fluctuate, expunge, exasperate, opine, entreat: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from GRE Vocabulary set 120. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. fluctuate · verb/ˈflʌk.tʃu.eɪt/

   to rise and fall irregularly in number or amount

   The stock prices tend to fluctuate significantly throughout the day, making it challenging for investors to predict trends.

   Synonyms: vary, oscillate, waver

   Origin: From Latin 'fluctuare', meaning 'to flow' or 'to wave', derived from 'fluctus', meaning 'wave'.

2. expunge · verb/ɪkˈspʌndʒ/

   to erase or remove completely

   After completing her rehabilitation program, she was able to have her criminal record expunged, giving her a fresh start.

   Synonyms: erase, delete, remove

   Origin: from Latin 'expungere', meaning 'to prick out, erase', composed of 'ex-' (out) + 'pungere' (to prick)

3. exasperate · verb/ɪɡˈzæp.ə.reɪt/

   to irritate intensely or frustrate

   The constant delays in the project timeline began to exasperate the entire team, leading to increasing frustration and tension.

   Synonyms: irritate, infuriate, annoy

   Origin: Early 17th century from Latin exasperare, from ex- 'out' + asperare 'to make rough' (from asper 'rough').

4. opine · verb/əˈpaɪn/

   to express an opinion or belief

   Many experts opine that climate change is the most pressing issue of our time.

   Synonyms: express, state, assert

   Origin: The word 'opine' originates from the Latin word 'opinari', meaning 'to think' or 'to have an opinion'.

5. entreat · verb/ɪnˈtrit/

   to ask someone earnestly or urgently to do something

   She had to entreat her friends to help her with the project before the deadline.

   Synonyms: implore, beseech, plead

   Origin: Middle English 'entreten', from Old French 'entretier' meaning 'to treat, handle'.