deteriorate, entitle, relate, resign, betray: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from IELTS Vocabulary set 114. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. deteriorate · verb/dɪˈtɪrɪəreɪt/

   to become worse or to decline in quality or condition

   If we do not take action to address the issue, the quality of the air will continue to deteriorate.

   Synonyms: decline, diminish, worsen

   Origin: From Latin 'deteriorare,' meaning 'to make worse,' formed from 'deterior,' meaning 'worse.'

2. entitle · verb/ɪnˈtaɪtəl/

   to give someone the right to have or do something

   Having a valid passport will entitle you to travel freely between countries.

   Synonyms: authorize, permit, enable

   Origin: Middle English 'entitlen', from Old French 'entitler', from 'en-' meaning 'to' + 'titre' meaning 'title'

3. relate · verb/rɪˈleɪt/

   to show or establish a connection or relationship between things

   The study aims to relate the effects of climate change to the decline in bee populations.

   Synonyms: connect, link, associate

   Origin: from Middle English 'relaten', from Latin 'relatare', meaning 'to carry back', from 're-' (back) + 'latare' (to carry).

4. resign · verb/rɪˈzaɪn/

   to voluntarily leave a job or position

   After months of consideration, she decided to resign from her position as manager.

   Synonyms: quit, leave, step down

   Origin: from Latin 'resignare', meaning 'to mark again, to sign back, to give up or give over'

5. betray · verb/bɪˈtreɪ/

   to reveal or disclose information that is meant to be kept secret or to be disloyal to someone or something

   He decided to betray his friend's trust by sharing their secret with others.

   Synonyms: reveal, disclose

   Origin: Middle English 'betrayen', from Old French 'traiter', which derives from Latin 'tradere', meaning 'to hand over'.