SAT Vocabulary Level 3 — Set 14

Set 14 of SAT Vocabulary Level 3 covers 5 words: smelt, posit, ostracize, filch, waver. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. smelt · verb/smɛlt/

   to extract metal from its ore by a process involving heating and melting

   The workers at the factory expertly smelted the copper ore to obtain high-quality metal for various applications.

   Synonyms: extract, refine, process

   Origin: Originated from Old English 'smealtan' meaning 'to melt' or 'to smelt'.

2. posit · verb/ˈpɑːzɪt/

   to put forward or assume as a basis for argument or discussion

   In her paper, she posits that climate change is influenced by human activities.

   Synonyms: suggest, propose, assert

   Origin: from Latin 'positus', the past participle of 'ponere' meaning 'to place'.

3. ostracize · verb/ˈɑstrəsaɪz/

   to exclude someone from a group or society

   After the scandal broke, the community decided to ostracize him, making it clear that he was no longer welcome in their circles.

   Synonyms: shun, exclude, banish

   Origin: from Greek 'ostrakizein,' which means to banish by voting with potsherds (ostraka).

4. filch · verb/fɪltʃ/

   to steal something of little value in a sneaky way

   He tried to filch a few coins from the donation box when he thought nobody was watching.

   Synonyms: pilfer, swipe, snatch

   Origin: Middle English 'felchen' meaning 'to steal'

5. waver · verb/ˈweɪvər/

   to hesitate or fluctuate in opinion or decision

   During the debate, she began to waver in her support for the proposed policy as new evidence emerged.

   Synonyms: hesitate, fluctuate, vacillate

   Origin: Middle English 'waveren', from Old English 'wafrian'; related to the Dutch 'waver' and German 'weben'.