SAT Vocabulary Level 2 — Set 58

Set 58 of SAT Vocabulary Level 2 covers 5 words: bestow, entangle, inhabit, babble, ignite. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. bestow · verb/bɪˈstoʊ/

   to confer or present a gift or honor

   During the ceremony, the committee decided to bestow the prestigious award on the artist for her outstanding contributions to the community.

   Synonyms: present, confer, grant

   Origin: Middle English, from 'besteuen', derived from Old English 'bestūgan', meaning to set down or place.

2. entangle · verb/ɪnˈtæŋɡl/

   to twist or weave together in a way that confuses or makes complex

   The vines began to entangle themselves around the old oak tree, making it difficult to see the trunk.

   Synonyms: ensnare, intertwine, complicate

   Origin: from Middle English 'entanglen', derived from 'en-' (to make) + 'tangle' (to twist or mix up), likely of Scandinavian origin.

3. inhabit · verb/ɪnˈhæb.ɪt/

   to live or dwell in a place

   The rare species of birds inhabit the dense forests of the Amazon.

   Synonyms: occupy, reside, dwell

   Origin: from Latin 'inhabitare', which is composed of 'in-' (in, on) + 'habitare' (to have a home, to dwell)

4. babble · verb/ˈbæbəl/

   to speak rapidly and in a confused manner or to make meaningless sounds

   In her excitement, she began to babble incoherently about her plans for the weekend.

   Synonyms: gabble, chatter, prattle

   Origin: The word 'babble' originates from the Middle English 'bablen', which is of imitative origin, perhaps related to the sound of rapidly spoken or nonsensical speech.

5. ignite · verb/ɪɡˈnaɪt/

   to set on fire or cause to burn

   The campers used dry leaves and twigs to ignite a bright fire to keep warm during the chilly night.

   Synonyms: light, kindle, spark

   Origin: From Latin 'ignire', meaning 'to set on fire' or 'to ignite'