insist, applaud, tremble, flourish, prohibit: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from IELTS Vocabulary set 24. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. insist · verb/ɪnˈsɪst/

   to demand something forcefully or persistently

   Despite the objections from the team, she insisted on her plan to move forward with the project as scheduled.

   Synonyms: demand, assert, insist on

   Origin: from Latin 'insistere', meaning 'to stand upon' or 'persist'.

2. applaud · verb/əˈplɑd/

   to show approval or praise by clapping hands or expressing admiration

   The audience began to applaud enthusiastically after the breathtaking performance by the dancers.

   Synonyms: commend, acclaim, praise

   Origin: The word 'applaud' comes from the Latin 'applaudere', which means 'to clap the hands at' or 'to strike upon'. The word is composed of 'ad-' meaning 'to' and 'plaudere' meaning 'to clap'.

3. tremble · verb/ˈtrɛm.bəl/

   to shake involuntarily as a result of fear, anxiety, or excitement

   She could feel her hands tremble with fear as she stepped onto the stage to deliver her speech.

   Synonyms: shiver, quiver, shake

   Origin: Middle English 'tremblen', from Old French 'trembler', from Latin 'tremulare', a frequentative of 'tremere' meaning 'to tremble'.

4. flourish · verb/ˈflɔːrɪʃ/

   to grow or develop in a healthy or vigorous way

   With the right amount of sunlight and water, the garden will flourish beautifully throughout the summer.

   Synonyms: thrive, prosper, blossom

   Origin: Middle English 'flourishen', from Old French 'flourir', from Latin 'florēre', meaning 'to bloom or blossom'.

5. prohibit · verb/proʊˈhɪbɪt/

   to formally forbid something or prevent it from happening

   The school policy prohibits students from using their phones during class.

   Synonyms: forbid, ban, restrict

   Origin: from Latin 'prohibere', meaning 'to hold back'