propel, reckon, reap, dupe, inflame: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 2 set 223. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. propel · verb/prəˈpɛl/

   to drive or push something forward

   The powerful engine can propel the boat across the water at high speeds.

   Synonyms: drive, push, thrust

   Origin: from Latin 'propellere', meaning 'to drive forward', from 'pro-' (forth) + 'pellere' (to drive or push)

2. reckon · verb/ˈrɛkən/

   to think or suppose something

   I reckon it will rain later, so we should take an umbrella.

   Synonyms: believe, suppose, assume

   Origin: Old English 'recenian', meaning to recount or to tell. The word evolved through Middle English and has been used in its current sense since the late 16th century.

3. reap · verb/rip/

   to gather or harvest a crop or to receive a return or consequence

   Farmers work hard throughout the season to reap a bountiful harvest when the crops are ready.

   Synonyms: gather, harvest, collect

   Origin: Middle English 'repen,' from Old English 'rēopan,' of Germanic origin; related to Dutch 'ruipen' and German 'raufen.'

4. dupe · verb/duːp/

   to deceive or trick someone

   The con artist managed to dupe several unsuspecting victims into investing in a fake scheme.

   Synonyms: fool, deceive, trick

   Origin: The word 'dupe' originates from the French 'duper', which means to deceive or to cheat, derived from the verb 'dupe'.

5. inflame · verb/ɪnˈfleɪm/

   to provoke strong feelings or emotions in someone

   The politician's remarks were designed to inflame public anger over the issue.

   Synonyms: incite, provoke, intensify

   Origin: from Middle English 'enflamen', from Latin 'inflamare' meaning 'to set on fire' or 'to ignite'.