SAT Vocabulary Level 2 — Set 291

Set 291 of SAT Vocabulary Level 2 covers 5 words: obsess, meditate, subsidize, spar, curtail. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. obsess · verb/əbˈsɛs/

   to preoccupy or fill the mind of someone to an excessive degree

   She tends to obsess over every detail of her work, worrying if it's perfect enough.

   Synonyms: preoccupy, consume, engage

   Origin: The word 'obsess' originates from the Latin 'obsidere,' which means 'to besiege' or 'to sit before,' composed of 'ob-' (before) and 'sidere' (to sit).

2. meditate · verb/ˈmɛdəˌteɪt/

   to focus the mind for a period of time for religious or spiritual purposes or as a method of relaxation

   Every morning, I take a few minutes to meditate and clear my mind before starting the day.

   Synonyms: contemplate, ponder, reflect

   Origin: from Latin 'meditari', meaning 'to think, contemplate, or ponder'

3. subsidize · verb/ˈsʌb.sɪ.daɪz/

   to assist or support financially

   The government decided to subsidize public transportation to make it more affordable for residents.

   Synonyms: finance, sponsor, support

   Origin: From Latin 'subsidium', meaning 'help' or 'support'

4. spar · verb/spɑr/

   to engage in a practice fight or argument

   The two boxers decided to spar in the ring to prepare for their upcoming match.

   Synonyms: duel, box, tussle

   Origin: The word 'spar' comes from the late Middle English 'sperren', which means to practice fighting, deriving from the obsolete Dutch word 'sperren', meaning to protect or defend.

5. curtail · verb/kɹˈteɪl/

   to reduce in extent or quantity

   To save costs, the company had to curtail its marketing expenses this quarter.

   Synonyms: reduce, limit, diminish

   Origin: Middle English 'curtailen', from Old French 'cortailer', which means to cut short; from 'court' (of a horse) + the suffix '-ail' (to cut).