insulate, oppose, amplify, aggravate, orient: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 1 set 312. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. insulate · verb/ˈɪn.sə.leɪt/

   to protect something by surrounding it with material that prevents the passage of heat, electricity, or sound

   To improve energy efficiency, they decided to insulate the walls of their home with a thick layer of foam.

   Synonyms: protect, shield, isolate

   Origin: from Latin 'insulatus', meaning 'made into an island', from 'insula' meaning 'island'

2. oppose · verb/əˈpoʊz/

   to resist or act against something

   Many residents oppose the construction of the new highway, citing concerns about traffic and pollution.

   Synonyms: resist, counter, challenge

   Origin: from Latin 'opponere', meaning 'to place against'

3. amplify · verb/ˈæmplɪfaɪ/

   to increase the volume or intensity of something

   The sound technician used a microphone to amplify the singer's voice during the performance.

   Synonyms: boost, increase, enhance

   Origin: from Latin 'amplificare', meaning 'to enlarge, increase, or amplify'

4. aggravate · verb/ˈæɡrəˌveɪt/

   to make a problem or situation worse or more serious

   Failing to address the underlying issues will only aggravate the problem in the long run.

   Synonyms: exacerbate, worsen, intensify

   Origin: from Latin 'aggravare', meaning 'to make heavier or more serious', from 'ad-' (to) + 'gravare' (to weigh down)

5. orient · verb/ɔr.i.ɛnt/

   to determine the position or direction of something

   Before starting the hike, we used a map and compass to orient ourselves in the dense forest.

   Synonyms: adjust, position, align

   Origin: from Middle French 'orienter', from Latin 'orientare', from 'oriri' meaning 'to rise' (specifically referring to the rising sun in the east)