SAT Vocabulary Level 3 — Set 49

Set 49 of SAT Vocabulary Level 3 covers 5 words: obfuscate, skulk, pilfer, coagulate, convalesce. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. obfuscate · verb/ˈɑːbfəskeɪt/

   to deliberately make something unclear or difficult to understand

   The politician tried to obfuscate the truth by providing vague answers during the press conference.

   Synonyms: confound, obscure, bewilder

   Origin: from Latin 'obfuscāre', meaning 'to darken', from 'ob-' (over) + 'fuscāre' (to darken)

2. skulk · verb/skʌlk/

   to keep out of sight with a sinister or cowardly motive

   The thief decided to skulk in the shadows, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

   Synonyms: lurk, sneak, sneaky

   Origin: Middle English 'skulken', of uncertain origin

3. pilfer · verb/ˈpɪlfər/

   to steal things of little value

   The mischievous child would often pilfer small toys from the store while his mother wasn't looking.

   Synonyms: swipe, filch, purloin

   Origin: The word 'pilfer' comes from the Middle English 'pilfrer', which was a variant of the Old French 'pelfre', meaning 'booty' or 'loot', originally derived from the Latin 'palea', meaning 'chaff'.

4. coagulate · verb/koʊˈæɡjʊleɪt/

   to change from a liquid to a solid or semi-solid state

   As the blood begins to coagulate, it forms a protective scab over the wound.

   Synonyms: clot, curdle, thicken

   Origin: from Latin coagulum, meaning 'clot'.

5. convalesce · verb/ˌkɑnvəˈlɛs/

   to recover health and strength after illness

   After her surgery, it took several weeks for her to convalesce fully at home, where she had the support of her family.

   Synonyms: recover, recuperate, get well

   Origin: from Latin 'convalescere', meaning 'to grow strong or be strong' (com- 'together' + valescere 'to be strong')