imply, grind, corroborate, amend, devote: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from IELTS Vocabulary set 162. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. imply · verb/ɪmˈplaɪ/

   to suggest or indicate something indirectly

   The findings of the study imply that there is a significant correlation between diet and mental health.

   Synonyms: suggest, indicate, hint

   Origin: from Latin 'implicare', meaning 'to enfold, involve' or 'to imply'.

2. grind · verb/ɡraɪnd/

   to break or crush something into smaller pieces or powder

   She used a mortar and pestle to grind the spices into a fine powder.

   Synonyms: crush, mill, pound

   Origin: Middle English 'grinden', from Old English 'grindan' meaning to grind or crush.

3. corroborate · verb/kəˈrɑːbəreɪt/

   to confirm or give support to a statement, theory, or finding

   The scientist was able to corroborate her findings with additional experiments that yielded similar results.

   Synonyms: confirm, support, validate

   Origin: from Latin 'corroborare', meaning 'to strengthen' or 'to confirm'

4. amend · verb/əˈmɛnd/

   to make changes to improve or correct something

   The committee decided to amend the proposal to address the concerns raised by the stakeholders.

   Synonyms: modify, rectify, improve

   Origin: from the Old French 'amender', from the Latin 'emendare', meaning 'to free from faults, to correct'.

5. devote · verb/dɪˈvoʊt/

   to give one's time, effort, or resources to a cause or activity

   She decided to devote her weekends to volunteering at the local animal shelter.

   Synonyms: dedicate, commit, consecrate

   Origin: From Latin 'devotio', meaning 'a solemn dedication or commitment'.