪt/

   to make full use of and benefit from something, typically in a way that is unfair or unethical

   The company decided to exploit cheap labor in developing countries to maximize its profits.

   Synonyms: utilize, leverage, capitalize

   Origin: Late Middle English: from Latin 'exploitare', which means 'to unfold' or 'to achieve', from 'ex-' meaning 'out' and 'plicare' meaning 'to fold'.

2. tolerate · verb/ˈtɑːləˌreɪt/

   to allow the existence or occurrence of something without interference

   The teacher decided to tolerate different opinions in the classroom to encourage open discussion among students.

   Synonyms: endure, permit, bear

   Origin: from Latin 'tolerare', meaning 'to bear' or 'to endure'

3. envision · verb/ɪnˈvɪʒ.ən/

   to imagine or visualize something as a future possibility

   She could easily envision a future where technology would seamlessly integrate into our daily lives.

   Synonyms: imagine, visualize, foresee

   Origin: The word 'envision' comes from the prefix 'en-' meaning 'to cause to be' and the noun 'vision' from the Latin 'visio', which means 'sight' or 'seeing'.

4. pierce · verb/pɪrs/

   to cut or make a hole in something with a sharp object

   The sharp knife can easily pierce the thick skin of the fruit.

   Synonyms: puncture, penetrate, stab

   Origin: Middle English 'piercen', from Old French 'percer', of unknown origin.

5. compensate · verb/ˈkɑːmpənseɪt/

   to make up for or offset something that is lacking or has been lost

   The company decided to compensate its employees for the extra hours they worked during the busy season.

   Synonyms: recompense, offset, atone

   Origin: from Latin 'compensare', meaning 'to weigh against, to counterbalance'