engulf, interrelate, dissatisfy, necessitate, ratify: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 2 set 25. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. engulf · verb/ɪnˈɡʌlf/

   to surround or cover completely

   The forest fire began to engulf everything in its path, leaving nothing but ashes behind.

   Synonyms: envelop, immerse, swallow

   Origin: The word 'engulf' originates from the Middle English 'engulfen', which is a blend of 'en-' (to cause to be) and 'gulfen' (to swallow), derived from the Old Norse 'gulf', meaning 'to swallow'.

2. interrelate · verb/ˌɪntərɪˈleɪt/

   to have a mutual or reciprocal relationship

   The study aims to explore how social factors interrelate with economic conditions in urban areas.

   Synonyms: interconnect, correlate, relate

   Origin: The word 'interrelate' is composed of the prefix 'inter-' meaning 'between' or 'among', and 'relate' which comes from the Latin 'relatus', the past participle of 'referre', meaning 'to bring back'. The term has been in use since the early 20th century.

3. dissatisfy · verb/dɪsˈsætɪsfaɪ/

   to fail to satisfy or meet expectations

   The restaurant's service did not meet our expectations, which ultimately dissatisfies us with our dining experience.

   Synonyms: displease, disappoint, frustrate

   Origin: The word 'dissatisfy' is formed from the prefix 'dis-' meaning 'not' and 'satisfy,' which comes from the Latin 'satis' meaning 'enough' and 'facere' meaning 'to make.'

4. necessitate · verb/nəˈsɛsɪˌteɪt/

   to make something necessary or unavoidable

   The new safety regulations necessitate changes to our existing protocols.

   Synonyms: require, entail, mandate

   Origin: from Latin 'necessitare', meaning 'to make necessary'

5. ratify · verb/ˈræt.ɪ.faɪ/

   to formally approve or confirm something, often in a legal context

   The Senate voted to ratify the treaty between the two countries, ensuring its legal validity.

   Synonyms: approve, confirm, endorse

   Origin: The word 'ratify' originates from the Latin 'ratificare', which combines 'ratus' (meaning 'approved' or 'fixed') with 'facere' (meaning 'to make' or 'to do').