underestimate, exhaust, refute, differentiate, exploit: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from IELTS Vocabulary set 43. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. underestimate · verb/ˌʌndərˈɛstəˌmeɪt/

   to assess something as less important or less capable than it is

   Many people tend to underestimate the impact of small daily habits on long-term success.

   Synonyms: underrate, undervalue, misjudge

   Origin: Originates from the prefix 'under-' meaning 'beneath or less' and 'estimate' from Latin 'aestimare' meaning 'to value or appraise'.

2. exhaust · verb/ɪɡˈzɔst/

   to use up all of something completely

   The team worked tirelessly to complete the project, but they soon began to exhaust their resources.

   Synonyms: deplete, drain, consume

   Origin: from Latin 'exhaurire', meaning 'to draw out or use up'

3. refute · verb/rɪˈfjut/

   to prove that something is false or wrong

   The scientist provided compelling evidence to refute the claim that vaccines cause autism.

   Synonyms: disprove, contradict, deny

   Origin: Middle English: from Latin 'refutare', from 're-' (away) + 'futare' (to beat) or 'futurus' (about to be; future)

4. differentiate · verb/ˌdɪfəˈrɛnʃieɪt/

   to recognize or ascertain what makes something different

   It's important to differentiate between facts and opinions when analyzing the article.

   Synonyms: distinguish, discriminate, set apart

   Origin: from Latin 'differentiatus', past participle of 'differentiare', meaning 'to distinguish' from 'differentia', meaning 'difference'

5. exploit · verb/ɪkˈsplɔɪt/

   to make full use of and benefit from something

   The company aims to exploit new technologies to enhance productivity and reduce costs.

   Synonyms: utilize, capitalize on, harness

   Origin: from Latin 'exploitus', past participle of 'exploere' meaning 'to fill up, to use fully'