overhaul, perch, pillage, plod, posit: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from GRE Vocabulary set 182. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. overhaul · verb/ˈoʊvɚhɔl/

   to examine and repair something thoroughly to ensure it functions properly

   The engineering team decided to overhaul the aging machinery to improve its efficiency and reduce downtime.

   Synonyms: renovate, refurbish, repair

   Origin: The word 'overhaul' originates from the early 19th century, deriving from the nursery term 'haul over', which means to examine or look over.

2. perch · noun/pɜrtʃ/

   a branch or rod on which a bird rests

   The robin found a perfect perch on the branch of the old oak tree, watching for insects below.

   Synonyms: roost, rest, branch

   Origin: Middle English 'perche', from Old French 'perche', from Latin 'pertica', meaning 'a pole or a rod'

3. pillage · verb/ˈpɪlɪdʒ/

   to rob a place or person of valuables by force

   The invading army began to pillage the small village, taking everything of value from the frightened residents.

   Synonyms: plunder, ransack, loot

   Origin: The word 'pillage' originates from the Old French 'piller', meaning to rob or plunder, from the Latin 'piluʍare', which means to plunder or strip.

4. plod · verb/plɑd/

   to walk heavily or slowly with a persistent trudging movement

   After the long day at work, he began to plod home, each step feeling heavier than the last.

   Synonyms: trudge, slog, stomp

   Origin: The word 'plod' originated in the early 17th century, probably mimicking the sound of heavy footsteps.

5. posit · verb/ˈpɑː.zɪt/

   to put forward or assume as a basis for argument or discussion

   In her thesis, she posits that economic inequality is a major driver of social unrest.

   Synonyms: propose, suggest, assert

   Origin: From Latin 'positus', the past participle of 'ponere', meaning 'to place, put'.