GRE Vocabulary — Set 48

Set 48 of GRE Vocabulary covers 5 words: emanate, emulate, engender, equivocate, forbear. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. emanate · verb/ˈɛm.ə.neɪt/

   to originate from a source or to flow out

   A sense of calm seemed to emanate from the tranquil lake, inviting all who approached to relax.

   Synonyms: originate, emit, radiate

   Origin: from Latin 'emanare', meaning 'to flow out', derived from 'e-' (out) + 'manare' (to flow)

2. emulate · verb/ˈɛm.jə.leɪt/

   to strive to equal or excel by imitating

   Many young athletes strive to emulate their sports heroes in order to achieve greatness.

   Synonyms: imitate, emulate, follow

   Origin: From Latin 'aemulatus', past participle of 'aemulari' meaning 'to rival, strive to equal'

3. engender · verb/ɪnˈdʒɛndər/

   to cause or give rise to a feeling, situation, or condition

   Her passionate speech was able to engender a sense of hope among the audience.

   Synonyms: generate, produce, create

   Origin: Derived from the Latin 'generare', meaning 'to generate, to produce'.

4. equivocate · verb/ɪˈkwɪv.ə.keɪt/

   to use ambiguous language to conceal the truth or avoid making a definitive statement

   During the press conference, the politician chose to equivocate about his plans for tax reform, dancing around the questions instead of providing clear answers.

   Synonyms: hedge, prevaricate, waffle

   Origin: The word 'equivocate' originates from the Latin 'aequivocare,' meaning 'to call by the same name,' from 'aequi-' (equal) and 'vocare' (to call).

5. forbear · verb/fɔrˈbɛr/

   to refrain from doing something or to hold back

   Despite feeling angry, she chose to forbear from making a harsh comment during the meeting.

   Synonyms: abstain, refrain, withhold

   Origin: Middle English from Old English 'forberan', meaning 'to bear or endure'.