deserve, dispatch, disregard, ruin, apologize: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 1 set 313. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. deserve · verb/dɪˈzɜrv/

   to be worthy of or entitled to something based on actions or qualities

   She worked tirelessly on the project, and she truly deserves recognition for her efforts.

   Synonyms: merit, earn, warrant

   Origin: Middle English deserven, from Old French deservir, from Latin deservire to serve well

2. dispatch · verb/dɪsˈpætʃ/

   to send off to a destination or for a purpose

   The company will dispatch the ordered products within 24 hours to ensure timely delivery.

   Synonyms: send, ship, transmit

   Origin: from Middle French 'despatcher', originating from Latin 'dis' + 'patiare' meaning 'to make ready'.

3. disregard · noun/ˌdɪs.rɪˈɡɑrd/

   lack of consideration or attention for something

   His disregard for the safety regulations put everyone's lives at risk.

   Synonyms: neglect, indifference, contempt

   Origin: Middle English 'disregarde', from Old French 'desregarder', meaning to 'look away from', consisting of 'dis-' (a prefix indicating negation) and 'regarder' (to look at).

4. ruin · noun/ˈruː.ɪn/

   the state of being destroyed or damaged beyond repair

   The old castle fell into ruin after decades of neglect, leaving only crumbling walls and overgrown gardens.

   Synonyms: wreckage, devastation, collapse

   Origin: from Old French 'ruine', from Latin 'ruina', from 'ruere' meaning 'to fall or be wrecked'

5. apologize · verb/əˈpɑː.lə.dʒaɪz/

   to express regret or sorrow for having offended, failed, or injured someone

   I want to apologize for my rude behavior during the meeting.

   Synonyms: regret, excuse, beg pardon

   Origin: From Middle French 'apologier', from Latin 'apologiare', meaning 'to speak in defense'.