quell, explicate, dissipate, supplant, peregrinate: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from GRE Vocabulary set 113. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. quell · verb/kwɛl/

   to suppress or put an end to something

   The government implemented strict measures to quell the rising unrest among the citizens.

   Synonyms: suppress, subdue, pacify

   Origin: Middle English 'quellen', from Old English 'cwellan', meaning 'to kill, put to death'.

2. explicate · verb/ˈɛksplɪkeɪt/

   to make something clear and explain it in detail

   The teacher took extra time to explicate the complex theory to her students during the lecture.

   Synonyms: explain, clarify, illuminate

   Origin: from Latin 'explicare', meaning 'to unfold, explain', from 'ex-' (out) + 'plicare' (to fold)

3. dissipate · verb/ˈdɪs.ɪ.peɪt/

   to cause to disappear or disperse

   The morning sun began to dissipate the thick fog that had settled over the valley overnight.

   Synonyms: disperse, scatter, evaporate

   Origin: from Latin 'dissipare', meaning 'to disperse, scatter' (dis- 'apart' + supare 'to throw').

4. supplant · verb/səˈplænt/

   to take the place of someone or something that is outdated or no longer used

   Digital communication is beginning to supplant traditional mail as the preferred method of correspondence.

   Synonyms: replace, displace, supersede

   Origin: The word 'supplant' comes from the Middle English 'supplaunten', from Old French 'supplanter', from Latin 'supplantare', which means 'to trip up, cheat'.

5. peregrinate · verb/ˈpɛrəɡˌnɛɪt/

   to travel or wander around from place to place

   During their summer break, they decided to peregrinate across Europe, exploring hidden gems in each city they visited.

   Synonyms: roam, wander, travel

   Origin: from Latin 'peregrinari', meaning 'to travel abroad or wander'