SAT Vocabulary Level 1 — Set 309

Set 309 of SAT Vocabulary Level 1 covers 5 words: admire, contaminate, cite, contend, bore. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. admire · verb/ədˈmaɪr/

   to regard with respect or warm approval

   I truly admire her dedication to helping others in need.

   Synonyms: appreciate, esteem, respect

   Origin: The word 'admire' originates from the Latin 'admirari', which means 'to wonder at' or 'to regard with awe'.

2. contaminate · verb/kənˈtæm.ɪˌneɪt/

   to make something impure or harmful by exposure to a substance

   Industrial waste can easily contaminate the local water supply, posing serious health risks to the community.

   Synonyms: pollute, taint, spoil

   Origin: The word 'contaminate' comes from the Latin 'contaminare', which is a compound of 'con-' meaning 'together with' and 'tagere', which means 'to touch'.

3. cite · verb/saɪt/

   to mention or refer to as a source of information or evidence

   In her research paper, she decided to cite several studies that support her hypothesis.

   Synonyms: quote, reference, mention

   Origin: from Latin 'citare', meaning 'to call, summon, or cite'.

4. contend · verb/kənˈtɛnd/

   to assert or maintain an opinion in a debate or argument

   In the debate, she will contend that renewable energy sources are essential for a sustainable future.

   Synonyms: argue, assert, maintain

   Origin: Middle English, from Latin 'contendere', meaning 'to strain together, contend, strive, or argue'.

5. bore · verb/bɔr/

   to make someone feel weary and uninterested

   The lecture on quantum physics really **bored** the students who expected a more interactive session.

   Synonyms: weary, dull, tire

   Origin: The word 'bore' originates from the Old English 'beran,' meaning 'to carry' and later came to signify 'to make someone weary or uninterested' in the late 18th century.