amble, abrogate, flout, winnow, surmount: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 3 set 251. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. amble · verb/ˈæm.bəl/

   to walk at a slow relax pace

   We decided to amble through the park, enjoying the warm sun and fresh air.

   Synonyms: stroll, saunter, walk

   Origin: Middle English 'amblen', from Old French 'ambler', from Latin 'ambulare', meaning 'to walk'.

2. abrogate · verb/ˈæb.roʊ.ɡeɪt/

   to repeal or do away with a law, right, or formal agreement

   The government decided to abrogate the outdated law that was no longer relevant to modern society.

   Synonyms: repeal, annul, revoke

   Origin: from Latin 'abrogare', which means 'to repeal' or 'to revoke', consisting of 'ab-' (away) + 'rogare' (to ask or propose).

3. flout · verb/flaʊt/

   to openly disregard a rule, law, or convention

   Many citizens choose to flout the new traffic laws, believing they are unnecessary.

   Synonyms: defy, disregard, scorn

   Origin: Middle English 'flouten', probably from 'flouten' meaning to play the fool, mock.

4. winnow · verb/ˈwɪnoʊ/

   to remove what is undesirable or unwanted from a group

   The committee will winnow the applications to select the most qualified candidates for the job.

   Synonyms: sift, separate, filter

   Origin: Middle English 'winen' (to fan), from Old English 'windan' (to blow, to drive).

5. surmount · verb/sərˈmaʊnt/

   to overcome a difficulty or obstacle

   Despite facing numerous challenges, the team was able to surmount the difficulties and complete the project on time.

   Synonyms: overcome, conquer, surpass

   Origin: Middle English surmounten, from Old French surmonter, from sur- 'over' + monter 'to ascend'