conscript, condescend, consign, conspire, contend: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from GRE Vocabulary set 157. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. conscript · verb/kənˈskrɪpt/

   to enroll someone compulsorily, typically into the armed forces

   Due to the ongoing conflict, the government decided to conscript young men into the military service.

   Synonyms: draft, enlist, recruit

   Origin: from Latin 'conscribere', meaning 'to enroll, to enroll together'; 'con-' meaning 'together' and 'scribere' meaning 'to write'

2. condescend · verb/ˌkɒn.dɪˈsɛnd/

   to show feelings of superiority or to act in a way that suggests one is more important than others

   Despite her extensive experience, she often condescended to explain the simplest concepts to her colleagues, making them feel inferior in the process.

   Synonyms: patronize, deign, disdain

   Origin: Originates from the Latin 'condescendere', meaning 'to descend together'.

3. consign · verb/kənˈsaɪn/

   to deliver something to a person or agent for sale or custody

   After cleaning out the attic, she decided to consign her old furniture to a local antique store.

   Synonyms: deliver, hand over, assign

   Origin: from Latin 'consignare', meaning 'to mark with a seal, to sign'.

4. conspire · verb/kənˈspaɪr/

   to plan secretly with others to commit an unlawful act or achieve a goal

   The group of activists conspired to undermine the corrupt government officials during the election.

   Synonyms: collude, plot, scheme

   Origin: from Latin 'conspirare', meaning 'to breathe together'

5. contend · verb/kənˈtɛnd/

   to struggle or assert a position in an argument or competition

   Many experts contend that climate change is the biggest challenge facing humanity today.

   Synonyms: struggle, argue, compete

   Origin: from Latin 'contendere', meaning 'to stretch together, strive, contend'