lessen, admonish, taunt, gouge, perpetuate: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 2 set 225. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. lessen · verb/ˈlɛs.ən/

   to make or become less in amount, degree, or intensity

   To improve your health, it's important to lessen your intake of processed sugars.

   Synonyms: reduce, decrease, diminish

   Origin: Old English 'lessa', comparativ of 'litt', meaning 'little'

2. admonish · verb/ədˈmɑːnɪʃ/

   to warn or reprimand someone firmly

   The teacher had to admonish the students for talking during the lecture.

   Synonyms: warn, reprimand, caution

   Origin: Middle English from Old French admonir, from Latin admonere 'to warn, advise, remind'

3. taunt · verb/tɔnt/

   to provoke or challenge someone with insulting remarks

   The rival team began to taunt our players as soon as the game started.

   Synonyms: mock, tease, jeer

   Origin: Middle English 'taunten', from Old French 'tant' (to tease) or imitative of sounds associated with teasing.

4. gouge · verb/ɡaʊdʒ/

   to make a deep cut or hole in something

   The carpenter accidentally gouged the wooden plank while trying to shape it with his tools.

   Synonyms: dig, carve, scoop

   Origin: Middle English 'gougen', of uncertain origin

5. perpetuate · verb/pərˈpɛtʃueɪt/

   to cause something to continue or persist indefinitely

   The media often perpetuates stereotypes that can be harmful to society.

   Synonyms: sustain, prolong, maintain

   Origin: From Latin 'perpetuare', meaning 'to make perpetual', from 'perpetuus' meaning 'perpetual'.