stifled, stipulate, stoop, striate, strut: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from GRE Vocabulary set 195. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. stifled · verb/ˈstaɪfəld/

   restricted or suppressed in expression or development

   Her creativity was stifled by the rigid rules of the workplace, preventing her from fully expressing her ideas.

   Synonyms: restricted, suppressed, constrained

   Origin: Middle English, from Old English 'stifian' meaning to make stiff.

2. stipulate · verb/ˈstɪpjəˌleɪt/

   to specify a requirement or condition as part of an agreement

   The contract stipulates that all payments must be made within 30 days of the invoice date.

   Synonyms: specify, stipulation, require

   Origin: from Latin 'stipulatus', past participle of 'stipulari', meaning 'to make a formal demand or agreement'.

3. stoop · verb/stuːp/

   to bend the upper body forward and downward

   She had to stoop down to pick up the toy her child dropped on the floor.

   Synonyms: bend, lean, crouch

   Origin: Middle English 'stoup', from Old English 'stupan', meaning 'to bend'.

4. striate · verb/ˈstraɪ.eɪt/

   to mark with stripes or linear features

   The artist decided to striate the canvas with bold, contrasting lines to create a sense of depth in the painting.

   Synonyms: stripe, streak, line

   Origin: derived from the Latin word 'striare', meaning 'to mark with lines or stripes'

5. strut · verb/strʌt/

   to walk with a stiff or pompous gait

   After scoring the winning goal, he began to strut around the field, reveling in his moment of glory.

   Synonyms: swagger, parade, prance

   Origin: The word 'strut' comes from the Middle English 'strotten', meaning to walk with disdain or arrogance, which is derived from the Old English 'styrgan', meaning to thrust or push.