SAT Vocabulary Level 2 — Set 109

Set 109 of SAT Vocabulary Level 2 covers 5 words: overshadow, inscribe, radiate, revolutionize, chafe. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. overshadow · verb/oʊvərˈʃædoʊ/

   to appear more important or significant than someone or something else

   Her brilliant performance overshadowed the skills of her competitors, making her the clear favorite to win the competition.

   Synonyms: overwhelm, eclipse, dominate

   Origin: Middle English, from Old English 'oferscēawian', meaning to cast a shadow over or obscure.

2. inscribe · verb/ɪnˈskraɪb/

   to write or engrave words or symbols on a surface

   The artist decided to inscribe a heartfelt message on the inside of the wedding band.

   Synonyms: engrave, etch, write

   Origin: From Latin 'inscribere', where 'in-' means 'in, on' and 'scribere' means 'to write'.

3. radiate · verb/ˈreɪ.di.eɪt/

   to emit or spread out from a central point

   The sun began to radiate warmth, spreading its pleasant heat across the beach.

   Synonyms: emit, spread, disperse

   Origin: from Latin 'radiatus', the past participle of 'radiare', meaning 'to emit rays'

4. revolutionize · verb/ˌrɛvəˈluʃəˌnaɪz/

   to bring about a significant change or transformation in a particular field or area

   The introduction of electric vehicles is set to revolutionize the automotive industry by reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

   Synonyms: transform, innovate, overhaul

   Origin: from the Latin 'revolutio', meaning 'a rolling back', from 'revolvere', meaning 'to roll back'

5. chafe · verb/tʃeɪf/

   to irritate or rub against the skin causing discomfort

   After hiking for several hours, my backpack began to chafe against my shoulders, causing discomfort.

   Synonyms: irritate, rub, abrade

   Origin: From Old French 'chaufer', meaning 'to warm, heat', from Latin 'calefacere', meaning 'to make warm'