SAT Vocabulary Level 3 — Set 145

Set 145 of SAT Vocabulary Level 3 covers 5 words: beleaguer, cogitate, rebuke, revile, arraign. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. beleaguer · verb/bɪˈliɡər/

   to besiege or surround with difficulties

   The small business was beleaguered by constant financial difficulties and unexpected market changes, making it hard to thrive.

   Synonyms: besiege, surround, trouble

   Origin: from the Dutch word 'belegeren', meaning 'to lay siege to'

2. cogitate · verb/ˈkɑː.dʒɪ.teɪt/

   to think deeply or carefully about something

   After the meeting, she took some time to cogitate on the feedback she received from her colleagues.

   Synonyms: consider, ponder, deliberate

   Origin: Latin 'cogitare', meaning 'to think, consider'

3. rebuke · noun/rɪˈbjuk/

   an expression of sharp disapproval or criticism

   His harsh rebuke at the meeting left everyone in silence, as they realized the seriousness of the matter.

   Synonyms: reprimand, scolding, condemnation

   Origin: Middle English, from Old French 'rebucquer' meaning to rebuke or refute, from re- + buquer meaning to urge or push.

4. revile · verb/rɪˈvaɪl/

   to criticize in an abusive or angrily insulting manner

   The critics did not hesitate to revile the author's latest novel, calling it a blatant copy of his previous work.

   Synonyms: berate, reproach, vilify

   Origin: From Middle English 'revilen', from Old French 'reviler', from re- 'again' + 'viler' (to violate, to insult) from Latin 'vilis' meaning 'cheap, base'.

5. arraign · verb/əˈreɪn/

   to call or bring someone before a court to answer to a criminal charge

   The judge decided to arraign the defendant on multiple charges of fraud and embezzlement.

   Synonyms: indict, summon, charge

   Origin: Middle English, from Old French 'reigner', Latin 'ad' (to) + 'regnare' (to govern).