dote, exasperate, idolize, cavil, avow: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 3 set 76. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. dote · verb/doʊt/

   to show excessive fondness or love

   She tends to dote on her grandchildren, showering them with gifts and affection.

   Synonyms: fawn, dote on, indulge

   Origin: Middle English, from Old English 'dōtian', meaning to be foolish or to act foolishly; related to 'dote' as in to show excessive love or fondness.

2. exasperate · verb/ɪɡˈzæspəˌreɪt/

   to irritate or annoy greatly

   The constant delays in public transport began to exasperate many commuters.

   Synonyms: irritate, annoy, frustrate

   Origin: From Latin 'exasperare', meaning 'to roughen' or 'irritate', composed of 'ex-' (intensifying prefix) and 'asperare' (to make rough).

3. idolize · verb/ˈaɪ.dəˌlaɪz/

   to regard with profound admiration, love, or reverence

   Many young fans idolize their favorite pop stars, believing they can do no wrong.

   Synonyms: adore, worship, revere

   Origin: The word 'idolize' originates from the late 16th century, derived from the word 'idol' and the suffix '-ize', meaning to treat as an idol or as a person of great reverence.

4. cavil · verb/ˈkæv.əl/

   to raise trivial objections or complaints

   During the meeting, she continued to cavil at every detail of the proposal, making it difficult to reach a consensus.

   Synonyms: quibble, nitpick, object

   Origin: from Latin 'cavillari,' meaning to quibble or to jest

5. avow · verb/əˈvaʊ/

   to openly admit or acknowledge something

   She decided to avow her feelings for him, acknowledging that it was time to be honest about her emotions.

   Synonyms: acknowledge, confess, admit

   Origin: from Old French 'avouer', from Latin 'ad vocare' meaning 'to call to, to acknowledge'