recommence, enunciate, elate, jostle, traduce: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 3 set 10. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. recommence · verb/ˌriː.kəˈmɛns/

   to begin again after a pause or interruption

   After a brief interruption due to technical difficulties, the conference will recommence at 3 PM.

   Synonyms: restart, resume

   Origin: Late Middle English, from Latin 'recommittere', meaning 'to commit again'.

2. enunciate · verb/ɪˈnʌn.ʃi.eɪt/

   to articulate or pronounce clearly

   During the presentation, she made sure to enunciate each word clearly so that the audience could understand her message.

   Synonyms: articulate, pronounce, express

   Origin: from Latin 'enuntiare', meaning 'to announce, declare', from 'e-' (out) + 'nuntiare' (to report, announce)

3. elate · verb/ɪˈleɪt/

   to make someone ecstatically happy

   Winning the championship elated the entire team, filling them with joy and pride.

   Synonyms: elevate, uplift, exhilarate

   Origin: from Latin 'elatus', meaning 'lifted up', the past participle of 'eferre', meaning 'to carry out or away'

4. jostle · verb/ˈdʒɑː.səl/

   to bump or push against someone or something in a crowd

   As the crowd began to jostle for position near the stage, I felt a sudden push from behind.

   Synonyms: bump, push

   Origin: The word 'jostle' comes from the Middle English 'justlen', which is derived from the Old French 'jostler' meaning to 'push' or 'bump into'.

5. traduce · verb/trəˈduːs/

   to speak badly of or tell lies about someone to damage their reputation

   Despite his efforts to maintain his integrity, his former colleague chose to traduce him in front of their peers, spreading false rumors about his work ethic.

   Synonyms: slander, defame, malign

   Origin: From Latin 'traducere', meaning 'to lead across, to carry over, to bring into disgrace'.