endure, accommodate, loom, crave, amuse: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 1 set 6. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. endure · verb/ɪnˈdʊr/

   to suffer through or tolerate something difficult or painful

   Despite the harsh winter conditions, the villagers had to endure the freezing temperatures and lack of supplies.

   Synonyms: withstand, tolerate, bear

   Origin: from Latin 'indurare', meaning 'to harden', from 'in-' (in) + 'durare' (to harden, last)

2. accommodate · verb/əˈkɑːməˌdeɪt/

   to provide space for someone or something or to adapt to someone's needs

   The new office building was designed to accommodate a larger workforce, ensuring everyone had their space.

   Synonyms: house, fit

   Origin: from Latin 'accommodare', meaning 'to make fit, adjust' (ad- 'to' + commodare 'to make fit, provide').

3. loom · verb/lum/

   to appear as a large, often vague or ominous shape

   As the storm clouds gathered, a dark shape began to loom on the horizon, signaling the impending downpour.

   Synonyms: emerge, materialize, appear

   Origin: Middle English "lumen", from Old English "lōmian", meaning to appear or to become visible.

4. crave · verb/kreɪv/

   to have a strong desire for something

   After a long day of work, I often crave a relaxing evening with a good book.

   Synonyms: desire, want, long for

   Origin: Middle English 'craven', from Old English 'crafian' meaning to demand or to seek.

5. amuse · verb/əˈmjuz/

   to entertain or make someone laugh

   The comedian's jokes never fail to amuse the audience during his performances.

   Synonyms: entertain, delight, divert

   Origin: Middle French 'amuser', from 'a-' (to) + 'muser' (to waste time).