obviate, abhor, palliate, gainsay, skimp: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 3 set 79. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. obviate · verb/ˈɑbvɪeɪt/

   to prevent or make unnecessary by taking action in advance

   The new safety measures were implemented to obviate the risks associated with the construction project.

   Synonyms: prevent, avert, preclude

   Origin: From Latin 'obviāre', meaning 'to meet, withstand, impede', from 'ob-' meaning 'against' + 'via' meaning 'way'.

2. abhor · verb/əbˈhɔr/

   to regard with horror or loathing

   Many people abhor violence in any form, believing that conflicts should be resolved through dialogue instead.

   Synonyms: detest, loathe, despise

   Origin: from Latin 'abhorrere', meaning 'to shrink back from'.

3. palliate · verb/ˈpæl.i.eɪt/

   to ease or alleviate a condition without curing it

   The doctors prescribed medication to palliate the patient's chronic pain, helping him cope with his discomfort without providing a cure.

   Synonyms: relieve, mitigate, soothe

   Origin: from Latin 'palliatus', meaning 'cloaked' (from 'pallium', meaning 'cloak')

4. gainsay · verb/ˈɡeɪnˌseɪ/

   to speak against or oppose something

   Despite the overwhelming evidence presented, he chose to gainsay the conclusions drawn by the experts.

   Synonyms: contradict, deny, oppose

   Origin: From Middle English 'gainsayen', from 'gain-' (against) + 'say' (to say)

5. skimp · verb/skɪmp/

   to spend or use less time, money, or resources than is necessary

   In order to save money for the vacation, they decided to skimp on dining out and cooked at home instead.

   Synonyms: scrimp, stint, skimp on

   Origin: The word 'skimp' is likely of Scandinavian origin, related to the Old Norse word 'skammta,' meaning to spare or be stingy.