mourn, elapse, simulate, conceive, embark: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 1 set 79. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. mourn · verb/mɔrn/

   to feel or express deep sadness or grief, typically due to someone's death

   The community gathered to mourn the loss of their beloved leader, who had dedicated his life to helping others.

   Synonyms: grieve, sorrow, weep

   Origin: Middle English 'mournen', from Old French 'morn(er)', from Latin 'mournere', from 'morari' meaning 'to delay, linger, grieve'.

2. elapse · verb/ɪˈlæps/

   to pass or go by, often referring to time

   As we sat on the beach, hours seemed to elapse without us even noticing.

   Synonyms: pass, go by, transpire

   Origin: From Latin 'elapsus', the past participle of 'elabi', meaning 'to slip away'.

3. simulate · verb/ˈsɪmjuˌleɪt/

   to imitate the appearance or character of something for the purpose of study or training

   The researchers used advanced software to simulate different environmental conditions for their experiments.

   Synonyms: imitation, emulate, replicate

   Origin: from Latin 'simulatus', the past participle of 'simulare', meaning 'to make like' or 'to feign'

4. conceive · verb/kənˈsiv/

   to form or devise a plan or idea in the mind

   The team managed to conceive a groundbreaking strategy for increasing sales in the upcoming quarter.

   Synonyms: devise, formulate, imagine

   Origin: from Old French 'concevoir', from Latin 'concipere', meaning 'to seize, take in'.

5. embark · verb/ɪmˈbɑrk/

   to begin a journey or project

   After months of planning, we will finally embark on our long-awaited journey to Europe.

   Synonyms: begin, start, commence

   Origin: The word 'embark' comes from the Middle French 'embarquer', which means 'to put on board a ship', from 'en-' (in) + 'barque' (barque, a small ship or boat).