SAT Vocabulary Level 3 — Set 94

Set 94 of SAT Vocabulary Level 3 covers 5 words: exonerate, gloat, welter, temporize, recapitulate. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. exonerate · verb/ɪɡˈzɑːnəreɪt/

   to clear from a charge of fault or guilt

   The new evidence served to exonerate the defendant, proving that he was not at the scene of the crime.

   Synonyms: absolve, acquit, clear

   Origin: from Latin 'exonerare', meaning 'to free from a burden', from 'ex-' meaning 'from' and 'onerare' meaning 'to burden'

2. gloat · verb/ɡloʊt/

   to take great pleasure in one's own success or in another's misfortune

   After winning the championship, Jessica couldn't help but gloat over her rivals' defeat.

   Synonyms: revel, gloat, boast

   Origin: The word 'gloat' originates from the late Middle English term 'gloten,' which means to observe or watch closely, likely derived from the Middle Dutch 'glotian,' meaning to stare or gaze.

3. welter · verb/ˈwɛltər/

   to move in a turbulent fashion or to be deeply absorbed in something

   The children weltered in the muddy puddles after the rain, their laughter mingling with the sound of splashing water.

   Synonyms: flounder, wrestle, thrash

   Origin: Middle English, from Old English 'wealtian' meaning to roll or wallow

4. temporize · verb/ˈtɛmpəˌraɪz/

   to delay or avoid making a decision in order to gain time

   During the negotiations, the committee chose to temporize in order to buy more time for discussion and consideration.

   Synonyms: procrastinate, stall, delay

   Origin: from Latin 'temporizare', meaning 'to occupy time, delay' (from 'tempus' meaning 'time')

5. recapitulate · verb/ˌriː.kəˈpɪtʃ.uˌleɪt/

   to summarize or restate the main points

   At the end of the meeting, the manager decided to recapitulate the key points discussed to ensure everyone was on the same page.

   Synonyms: summarize, reiterate, restate

   Origin: The word 'recapitulate' originates from the Latin 'recapitulat-', the past participle of 'recapitulares', which means 'to repeat' or 'to summarize', derived from 're-' (again) and 'capitulum' (a little head or section).