segregate, saturate, rationalize, disband, instigate: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 2 set 74. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. segregate · verb/ˈsɛɡrəˌɡeɪt/

   to set apart or divide from others

   In many schools, students are often segregated by academic ability to provide more tailored instruction.

   Synonyms: separate, isolate, divide

   Origin: from Latin 'segregare', from 'se-' meaning 'apart' and 'grēgare' meaning 'to gather'.

2. saturate · verb/sætʃ.ər.eɪt/

   to cause a substance to unite with the greatest possible amount of another substance

   The engineer decided to saturate the solution with salt to improve its conductivity.

   Synonyms: soak, imbue, infuse

   Origin: from Latin 'saturare', from 'satur' meaning 'full, sated'

3. rationalize · verb/ˈræʃənaɪz/

   to attempt to explain or justify behavior or an attitude with logical reasons, even if these are not appropriate

   He tried to rationalize his decision to skip the meeting by claiming that he had other priorities.

   Synonyms: justify, explain, defend

   Origin: From late Latin 'rationalizare', meaning 'to make rational,' from 'rationalis,' meaning 'of or having reason.'

4. disband · verb/dɪsˈbænd/

   to break up or dissolve an organization or group

   After years of collaboration, the committee decided to disband due to differing visions for the future.

   Synonyms: dissolve, break up, disperse

   Origin: from the prefix 'dis-' meaning 'apart' and 'band' from Old French 'bander', which means 'to bind or tie'.

5. instigate · verb/ˈɪn.stɪ.ɡeɪt/

   to incite or provoke an action or event

   The controversial decision made by the council was likely to instigate protests among the residents.

   Synonyms: incite, provoke

   Origin: From Latin 'instigāre', meaning 'to urge on' or 'to incite'