reverse, deter, diagnose, dictate, assert: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from IELTS Vocabulary set 187. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. reverse · verb/rɪˈvɜrs/

   to turn something in the opposite direction or position

   You need to reverse the direction of the car to avoid hitting the curb.

   Synonyms: invert, turn back, backtrack

   Origin: from Latin 'reversus', the past participle of 'vertere', meaning 'to turn'

2. deter · verb/dɪˈtɜːt/

   to discourage or prevent someone from taking action

   The strict penalties for cheating are intended to deter students from dishonesty in their exams.

   Synonyms: prevent, discourage, dissuade

   Origin: from Latin 'deterre' meaning 'to frighten' or 'to keep from' (de- 'from' + terrere 'to frighten')

3. diagnose · verb/ˈdaɪəɡnoʊz/

   to identify a disease or condition by examining symptoms

   After examining the patient's symptoms, the doctor was able to accurately diagnose the illness as influenza.

   Synonyms: identify, determine, assess

   Origin: from Greek 'diagnōskein', meaning 'to distinguish, discern'

4. dictate · verb/dɪkˈteɪt/

   to state or order with authority

   The manager will dictate the terms of the new contract during the meeting.

   Synonyms: mandate, order, command

   Origin: From Latin 'dictare', meaning 'to say, to declare' derived from 'dicere', meaning 'to speak'.

5. assert · verb/əˈsɜrt/

   to state a fact or belief confidently and forcefully

   During the meeting, she asserted her opinion on the proposed policy changes, making sure everyone understood her position.

   Synonyms: declare, affirm

   Origin: From Latin 'assertus', the past participle of 'asserere', meaning 'to claim, to maintain'.