The two runners kept abreast throughout the race, pushing each other to maintain their speed.
synonyms
alongsidetogetherbeside
word origin — From Old English 'abrest', meaning 'side by side', derived from 'a-' (on, in) and 'brest' (breast, side).
SAT Vocabulary Level 2 — Set 288
Set 288 of SAT Vocabulary Level 2 covers 5 words: abreast, hitherto, heretofore, aloft, downright. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.
abreast · adverb/əˈbrɛst/
in a line next to or alongside each other
The two runners kept abreast throughout the race, pushing each other to maintain their speed.
Synonyms: alongside, together, beside
Origin: From Old English 'abrest', meaning 'side by side', derived from 'a-' (on, in) and 'brest' (breast, side).
hitherto · adverb/ˈhɪðərˌtu/
up to this time or until now
The research has revealed hitherto unknown species in the deep ocean.
Synonyms: so far, thus far, until now
Origin: from Old English 'hīðer' meaning 'to this place' + 'to' (as in direction or time)
heretofore · adverb/ˌhɪr.ɪtəˈfɔr/
up to this time or until now
Heretofore, the committee had not received any complaints regarding the new policy.
Synonyms: previously, formerly, until now
Origin: The term 'heretofore' originates from Middle English 'her to fore,' meaning 'here before' or 'before this.'
aloft · adverb/əˈlɔft/
in the air or at a height
The kite soared aloft, dancing gracefully in the blue sky.
Synonyms: above, overhead, in the air
Origin: Middle English 'aloft', from 'a-' (in the sense of 'on, in, or at') + 'loft' (meaning 'high, upper, or above')
downright · adverb/ˈdaʊnraɪt/
utterly or completely
His refusal to help was downright rude, showing a complete lack of consideration for others.
Synonyms: utterly, completely, totally
Origin: from 'down' + 'right', suggesting something is straight down or completely so