solicit, lure, adhere, tout, investigate: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 1 set 32. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. solicit · verb/səˈlɪsɪt/

   to seek to obtain something from someone

   The charity organization is working to solicit donations from local businesses to support their new outreach program.

   Synonyms: request, seek, ask

   Origin: Middle English 'soliciten', from Old French 'soliciter', from Latin 'sollicitare', meaning 'to disturb, incite, stir up'

2. lure · verb/lʊr/

   to attract or tempt someone to do something

   The advertisement was designed to **lure** customers into the store with promises of great discounts.

   Synonyms: entice, attract, tempt

   Origin: Middle English 'luren,' from Old French 'leuroir,' of uncertain origin

3. adhere · verb/ədˈhɪr/

   to stick fast to something or to follow closely or uphold

   All employees are expected to adhere strictly to the company's safety regulations.

   Synonyms: stick, cling, follow

   Origin: from Latin 'adhaerere', meaning 'to stick to'

4. tout · verb/taʊt/

   to promote or praise something or someone publicly

   The new advertising campaign aims to tout the benefits of the innovative product to potential customers.

   Synonyms: promote, praise, endorse

   Origin: The word 'tout' originates from the late 19th century, possibly from the dialectal English word 'tout,' meaning to look out for or to spy. It is akin to the Scottish 'tout' which means to spy or watch.

5. investigate · verb/ɪnˈvɛstəɡeɪt/

   to examine or inquire into systematically

   The authorities decided to investigate the allegations of fraud in the company.

   Synonyms: examine, inquire, probe

   Origin: from Latin 'investigare', meaning 'to track down, search after'