depress, initiate, stretch, sting, ascertain: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from IELTS Vocabulary set 19. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. depress · verb/dɪˈprɛs/

   to lower in strength or intensity; to make someone feel sad or despondent

   The constant rain and gloomy weather can really depress my mood during winter.

   Synonyms: sadden, lower, diminish

   Origin: from Latin 'deprimere', meaning 'to press down', from 'de-' (down) + 'premere' (to press)

2. initiate · verb/ɪˈnɪʃ.iˌeɪt/

   to begin or start something

   The company plans to initiate a new marketing campaign next quarter to boost sales.

   Synonyms: commence, start, launch

   Origin: from Latin 'initiatus', the past participle of 'initiare', meaning 'to begin'.

3. stretch · verb/strɛtʃ/

   to extend or enlarge in size, range, or capacity

   She decided to stretch her muscles before the workout to prevent injury.

   Synonyms: extend, enlarge, expand

   Origin: Middle English 'strecche', from Old English 'streccan', meaning to stretch, pull out.

4. sting · verb/stɪŋ/

   to pierce or wound with a sharp or pointed object or to cause a sharp pain or discomfort

   The bee will sting if it feels threatened, leaving a painful mark on the skin.

   Synonyms: prick, pierce, stab

   Origin: Old English 'stingan', meaning 'to sting or prick'; related to Proto-Germanic '*stingwōną'.

5. ascertain · verb/ˌæsərˈteɪn/

   to find out or determine with certainty

   The detective worked tirelessly to ascertain the truth behind the mysterious disappearance.

   Synonyms: establish, determine, discover

   Origin: Middle French 'assurtenir', from 'assurer' meaning to assure or make certain