reiterate, inaugurate, hallow, sharpen, foresee: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 2 set 270. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. reiterate · verb/rɪˈɪtəˌreɪt/

   to say or do something again or repeatedly

   During the meeting, the manager had to reiterate her instructions for the project to ensure everyone understood their responsibilities.

   Synonyms: repeat, recapitulate, iterate

   Origin: from Latin 'reiterare', which combines 're-' (again) and 'iterare' (to repeat)

2. inaugurate · verb/ɪˈnɔɡjʊˌreɪt/

   to mark the beginning of an institution or activity with a formal ceremony

   The mayor will inaugurate the new community center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony next week.

   Synonyms: commence, initiate, launch

   Origin: from Latin 'inauguratus', past participle of 'inaugurare', meaning 'to take omens from (the flight of birds)'

3. hallow · verb/ˈhæloʊ/

   to make holy or sacred

   The community gathered to hallow the new church, honoring its spiritual significance in their lives.

   Synonyms: sanctify, consecrate, bless

   Origin: Middle English 'halwen', from Old English 'hālgaian', meaning 'to make holy'.

4. sharpen · verb/ˈʃɑrpən/

   to make or become sharp or sharper

   I need to **sharpen** my kitchen knives so they can cut through vegetables more easily.

   Synonyms: hone, grind, whet

   Origin: Old English 'scepðan', meaning to make sharp or pointed, from Proto-Germanic *skaihpōną

5. foresee · verb/fɔrˈsi/

   to anticipate or predict a future event or situation

   The scientists can foresee potential climate changes over the next decade, urging immediate action to mitigate their impact.

   Synonyms: predict, anticipate, vision

   Origin: Middle English 'forseen', from Old English 'forseon', consisting of 'for-' meaning 'before' and 'seon' meaning 'to see'.