improvise, hew, sheathe, unsettle, languish: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 2 set 73. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. improvise · verb/ˈɪmprəvaɪz/

   to create or perform spontaneously without preparation

   During the theater performance, the actors had to improvise their lines when the script was lost.

   Synonyms: concoct, devise, extemporize

   Origin: The word 'improvise' comes from the French 'improviser', which is derived from Latin 'improvisus', meaning 'unforeseen'.

2. hew · verb/hjuː/

   to chop or cut something with an axe, knife, or other sharp instrument

   The lumberjack began to hew the fallen tree into manageable logs for firewood.

   Synonyms: chop, cut, hack

   Origin: Old English 'hiwian', meaning to shape or to cut.

3. sheathe · verb/ʃiːð/

   to cover or protect with a sheath

   After cleaning the knife, she decided to sheathe it in its protective casing to avoid any accidents.

   Synonyms: enclose, sheath

   Origin: From Old English 'sceath', meaning a covering or a protective case.

4. unsettle · verb/ʌnˈsɛtəl/

   to cause to be anxious or disturbed

   The unexpected news about the company's merger seemed to unsettle the employees, leaving them feeling anxious about their job security.

   Synonyms: disturb, agitate

   Origin: Middle English 'unsetlen', from 'un-' (not) + 'setlen' (to settle, to put in order)

5. languish · verb/ˈlæŋɡwɪʃ/

   to suffer from being forced to remain in an unpleasant situation

   After the tragic loss of his family, he seemed to languish in despair for months, unable to move on with his life.

   Synonyms: wither, fade, weaken

   Origin: Middle English 'languishen', from Old French 'languir', from Latin 'languere' meaning 'to be weak or faint'