efface, mope, garble, belabor, prevaricate: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 3 set 130. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. efface · verb/ɪˈfeɪs/

   to erase or remove completely from recognition or memory

   Over time, the harsh weather conditions began to efface the inscriptions on the ancient monument.

   Synonyms: erase, obliterate, delete

   Origin: from Latin 'effacere' meaning 'to do away with' (ex- 'away' + facere 'to do')

2. mope · verb/moʊp/

   to be dejected or apathetic; to move about in a dull or listless manner

   After losing the game, he just sat on the bench and mope, feeling sorry for himself instead of cheering up his teammates.

   Synonyms: sulk, brood, languish

   Origin: The word 'mope' originates from the early 19th century, possibly derived from the obsolete English word 'mope' meaning to be dull or stupid, of unknown origin.

3. garble · verb/ˈɡɑːr.bəl/

   to distort or confuse meaning or sound

   When the transmission cut out, the message began to garble, leaving everyone confused about the instructions.

   Synonyms: muddle, jumble, confuse

   Origin: Middle English 'garblen' meaning 'to sift' or 'to sort,' from Old French 'garbler,' from Arabic 'gharbala' meaning 'to sift or mix.'

4. belabor · verb/bɪˈleɪ.ər/

   to argue or elaborate in excessive detail or to work excessively on something

   During the meeting, she began to belabor the point about the project's timeline, repeating herself multiple times to ensure everyone understood.

   Synonyms: overwork, dwell, elaborate

   Origin: The word 'belabor' comes from the prefix 'be-' meaning 'to make' and 'labor' from the Latin 'laborare', meaning 'to work'. It originally meant 'to work over' or 'to labor excessively'.

5. prevaricate · verb/prɪˈværɪkeɪt/

   to speak or act in an evasive way

   When asked about the project's delays, the manager chose to prevaricate instead of providing a straight answer.

   Synonyms: equivocate, hedge, dodge

   Origin: from Latin 'praevaricat-', the past participle of 'praevaricari', meaning 'to stray or to transgress'.