SAT Vocabulary Level 2 — Set 316

Set 316 of SAT Vocabulary Level 2 covers 5 words: entrench, coerce, supersede, heed, speculate. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. entrench · verb/ɪnˈtrɛnʧ/

   to establish firmly or solidly

   The new policies aim to entrench democracy within the country by strengthening institutions and promoting civic engagement.

   Synonyms: establish, embed, root

   Origin: from French 'entrencher', from 'en-' (in) + 'trench' (to dig a trench)

2. coerce · verb/koʊˈɜrs/

   to compel someone to act in a certain way by using force or threats

   The manager tried to coerce the employees into accepting the new policy by threatening to cut their hours.

   Synonyms: force, compel, pressure

   Origin: from Latin 'coercere', meaning 'to restrain, confine, or control'

3. supersede · verb/ˌsuːpərˈsiːd/

   to take the place of or replace something that is no longer in use

   The new software will supersede the outdated program that many employees have been using for years.

   Synonyms: replace, revoke, supplant

   Origin: from Latin 'supersedere', which combines 'super-' meaning 'above' and 'sedere' meaning 'to sit'.

4. heed · verb/hid/

   to pay attention to or take notice of

   You should heed the warnings about the approaching storm and prepare accordingly.

   Synonyms: notice, observe, pay attention to

   Origin: from Old English 'hēdan', meaning 'to guard' or 'to take care of'

5. speculate · verb/ˈspɛkjəˌleɪt/

   to form a theory or conjecture about a subject without firm evidence

   Many scientists speculate about the existence of extraterrestrial life based on the discovery of potentially habitable planets.

   Synonyms: theorize, conjecture, hypothesize

   Origin: From Latin 'speculari', meaning 'to look over, observe' related to 'speculum', meaning 'mirror, instrument for seeing'.