scavenge, portend, edify, preen, whittle: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 3 set 24. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. scavenge · verb/ˈskæv.ɪndʒ/

   to search for and collect valuable items from discarded material or waste

   The children would often scavenge through the neighborhood's trash bins looking for old toys and items to repurpose.

   Synonyms: forage, rummage, sift

   Origin: The word 'scavenge' originates from the Middle English 'scavengen,' which comes from the Old French 'escaivain,' meaning 'to clean up or remove waste,' derived from the Latin 'excavare,' meaning 'to hollow out.'

2. portend · verb/pɔrˈtɛnd/

   to indicate or signify in advance

   The dark clouds on the horizon seemed to portend an approaching storm.

   Synonyms: foreshadow, signify, presage

   Origin: from Latin 'portendere', from 'por-' (ahead) + 'tendere' (to stretch, to extend)

3. edify · verb/ˈɛdɪfaɪ/

   to instruct or improve someone morally or intellectually

   The professor aimed to edify his students through engaging lectures and thought-provoking discussions.

   Synonyms: uplift, educate, enlighten

   Origin: from Latin 'aedificare', meaning 'to build' or 'to instruct'

4. preen · verb/prin/

   to clean and arrange feathers with the beak or to tidy oneself

   The bird spent the morning preening its feathers to keep them clean and smooth.

   Synonyms: groom, tidy up, fluff

   Origin: Originates from Middle English 'preinen', possibly from Old French 'preiner' which means 'to trim' or 'to pluck'.

5. whittle · verb/ˈwɪt̬.əl/

   to carve or shape wood by cutting away thin pieces

   He decided to whittle a small figurine out of the piece of cedar wood he had collected from the forest.

   Synonyms: carve, shape, trim

   Origin: Middle English 'whittlen', possibly reduced from 'wilt' (to cut) or of uncertain origin.