IELTS Vocabulary — Set 16

Set 16 of IELTS Vocabulary covers 5 words: compile, multiply, modify, contaminate, emit. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. compile · verb/kəmˈpaɪl/

   to collect and assemble information or data from various sources

   The research team will compile the data from various studies to provide a comprehensive analysis of the findings.

   Synonyms: gather, assemble, accumulate

   Origin: from Latin 'compilare', meaning 'to plunder, gather together'; composed of 'com-' meaning 'together' and 'pilare' meaning 'to plunder'

2. multiply · verb/ˈmʌltɪˌplaɪ/

   to increase a number by adding it to itself a certain number of times

   If you multiply 5 by 3, you get 15.

   Synonyms: combine, increase, enhance

   Origin: from Latin 'multiplicare', meaning 'to increase' or 'to fold many times'

3. modify · verb/ˈmɑːdəˌfaɪ/

   to change or alter something in order to improve it or make it suitable for a particular purpose

   The engineers decided to modify the design of the bridge to make it more resilient to heavy winds.

   Synonyms: adjust, alter, amend

   Origin: from Latin 'modificare', from 'modus' meaning 'measure' + 'facere' meaning 'to make'

4. contaminate · verb/kənˈtæməˌneɪt/

   to make something impure or unclean by contact or mixture

   The factory discharge was found to contaminate the local water supply, posing a serious health risk to residents.

   Synonyms: pollute, taint, adulterate

   Origin: from Latin 'contaminare', which means 'to touch, stain, or make impure', from 'com-' (together) + 'taminare' (make unclean, from 'tagere' which means to touch).

5. emit · verb/ɪˈmɪt/

   to discharge or release something, especially energy or gas

   The factory was found to emit toxic gases into the atmosphere, endangering the health of nearby residents.

   Synonyms: release, discharge, emanate

   Origin: from Latin 'emittere', meaning 'send out' (ex- 'out' + mittere 'to send')