liberate, domesticate, disgruntle, oscillate, administrate: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 2 set 125. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. liberate · verb/ˈlɪbəreɪt/

   to set free from a situation or condition

   The activists worked tirelessly to liberate the oppressed communities from systemic injustice.

   Synonyms: free, release, emancipate

   Origin: The word 'liberate' originates from the Latin 'liberare', which means 'to make free', derived from 'liber', meaning 'free'.

2. domesticate · verb/dəˈmɛstəˌkeɪt/

   to train and breed animals or cultivate plants for human use

   Over thousands of years, humans have learned to domesticate animals such as dogs and cattle for companionship and labor.

   Synonyms: tame, cultivate, train

   Origin: from Latin 'domesticare', meaning 'to make domestic' or 'to tame', derived from 'domus', meaning 'house'

3. disgruntle · verb/dɪsˈɡrʌntl/

   to make someone discontented or dissatisfied

   The changes in the company policy were meant to improve efficiency, but instead they only served to disgruntle many employees.

   Synonyms: dissatisfy, discontent, annoy

   Origin: The word originated from the prefix 'dis-' meaning 'do the opposite of' and 'gruntle,' which is derived from the Middle English 'gruntlen' meaning 'to grumble.'

4. oscillate · verb/ˈɑː.sɪ.leɪt/

   to move or swing back and forth in a regular rhythm

   The pendulum began to oscillate steadily, marking the passage of time with its rhythmic swing.

   Synonyms: swing, fluctuate, alternate

   Origin: From Latin 'oscillare', meaning 'to swing' or 'to sway'.

5. administrate · verb/ədˈmɪnəˌstreɪt/

   to manage and organize the operations and activities of a business, organization, or system

   She was hired to administrate the new project, ensuring that all resources were allocated efficiently.

   Synonyms: manage, oversee, direct

   Origin: from Latin 'administrare', meaning 'to direct or manage', combining 'ad-' meaning 'to' and 'ministrare' meaning 'to serve'