legitimize, grieve, accede, savor, apprehend: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 2 set 52. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. legitimize · verb/lɪˈdʒɪtəˌmaɪz/

   to make something acceptable or justified

   The government tried to legitimize its recent decisions by providing extensive evidence and expert opinions.

   Synonyms: validate, authorize, sanction

   Origin: from Latin 'legitimare', which means 'to make lawful', from 'legitimus' meaning 'lawful' or 'proper'

2. grieve · verb/ɡriv/

   to feel deep sorrow or distress over a loss

   She had to grieve the loss of her beloved pet, which had been her companion for years.

   Synonyms: mourn, sorrow, weep

   Origin: Middle English: from Old French 'grever', from Latin 'gravare' meaning 'to burden'.

3. accede · verb/əkˈsid/

   to agree to a demand, request, or treaty

   After lengthy negotiations, the government finally decided to accede to the demands of the striking workers.

   Synonyms: agree, consent, assent

   Origin: From Latin 'accedere', meaning 'to approach or come to' or 'to agree to'.

4. savor · verb/ˈseɪ.vɚ/

   to taste or smell a flavor or aroma with enjoyment

   As she took a small bite of the chocolate cake, she closed her eyes to savor the rich flavors melting in her mouth.

   Synonyms: relish, appreciate, enjoy

   Origin: Middle English: from Old French 'savorer', from Latin 'saporare', from 'sapor' meaning 'taste, flavor'.

5. apprehend · verb/ˌæp.rɪˈhɛnd/

   to understand or perceive something

   It took him a while to apprehend the complexities of the new software system.

   Synonyms: grasp, comprehend, perceive

   Origin: from Latin 'apprehendere', meaning 'to seize, to grasp'.