SAT Vocabulary Level 2 — Set 17

Set 17 of SAT Vocabulary Level 2 covers 5 words: regain, subdue, deduce, taper, extrapolate. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. regain · verb/rɪˈɡeɪn/

   to obtain possession of something once lost

   After months of physical therapy, she was able to regain her strength and return to her regular activities.

   Synonyms: recover, reclaim, retrieve

   Origin: Middle English 'regainen', from Old French 'regagner', from Latin 'reganare' (to gain again), combining 're-' (again) and 'ganare' (to gain)

2. subdue · verb/səbˈdu/

   to bring under control or to overcome by force

   The police were called in to subdue the unruly crowd during the protest.

   Synonyms: conquer, tame, vanquish

   Origin: Late Middle English: from Old French 'subduire', from Latin 'subducere', meaning 'to lead away' or 'to take away' (sub- 'from below' + ducere 'to lead').

3. deduce · verb/dɪˈdus/

   to draw a conclusion or make an inference based on evidence or reasoning

   From the evidence presented in the case, the detective was able to deduce the identity of the suspect.

   Synonyms: infer, conclude, derive

   Origin: from Latin 'deducere', meaning 'to lead down, bring down, derive'

4. taper · verb/ˈteɪ.pɚ/

   to gradually decrease in thickness, amount, or intensity

   As the candle burned, the flame began to taper down, producing less light with each passing hour.

   Synonyms: diminish, lessen, reduce

   Origin: Middle English taperen, from Old French taper, from Latin tapere, meaning to taper or narrow.

5. extrapolate · verb/ɪkˈstræpəˌleɪt/

   to infer or estimate by extending or projecting known information

   Based on the current trends, we can extrapolate future sales figures for the upcoming quarter.

   Synonyms: infer, estimate, deduce

   Origin: from Latin 'extrapolare', from 'extra-' meaning 'outside' and 'polare' meaning 'to set or fix'