SAT Vocabulary Level 3 — Set 227

Set 227 of SAT Vocabulary Level 3 covers 5 words: insinuate, deject, stanch, blandish, snivel. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. insinuate · verb/ɪnˈsɪnjʊˌeɪt/

   to suggest or hint at something indirectly or covertly

   She didn’t say it outright, but her tone seemed to insinuate that she was unhappy with the decision.

   Synonyms: suggest, imply, hint

   Origin: from Latin 'insinuare', meaning 'to introduce by slowly entering', derived from 'in-' (into) + 'sinus' (a curve or fold).

2. deject · verb/dɪˈdʒɛkt/

   to lower in spirits or mood

   The constant criticism from his peers began to deject him, making it difficult for him to focus on his work.

   Synonyms: discourage, dishearten, dispirit

   Origin: from Latin 'dejectus', past participle of 'deicere', where 'de-' means 'down' and 'iacere' means 'to throw'.

3. stanch · verb/stæntʃ/

   to stop or restrict the flow of a liquid

   The paramedic quickly applied pressure to stanch the bleeding from the wound.

   Synonyms: stem, halt, stop

   Origin: Middle English 'stanchen' meaning 'to stop or obstruct', from Old French 'estanchier', derived from Latin 'stancare' meaning 'to stand or to allow to stand'.

4. blandish · verb/ˈblændɪʃ/

   to persuade someone with flattery or sweet talk

   She tried to blandish her boss with compliments about his recent project success in hopes of getting a promotion.

   Synonyms: cajole, coax, sweet-talk

   Origin: The word 'blandish' comes from the Latin 'blandiri,' which means 'to speak gently or flatter.'

5. snivel · verb/ˈsnɪv.əl/

   to cry or whine with a sniffing sound

   After losing the match, he began to snivel, feeling sorry for himself and wishing he had played better.

   Synonyms: whine, sniffle, blubber

   Origin: Middle English snivelen, of uncertain origin