evaporate, stir, compose, deduce, quantify: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from IELTS Vocabulary set 101. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. evaporate · verb/ɪˈvæpəˌreɪt/

   to change from a liquid state to a gas state usually by heating

   As the sun heated the puddle, the water began to evaporate quickly, leaving only a dry surface behind.

   Synonyms: vaporize, steam, dissipate

   Origin: from Latin 'evaporare', meaning 'to dissipate in vapor'

2. stir · verb/stɜr/

   to mix or agitate a substance in order to combine ingredients or achieve an even consistency

   Make sure to stir the sauce continuously to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

   Synonyms: mix, agitate, blend

   Origin: Middle English 'stirren', from Old English 'styrrian', meaning to cause to move.

3. compose · verb/kəmˈpoʊz/

   to create or put together by combining parts or elements

   The musician decided to compose a new symphony inspired by nature.

   Synonyms: create, formulate, assemble

   Origin: from Latin 'componere', from 'com-' (together) + 'ponere' (to place)

4. deduce · verb/dɪˈdus/

   to reach a conclusion by reasoning or logical inference

   From the evidence presented, we can deduce that she was indeed at the scene of the crime.

   Synonyms: infer, conclude, derive

   Origin: from Latin 'deducere', meaning 'to lead down' or 'to bring down', composed of 'de-' (down) and 'ducere' (to lead)

5. quantify · verb/ˈkwɑːn.tɪ.faɪ/

   to express or measure the quantity of something

   Researchers were able to quantify the effects of the new drug on patient recovery times.

   Synonyms: measure, assess, evaluate

   Origin: from late Middle English 'quantifien', from Latin 'quantificare', from 'quantus' meaning 'how much' + 'ficare' meaning 'to make'