profess, intensify, bequeath, afflict, humiliate: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 2 set 66. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. profess · verb/prəˈfɛs/

   to declare or affirm one's beliefs, feelings, or opinions openly

   Many activists profess a deep commitment to social justice and equality for all.

   Synonyms: declare, affirm, proclaim

   Origin: Middle English 'professen', from Latin 'profiteri', meaning to declare openly, from 'pro-' (before) + 'fateri' (to confess).

2. intensify · verb/ɪnˈtɛn.səˌfaɪ/

   to increase in degree or strength

   As the storm approached, the winds began to **intensify**, making it increasingly difficult to stand outside.

   Synonyms: increase, amplify, enhance

   Origin: The word 'intensify' originates from the Latin 'intensificare', where 'intens-' means 'to stretch' or 'strain' and '-fy' means 'to make'.

3. bequeath · verb/bɪˈkwiθ/

   to leave personal property to someone in a will

   In his will, he decided to bequeath his collection of rare books to his beloved niece.

   Synonyms: legate, entrust, bestow

   Origin: from Old English 'becwíthan', meaning 'to say or declare' plus 'to give or leave.'

4. afflict · verb/əˈflɪkt/

   to cause pain, suffering, or distress to someone or something

   Many families were afflicted by the devastating effects of the natural disaster, leaving them struggling to rebuild their lives.

   Synonyms: hurt, suffer, distress

   Origin: Middle English 'aflicten', from Old French 'aflictier', and from Latin 'afflictus', past participle of 'affligere', meaning 'to strike down'.

5. humiliate · verb/hjuˈmɪliˌeɪt/

   to cause someone to feel ashamed or embarrassed

   The teacher humiliated the student in front of the entire class by pointing out their mistakes.

   Synonyms: embarrass, mortify, demean

   Origin: from Latin 'humiliatus', the past participle of 'humiliare', meaning 'to humble'