to groom oneself carefully or with excessive attention to appearance
example
She spent hours to primp her hair and makeup before the big event, wanting to look perfect.
synonyms
preengroomtidy up
word origin — The word 'primp' originated from the late 19th century, possibly from a dialect variant of 'primp' meaning to arrange or to make neat, which may have roots in German 'primpfen' meaning to preen or to ornament.
SAT Vocabulary Level 3 — Set 5
Set 5 of SAT Vocabulary Level 3 covers 5 words: primp, dissemble, simper, abdicate, debase. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.
primp · verb/prɪmp/
to groom oneself carefully or with excessive attention to appearance
She spent hours to primp her hair and makeup before the big event, wanting to look perfect.
Synonyms: preen, groom, tidy up
Origin: The word 'primp' originated from the late 19th century, possibly from a dialect variant of 'primp' meaning to arrange or to make neat, which may have roots in German 'primpfen' meaning to preen or to ornament.
dissemble · verb/dɪˈsɛmbl/
to conceal one's true motives, feelings, or beliefs
Despite her outward friendliness, she decided to dissemble her true feelings about the project, knowing it would only cause conflict.
Synonyms: dissimulate, feign, pretend
Origin: Middle English, from Old French 'dissembler' (to dissemble) from Latin 'dissimulare' (to conceal, hide).
simper · verb/ˈsɪmpər/
to smile in a silly, self-conscious, or ingratiating manner
She couldn't help but simper at the compliment, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.
Synonyms: smirk, grin, beam
Origin: The word 'simper' originated in the early 16th century from the Middle English word 'simpan', which means to smile in a silly, insincere, or coy manner.
abdicate · verb/ˈæb.dɪ.keɪt/
to formally give up or renounce a throne, power, or responsibility
After years of ruling with an iron fist, the king decided to abdicate the throne in favor of his son.
Synonyms: renounce, relinquish, resign
Origin: Latin 'abdīcāre', from 'ab-' (away) + 'dicāre' (proclaim)
debase · verb/dɪˈbeɪs/
to lower the value or quality of something
The constant emphasis on profits above ethics tends to debase the quality of customer service in many companies.
Synonyms: degrade, diminish, lower
Origin: from Old French 'debaissier', meaning 'to lower', from 'de-' (down) + 'baissier' (to lower), from Latin 'basso' (to lower).