GRE Vocabulary — Set 187

Set 187 of GRE Vocabulary covers 5 words: precipitate, preclude, preen, propitiate, prune. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. precipitate · verb/prɪˈsɪp.ɪ.teɪt/

   to cause something to happen suddenly or prematurely

   The sudden collapse of the financial market could precipitate a deep recession if not addressed quickly.

   Synonyms: hasten, accelerate, stir

   Origin: The word 'precipitate' comes from the Latin 'praecipitare', which means 'to throw headlong', composed of 'prae-' (before) and 'caput' (head).

2. preclude · verb/prɪˈklud/

   to make impossible or prevent something from happening

   The heavy rain and flooding precluded any chance of the outdoor event taking place as scheduled.

   Synonyms: prevent, exclude, inhibit

   Origin: from Latin 'praecludere', meaning 'to shut off or exclude'; from 'prae-' (before) + 'claudere' (to shut).

3. preen · verb/prin/

   to clean or arrange feathers with the beak

   The peacock began to preen its iridescent feathers, ensuring they were perfectly arranged for the display.

   Synonyms: groom, tidy up, arrange

   Origin: Middle English, from Old French 'preiner' (to pluck) and from Latin 'praenare' (to prepare)

4. propitiate · verb/prəˈpɪʃ.iˌeɪt/

   to appease or placate someone or something

   The villagers sought to propitiate the angry spirits by offering them food and gifts.

   Synonyms: appease, placate, pacify

   Origin: from Latin 'propitiatus', the past participle of 'propitiare', meaning 'to render favorable, to appease'.

5. prune · verb/prun/

   to trim or remove excess parts from a plant or to reduce something in size or amount

   During the spring, it's important to prune dead branches from your fruit trees to encourage healthy growth.

   Synonyms: trim, cut back, reduce

   Origin: Middle English prunen, from Old French pruner, from Latin prunare, meaning 'to cut or trim' (related to 'pruna' meaning 'a plum').