SAT Vocabulary Level 2 — Set 156

Set 156 of SAT Vocabulary Level 2 covers 5 words: horrify, abridge, belie, ordain, refute. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. horrify · verb/ˈhɔːrəˌfaɪ/

   to cause a feeling of shock or strong fear

   The news report horrified the community, revealing details about the tragic accident that claimed several lives.

   Synonyms: shock, appall, terrify

   Origin: from Latin 'horrificare,' meaning 'to tremble, shudder' (from 'horrere,' meaning 'to shudder')

2. abridge · verb/əˈbrɪdʒ/

   to shorten a text or piece of writing while retaining its essential elements

   The publisher decided to abridge the lengthy novel to make it more accessible for young readers.

   Synonyms: shorten, truncate, condense

   Origin: from Middle English 'abridgen', from Old French 'abriger', from Latin 'abbreviare', meaning 'to shorten'

3. belie · verb/bɪˈlaɪ/

   to contradict or show something to be false

   His calm demeanor belies the chaos he feels inside.

   Synonyms: contradict, disprove, deny

   Origin: Middle English 'belyen', from Old English 'beleġen', meaning 'to deceive, lie about'.

4. ordain · verb/ɔrˈdeɪn/

   to officially declare someone to a sacred office or position

   The bishop will ordain new priests during the ceremony this weekend.

   Synonyms: consecrate, appoint, sanctify

   Origin: From Latin 'ordinare', meaning 'to arrange, set in order'.

5. refute · verb/rɪˈfjuːt/

   to prove that something is false or wrong

   The scientist conducted a series of experiments to refute the claim that the drug was ineffective.

   Synonyms: disprove, rebut, contradict

   Origin: from Latin 'refutare', meaning 'to repel, drive back' (re- + -futare 'to beat, strike')