accompany, contradict, insure, expedite, persist: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 1 set 65. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. accompany · verb/əˈkʌmpəˌni/

   to go along with or be associated with

   The sound of laughter will often accompany a good joke.

   Synonyms: escort

   Origin: from Middle French 'accompagner', from 'a-' (to) + 'compagner' (to accompany), from 'compagne' (companion)

2. contradict · verb/ˌkɑntrəˈdɪkt/

   to assert the opposite of a statement or claim

   The witness started to contradict his own testimony during the trial, leaving everyone confused about the facts.

   Synonyms: deny, dispute, oppose

   Origin: from Latin 'contradicere', which is a combination of 'contra' meaning 'against' and 'dicere' meaning 'to speak'.

3. insure · verb/ɪnˈʃʊr/

   to protect against risk or loss by means of an insurance policy

   To protect their assets, they decided to insure their home against natural disasters.

   Synonyms: guarantee, cover, protect

   Origin: Middle English 'en-('to cause to be') + shure (from Old French 'seure', meaning 'secure')

4. expedite · verb/ˈɛk.spə.daɪt/

   to make an action or process happen sooner or be accomplished more quickly

   To ensure timely delivery, the manager decided to expedite the approval process for the new project.

   Synonyms: hasten, accelerate, facilitate

   Origin: from Latin 'expeditus', meaning 'unimpeded' or 'made free', from 'ex' (out) + 'peditus' (foot, hindrance)

5. persist · verb/pərˈsɪst/

   to continue firmly in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition

   Despite numerous setbacks, she decided to persist with her studies until she graduated.

   Synonyms: continue, endure, persevere

   Origin: from Latin 'persistere', meaning 'to stand firm or be steadfast'; 'per-' meaning 'through' + 'sistere' meaning 'to stand'