implore, itinerate, recant, conjure, abnegate: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from GRE Vocabulary set 124. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. implore · verb/ɪmˈplɔr/

   to beg someone earnestly or desperately for something

   I implore you to reconsider your decision before it's too late.

   Synonyms: beseech, entreat, supplicate

   Origin: Middle English 'imploren', from Latin 'implorare', meaning 'to call upon or invoke by calling upon'.

2. itinerate · verb/aɪˈtɪn.ə.reɪt/

   to travel from place to place, often for work or labor

   As a musician, he would itinerate through various cities, sharing his songs and connecting with different audiences.

   Synonyms: migrate, wander, roam

   Origin: from Latin 'itinerari', meaning 'to travel' from 'itineris' which means 'of a journey'

3. recant · verb/rɪˈkænt/

   to withdraw or retract a statement or opinion

   After facing intense pressure, the witness decided to recant his earlier testimony about the events that night.

   Synonyms: retract, withdraw, renounce

   Origin: derived from the Latin word 'recantare', which means 'to sing back' or 'to withdraw a statement'.

4. conjure · verb/ˈkɑn.dʒər/

   to call upon a spirit or bring to mind a memory or idea

   The magician was able to conjure a rabbit from his hat, leaving the audience in awe.

   Synonyms: evoke, summon, conjure up

   Origin: Middle English 'conjuren', from Latin 'conjurare', meaning 'to swear together' or 'to conspire'.

5. abnegate · verb/ˈæb.nɪ.ɡeɪt/

   to renounce or reject a belief, claim, or idea

   In order to pursue a simpler life, she decided to abnegate her materialistic desires and focus on spirituality.

   Synonyms: relinquish, renounce, reject

   Origin: From Latin 'abnegare', meaning 'to refuse, deny', composed of 'ab-' meaning 'away' and 'negare' meaning 'to deny'.