misguide, excavate, vie, trample, parry: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 2 set 21. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. misguide · verb/mɪsˈɡaɪd/

   to lead someone to a wrong or incorrect understanding or course of action

   The misleading advertisement was designed to misguide consumers into thinking they were getting a great deal.

   Synonyms: mislead, deceive, delude

   Origin: The word 'misguide' originates from the prefix 'mis-' meaning wrong or badly, combined with the verb 'guide,' which comes from the Old French 'guider,' derived from the Latin 'guidare,' meaning to lead or direct.

2. excavate · verb/ˈɛks.kə.veɪt/

   to dig out and remove earth or other materials from a site

   The construction crew will excavate the foundation site to prepare for the new building.

   Synonyms: dig, unearth, remove

   Origin: Latin 'excavare', meaning 'to hollow out'; from 'ex-' (out) + 'cavare' (to hollow)

3. vie · verb/vaɪ/

   to compete eagerly with someone in order to achieve something

   The top athletes vie for the championship title each year, showcasing their unparalleled skills and dedication.

   Synonyms: compete, contest, contend

   Origin: From Middle French 'vied', from Latin 'vīdere' meaning 'to see, to strive'.

4. trample · verb/ˈtræm.pəl/

   to step or tread heavily on something or someone causing damage or injury

   The crowd began to trample the flowers in the garden as they rushed to the concert entrance.

   Synonyms: tread, crush, stomp

   Origin: Middle English 'tramplen', from Old French 'trempler', of uncertain origin

5. parry · verb/ˈpɛri/

   to deflect or block an attack or blow in fencing or combat

   The experienced fencer was able to parry her opponent's thrust with remarkable agility.

   Synonyms: deflect, block, counter

   Origin: from Middle English 'parien', derived from Old French 'parer', meaning to defend or ward off