SAT Vocabulary Level 3 — Set 117

Set 117 of SAT Vocabulary Level 3 covers 5 words: refract, regress, antiquate, unfrock, wend. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. refract · verb/rɪˈfrækt/

   to change the direction of light or sound as it passes from one medium to another

   When light passes through a prism, it can refract at different angles, creating a spectrum of colors.

   Synonyms: bend, deflect, alter

   Origin: late Middle English: from Latin refract- 'broken up', from the verb refrangere, from re- 'back' + frangere 'to break'

2. regress · verb/rɪˈɡrɛs/

   to return to a previous, less advanced state or form

   Without proper management, the company may regress to its outdated practices, losing its competitive edge.

   Synonyms: backslide, deteriorate, decline

   Origin: from Latin 'regressus', meaning 'to go back'

3. antiquate · verb/ˈæntɪkweɪt/

   to make something obsolete or outdated

   The rise of smartphones has antiquated traditional cameras for everyday photography.

   Synonyms: outdate, obsolete, antiquate

   Origin: from Latin 'antiquatus,' meaning 'made ancient' or 'rendered old,' from 'antiquus,' meaning 'ancient.'

4. unfrock · verb/ʌnˈfrɑk/

   to strip a priest or minister of ecclesiastical status or authority

   After a thorough investigation into his misconduct, the church decided to unfrock the priest for violating his vows.

   Synonyms: defrock, depose, disrobe

   Origin: The word 'unfrock' dates back to the early 17th century, deriving from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'to remove' and 'frock', which refers to a garment, particularly a clerical robe.

5. wend · verb/wɛnd/

   to proceed or to go in a specified direction

   As the sun began to set, we decided to wend our way through the narrow streets of the ancient village.

   Synonyms: go, proceed, travel

   Origin: From Old English 'wendan', meaning to turn or to go.