SAT Vocabulary Level 3 — Set 201

Set 201 of SAT Vocabulary Level 3 covers 5 words: slacken, reek, spellbind, reconstitute, wheedle. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. slacken · verb/ˈslækən/

   to make or become less tight or taut

   As the sun began to set, the fishermen decided to slacken the ropes securing the boat to the dock.

   Synonyms: loosen, relax, ease

   Origin: Middle English 'slakken', from Old English 'slacian', meaning to relax or to loosen.

2. reek · verb/rik/

   to emit a strong, unpleasant smell

   The garbage can began to reek of spoiled food after a few days without collection.

   Synonyms: stench, smell, emit

   Origin: Old English 'recan', meaning to emit, related to the word 'reek', which is derived from the Proto-Germanic 'raikaz'.

3. spellbind · verb/ˈspɛlˌbaɪnd/

   to captivate or enchant as if by casting a spell

   The magician's performance was so captivating that it seemed to spellbind the entire audience with its dazzling tricks and illusions.

   Synonyms: captivate, enchant, entrance

   Origin: The word 'spellbind' originates from the combination of 'spell', referring to a magical incantation, and 'bind', meaning to tie or secure. It came into use in the early 20th century.

4. reconstitute · verb/ˌriːˈkɑːn.stɪ.tuːt/

   to restore something to a former condition by adding water or other liquids after it has been dried or dehydrated

   To make a nutritious soup, simply reconstitute the dehydrated vegetables by adding water, and they will return to their original form.

   Synonyms: rehydrate, restore, revive

   Origin: from Latin 're-' meaning 'again' + 'constitutere' meaning 'to set up' or 'establish'

5. wheedle · verb/ˈwiː.dl/

   to employ flattery or persuasion to influence someone to do something

   She tried to wheedle a favor from her manager by complimenting his leadership skills in front of the team.

   Synonyms: coax, entice, cajole

   Origin: The word 'wheedle' originates from the 18th century, likely derived from the Scottish dialect term 'wheedle,' which means to persuade or influence, possibly related to the term 'wheedling' or 'wheedle out' referring to drawing something out.