SAT Vocabulary Level 3 — Set 27

Set 27 of SAT Vocabulary Level 3 covers 5 words: flaunt, desecrate, capitulate, expunge, variegate. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. flaunt · verb/flɔnt/

   to display something ostentatiously to show off

   She decided to flaunt her new designer handbag at the party to impress her friends.

   Synonyms: show off, parade, boast

   Origin: Middle English 'flaunten', probably from the Old Norse 'flanta' meaning to flutter or to blow about.

2. desecrate · verb/ˈdɛs.ə.ˌkreɪt/

   to treat a sacred place or thing with violent disrespect

   The vandal was arrested after attempting to desecrate the ancient temple by spray painting graffiti on its sacred walls.

   Synonyms: violate, profane, defile

   Origin: from Latin 'desecratus', the past participle of 'desecrāre', from 'de-' + 'sacrare' (to make sacred)

3. capitulate · verb/kəˈpɪʧ.ə.leɪt/

   to cease to resist an opponent or an unwelcome demand surrender

   After a long negotiation, the company decided to capitulate to the union's demands for higher wages.

   Synonyms: surrender, yield, submit

   Origin: from Latin 'capitulat-', meaning 'made a chapter or agreement', from 'capitulum', meaning 'heading, chapter'

4. expunge · verb/ɪkˈspʌndʒ/

   to erase or remove completely

   The judge decided to expunge the criminal record from her file, allowing her a fresh start.

   Synonyms: erase, delete, wipe out

   Origin: Originates from the Latin word 'expungere', which means 'to prick out' or 'to mark for deletion', composed of 'ex-' meaning 'out' and 'pungere' meaning 'to prick'.

5. variegate · verb/ˈverɪɡeɪt/

   to diversify in color or appearance

   Gardeners often variegate their plant selections to create a visually appealing landscape with a mix of colors and textures.

   Synonyms: diversify, mottled, pattern

   Origin: from Latin 'variegatus', past participle of 'variegare', meaning 'to make various or change'.