SAT Vocabulary Level 2 — Set 3

Set 3 of SAT Vocabulary Level 2 covers 5 words: befall, mottle, bustle, secrete, broach. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. befall · verb/bɪˈfɔl/

   to happen to or occur to someone or something

   It is uncertain what may befall us if we take this path.

   Synonyms: occur, happen, transpire

   Origin: Middle English 'befallen', from Old English 'befallan', meaning 'to fall upon or happen to'

2. mottle · verb/ˈmɑː.təl/

   to mark with spots or blotches of color or shades

   The artist decided to mottle the canvas with various shades of blue and green to create an oceanic effect.

   Synonyms: blotch, speckle, spot

   Origin: Middle English 'mottlen', from 'mott' meaning a spot or blotch, of uncertain origin.

3. bustle · verb/ˈbʌs.əl/

   move in an energetic or noisy manner

   As the market opened, shoppers began to bustle around, eager to find the best deals.

   Synonyms: hustle, scurry, scamper

   Origin: Middle English 'bustlen', possibly from Old French 'bocler' meaning to bustle about.

4. secrete · verb/sɪˈkrit/

   to produce and release a substance from a cell or gland

   The pancreas secretes insulin in response to elevated blood sugar levels.

   Synonyms: produce, release, emit

   Origin: From Latin 'secretus', meaning 'set aside, hidden', past participle of 'secretere', meaning 'to separate, distinct'.

5. broach · verb/broʊtʃ/

   to raise a sensitive or difficult topic for discussion

   During the meeting, she decided to broach the subject of budget cuts, knowing it would be a sensitive issue.

   Synonyms: bring up, raise, introduce

   Origin: Middle English 'brochen', from Old French 'brochier' meaning to pierce or to bring up a subject.