usurp, stagnate, impale, equivocate, ramify: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 3 set 215. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. usurp · verb/juˈzɜrp/

   to take power or control illegally or by force

   The ambitious general sought to usurp the throne from the legitimate ruler, driven by a desire for power and control.

   Synonyms: seize, commandeer, annex

   Origin: From Latin 'usurpare', which means 'to seize for use'.

2. stagnate · verb/ˈstæɡneɪt/

   to stop developing or progressing

   If a business fails to innovate, it will stagnate in the competitive market.

   Synonyms: standstill, stagnation, idle

   Origin: The word 'stagnate' comes from the Latin 'stagnare', which means 'to stand still', derived from 'stagnum', meaning 'a standing water'.

3. impale · verb/ɪmˈpeɪl/

   to pierce or transfix with a sharp object

   The hunter managed to impale the boar with his spear, ensuring a successful catch.

   Synonyms: pierce, stab, puncture

   Origin: from Middle English 'impalen', derived from Latin 'impalare', meaning 'to stake' or 'to fix on a stake'

4. equivocate · verb/ɪˈkwɪv.ə.keɪt/

   to use ambiguous language to conceal the truth or avoid committing oneself

   During the meeting, he chose to equivocate his stance on the issue, leaving everyone confused about his true opinion.

   Synonyms: prevaricate, hedge, waffle

   Origin: The word 'equivocate' comes from the Latin 'aequivocare', which means 'to call by the same name' and is composed of 'aequus' meaning 'equal' and 'vocare' meaning 'to call'.

5. ramify · verb/ˈræməˌfaɪ/

   to divide or spread out into branches or portions

   As the river began to ramify, it created a complex network of smaller streams that nourished the surrounding landscape.

   Synonyms: branch out, spread, diverge

   Origin: from Latin 'ramificare', where 'ramus' means 'branch' and 'facere' means 'to make or do'