codify, revitalize, abet, officiate, avert: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 2 set 48. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. codify · verb/ˈkɑːdɪfaɪ/

   to organize and arrange laws or rules into a systematic code

   The committee worked diligently to codify the existing regulations into a comprehensive legal framework.

   Synonyms: systematize, organize, arrange

   Origin: from 'codex', Latin for 'book', derived from 'caudex' meaning 'tree trunk' or 'wood'.

2. revitalize · verb/ˌriːˈvaɪtəlaɪz/

   to restore energy or vitality to something or bring it back to a state of activity

   The community initiated a project to revitalize the downtown area, attracting new businesses and visitors.

   Synonyms: revive, rejuvenate, restore

   Origin: The word 'revitalize' is formed from the prefix 're-' meaning 'again' and 'vital' from Latin 'vitalis' meaning 'of life'.

3. abet · verb/əˈbɛt/

   to assist or encourage someone to do something, typically a crime or wrongdoing

   He was charged with aiding and abetting the robbers during the heist.

   Synonyms: assist, aid, encourage

   Origin: Middle English 'abetten', meaning 'to aid or support', from Old French 'abeter', from 'a-' (to) + 'beter' (to bait or urge).

4. officiate · verb/əˈfɪʃieɪt/

   to perform the official duties of a ceremony or event

   The judge will officiate the wedding ceremony this Saturday, ensuring that all legal requirements are met.

   Synonyms: conduct, preside, oversee

   Origin: Originated in the late Middle English period from the Latin word 'officiatus', which means 'performance of duty', from 'officium', meaning 'duty, service'.

5. avert · verb/əˈvɜrt/

   to prevent something bad from happening

   The government implemented new safety measures to avert a potential disaster in the city.

   Synonyms: prevent, deter

   Origin: from Latin 'avertere', meaning 'to turn away'