singe, transmute, vex, overbear, prepossess: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 3 set 38. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. singe · verb/sɪnʤ/

   to burn the surface of something lightly

   She accidentally singed the edges of her favorite dress while trying to iron it.

   Synonyms: scorch, sear, char

   Origin: Middle English 'singen', from Old French 'singer', of uncertain origin.

2. transmute · verb/trænsˈmjut/

   to change in form, nature, or substance

   The artist sought to transmute her emotions into vibrant colors on the canvas.

   Synonyms: transform, convert, alter

   Origin: from Latin 'transmutare', meaning 'to change, to change across'; from 'trans-' meaning 'across' and 'mutare' meaning 'to change'.

3. vex · verb/vɛks/

   to annoy or frustrate someone

   The constant noise from the construction site began to vex the homeowners, disrupting their peace.

   Synonyms: irritate, annoy, infuriate

   Origin: Late Middle English, from Old French 'vescier', from Latin 'vexare' meaning 'to shake' or 'to agitate'.

4. overbear · verb/ˌoʊ.vɚˈbɛr/

   to prevail over or dominate in a harsh or oppressive manner

   The authoritarian regime sought to overbear any dissent, stifling freedom of speech with brutal crackdowns.

   Synonyms: overwhelm, overpower, dominate

   Origin: The word 'overbear' originates from the Old English 'uberran', which means to bear over or exceed.

5. prepossess · verb/priːpəˈzɛs/

   to dominate the mind of someone or have a strong influence on their perceptions

   The artist's vivid storytelling tended to prepossess the audience, making them deeply reflect on their own experiences.

   Synonyms: preoccupy, dominate, engross

   Origin: The word 'prepossess' originates from the Latin 'praepossidere', meaning 'to possess beforehand', from 'prae-' meaning 'before' and 'possidere' meaning 'to possess'.