counteract
Verb
Medium difficulty
What does “counteract” mean?
verb.to act against (something) in order to reduce its force or neutralize it.
SAT Usage
The term often appears in contexts related to science or health, particularly in discussions about mitigating negative effects or balancing opposing forces. It emphasizes an active response to challenges, suggesting a strategic or proactive approach rather than mere passive resistance, and it differs from similar words like "oppose," which lacks the implication of reducing or neutralizing an effect.
Common Confusions
Counteract implies a proactive effort to neutralize or reduce an effect, while oppose usually suggests a more passive resistance without the intention of diminishing the impact.
Example Sentences
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Vitamin C can help counteract the effects of a cold.
Word Parts: How to Remember “counteract”
Break “counteract” into its parts: counter- (against, in opposition). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.
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Prefix:
counter-against, in opposition (Latin)