IELTS Vocabulary — Set 109

Set 109 of IELTS Vocabulary covers 5 words: irrigate, regulate, assemble, comprise, inhibit. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. irrigate · verb/ˈɪrɪɡeɪt/

   to supply water to land or crops to help growth

   The farmers use a system of canals to irrigate their fields during the dry season.

   Synonyms: water, hydrate, moisten

   Origin: from Latin 'irrigatus', the past participle of 'irrigare', meaning 'to water' or 'to wet'

2. regulate · verb/ˈrɛɡjʊˌleɪt/

   to control or maintain the rate or speed of a mechanical or chemical process

   The thermostat is designed to regulate the temperature in the room for optimal comfort.

   Synonyms: control, manage, adjust

   Origin: from Latin 'regulatus', the past participle of 'regulare', meaning 'to direct, rule, or control'

3. assemble · verb/əˈsɛmbl/

   to bring together or gather into one place or group

   The engineer will assemble the parts of the prototype before the demonstration next week.

   Synonyms: gather, unite, convene

   Origin: Middle French 'assembler', from Latin 'assimulare', meaning to bring together

4. comprise · verb/kəmˈpraɪz/

   to consist of or be made up of

   The committee will comprise five members, including a chairperson and a secretary.

   Synonyms: include, contain, consist of

   Origin: Late Middle English: from Old French 'comprendre' and Latin 'comprehendere', meaning 'to include' or 'to seize'.

5. inhibit · verb/ɪnˈhɪbɪt/

   to restrain or prevent an action or process

   The medication may inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria in the body.

   Synonyms: restrain, hinder, prevent

   Origin: Late Latin 'inhibere', from 'in-' (meaning 'in, on') + 'habere' (meaning 'to hold')