confine, foster, split, bind, specify: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from IELTS Vocabulary set 3. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. confine · verb/kənˈfaɪn/

   to restrict or limit within certain bounds or space

   The teacher decided to confine the discussion to the topics covered in class, ensuring that students stayed focused on the subject matter.

   Synonyms: restrict, limit, contain

   Origin: Middle English: from Old French confiner, from Latin confīnāre, from confīnēs 'boundaries'.

2. foster · verb/ˈfɔstər/

   to encourage or promote the development of something

   The teacher works to foster a love of reading in her students by introducing them to various genres and authors.

   Synonyms: encourage, nurture, promote

   Origin: Middle English, from Old English 'fostrian', meaning to nourish or support

3. split · verb/splɪt/

   to divide or separate into two or more parts

   The company decided to split its operations into two separate divisions to improve efficiency.

   Synonyms: divide, separate, cleave

   Origin: Middle English 'splitten', of Scandinavian origin; related to Old Norse 'splita'.

4. bind · verb/baɪnd/

   to tie or fasten together

   The gardener will bind the branches together to ensure they grow upright.

   Synonyms: tie, fasten, secure

   Origin: from Old Norse 'binda', meaning to bind or tie

5. specify · verb/ˈspɛsɪfaɪ/

   to state or identify something clearly and exactly

   Please specify the details of your request in order for us to assist you more effectively.

   Synonyms: define, identify, detail

   Origin: from Middle French 'specifier', from Latin 'specificare', from 'specifi-' which means 'to make specific'.