IELTS Vocabulary — Set 178

Set 178 of IELTS Vocabulary covers 5 words: blink, refute, obliged, transmit, constrain. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. blink · verb/blɪŋk/

   to shut and open the eyes quickly

   She had to blink quickly to clear away the irritation from the dust in the air.

   Synonyms: winkle, flutter, flicker

   Origin: Middle English 'blinken', from Old Norse 'blinka', meaning 'to shine' or 'to twinkle'.

2. refute · verb/rɪˈfjuːt/

   to prove that something is false or incorrect

   The scientist was able to refute the theory with comprehensive experimental data.

   Synonyms: disprove, rebut, counter

   Origin: from Latin 'refutare' meaning 'to drive back' or 'to repel'

3. obliged · adjective/əˈblaɪdʒd/

   feeling required to do something due to a duty or need

   I felt obliged to help my neighbor after she brought in my mail while I was on vacation.

   Synonyms: obligated, compelled, duty-bound

   Origin: from Middle English 'obliged', influenced by the Latin 'obligatus', meaning bound or tied.

4. transmit · verb/trænzˈmɪt/

   to send or convey from one place to another

   The radio tower is designed to transmit signals over long distances.

   Synonyms: send, convey, transfer

   Origin: From Latin 'transmittere,' which means to send across, from 'trans-' meaning 'across' and 'mittere' meaning 'to send.'

5. constrain · verb/kənˈstreɪn/

   to restrict or limit someone or something

   The new regulations will constrain the amount of pollutants that factories can emit into the air.

   Synonyms: restrict, limit, hinder

   Origin: From the Latin 'constrahere', meaning 'to tie together' or 'to hold together'.