eradicate, enthrall, evince, espy, elucidate: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from GRE Vocabulary set 60. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. eradicate · verb/ɪˈrædɪˌkeɪt/

   to completely eliminate or destroy something

   The government launched a campaign to eradicate poverty in the region by providing education and job opportunities.

   Synonyms: eliminate, extinguish, obliterate

   Origin: from Latin 'eradicare', meaning 'to root out'

2. enthrall · verb/ɪnˈθrɔl/

   to captivate or hold the attention of someone completely

   The captivating storyteller managed to enthrall the audience with her enchanting tales of adventure.

   Synonyms: captivate, charm, enchant

   Origin: From Middle English 'enthrallen', from 'en-' (to make) + 'thrall' (to enslave or hold in bondage).

3. evince · verb/ɪˈvɪns/

   to demonstrate clearly or prove

   The research findings evince a strong correlation between sleep quality and mental health.

   Synonyms: demonstrate, reveal, indicate

   Origin: from Latin 'evincere', meaning 'to conquer, overcome, prove'.

4. espy · verb/ɪˈspaɪ/

   to catch sight of or discover something unexpectedly

   While hiking through the forest, I managed to espy a rare bird hiding in the branches above.

   Synonyms: spot, glimpse, discover

   Origin: from Middle English 'espien', borrowed from Old French 'espier', which means 'to watch or look at closely', derived from Latin 'specere' meaning 'to look at'

5. elucidate · verb/ɪˈluːsəˌdeɪt/

   to make something clear or easy to understand

   The professor was able to elucidate the complex theory with simple illustrations that everyone could understand.

   Synonyms: clarify, explain, illuminate

   Origin: from Latin 'elucidare', meaning 'to make clear', which is a combination of 'e-' meaning 'out' and 'lucidus' meaning 'clear'.