grill, dissemination, haven, uncertainty, legacy: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 1 set 96. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. grill · noun/ɡrɪl/

   a device for cooking food over direct heat

   We decided to fire up the grill for a barbecue party in the backyard.

   Synonyms: barbecue, broiler, cooker

   Origin: Middle English 'grille' meaning 'grating' or 'gridiron', from Old French 'grille', from Latin 'craticula' meaning 'grating, grid'.

2. dissemination · noun/dɪsˈɛmɪˌneɪʃən/

   the act of spreading something widely especially information or knowledge

   The dissemination of information is crucial for public awareness during a health crisis.

   Synonyms: distribution, diffusion, circulation

   Origin: from Latin 'disseminatio', from 'disseminare' meaning 'to sow widely'

3. haven · noun/ˈheɪ.vən/

   a place of safety or refuge

   The quiet library served as a haven for students seeking refuge from the chaos of campus life.

   Synonyms: refuge, shelter, sanctuary

   Origin: From Old English 'hæfen', meaning a port or harbor; related to the German 'Hafen'.

4. uncertainty · noun/ʌnˈsɜrtənti/

   the state of being unsure or having doubt about something

   The uncertainty surrounding the election results left many voters feeling anxious about the future.

   Synonyms: doubt, ambiguity, indecision

   Origin: From Middle English 'uncertainté', from Old French 'incertainté', from Latin 'incertus' (meaning uncertain).

5. legacy · noun/ˈlɛɡəsi/

   something handed down from an ancestor or predecessor

   The scientist's groundbreaking research left a profound legacy in the field of genetics.

   Synonyms: heritage, inheritance, bequest

   Origin: from Latin 'legatia', meaning 'delegation, commission', which is derived from 'legare', meaning 'to send as a deputy or to appoint'.