Understanding ‘Eschew’: A Powerful SAT Vocabulary Word
Learn about the verb ‘eschew’, its meaning, pronunciation, history, and usage. Discover how to use this formal word correctly in sentences and avoid common mistakes. Perfect for SAT preparation and vocabulary enhancement.
Imagine you’re at a party, and someone offers you a slice of pineapple pizza. You politely decline, choosing to avoid or stay away from it.
Congratulations! You’ve just eschewed that pizza. Today, we’re exploring the word eschew, a valuable addition to your SAT vocabulary arsenal.
Word type: Eschew is a verb. It’s pronounced as es-CHOO, rhyming with the word “achoo” like a sneeze.
Meaning:
Eschew means to deliberately avoid or keep away from something, typically on moral grounds or because it’s considered unpleasant, difficult, or unsuitable.
It’s about making a conscious choice to steer clear of something.
Word history: The word eschew has an interesting history.
It comes from the Old French word eschiver, which meant to shun or avoid. This, in turn, came from the Frankish word skiuhan, meaning to fear or have a horror of.
Over time, the meaning has softened from fear to simple avoidance.
Antonyms: Some antonyms of eschew include embrace, accept, pursue, and seek.
Synonyms: Synonyms for eschew include avoid, shun, abstain from, steer clear of, and refrain from.
Examples use in sentences:
Let’s look at some examples of how to use eschew in sentences. The health-conscious athlete eschewed junk food in favor of a balanced diet.
Many modern writers eschew traditional publishing routes and opt for self-publishing instead. The minimalist designer eschewed ornate decorations, preferring clean lines and simple shapes.
Common errors in use: One common mistake when using eschew is confusing it with chew. Remember, eschew means to avoid, not to eat!
Another error is using it too casually. Eschew is a formal word, so it might sound out of place in everyday conversation.
To wrap up, eschew is a powerful word that expresses a deliberate choice to avoid something. Whether you’re eschewing bad habits for your SAT preparation or eschewing difficult words in your vocabulary practice, remember that each word you learn brings you one step closer to your goals.
Keep expanding your vocabulary, and don’t eschew the challenge of using these words in your own sentences!
