assess, indicate, engage, enforce, inhabit: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from IELTS Vocabulary set 1. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. assess · verb/əˈsɛs/

   to evaluate or estimate the nature, ability, or quality of something

   The teacher will assess the students' understanding of the material through a series of tests.

   Synonyms: evaluate, estimate, appraise

   Origin: from Middle French 'assesser', from Latin 'assessare', meaning 'to sit beside' or 'to evaluate'

2. indicate · verb/ˈɪndɪkeɪt/

   to point out or show something

   The data collected from the survey indicate a growing trend in remote work preferences among employees.

   Synonyms: show, suggest, point out

   Origin: from Latin 'indicare', meaning 'to point out, show'.

3. engage · verb/ɪnˈɡeɪdʒ/

   to involve or attract someone’s interest or attention

   The teacher used interactive games to engage the students in the lesson.

   Synonyms: involve, attract, captivate

   Origin: Middle French 'engager', from 'en-' (to make) + 'gage' (pledge)

4. enforce · verb/ɪnˈfɔrs/

   to compel observance of or obedience to laws rules or obligations

   The government needs to enforce strict regulations to ensure public safety.

   Synonyms: implement, uphold, impose

   Origin: Middle English 'enforcen', from Old French 'enforcir', from 'en-' (in) + 'forcir' (to strengthen), from Latin 'fortis' (strong)

5. inhabit · verb/ɪnˈhæbɪt/

   to live or occupy a place

   The dense forest is home to a variety of species that inhabit its depths.

   Synonyms: occupy, reside, dwell

   Origin: from Latin 'inhabitare', from 'in-' meaning 'in' + 'habitare' meaning 'to dwell or live'