enhance, apprehend, alleviate, convene, promote: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from IELTS Vocabulary set 45. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. enhance · verb/ɪnˈhæns/

   to improve the quality, value, or extent of something

   The new software update will enhance the performance of your device, making it faster and more responsive.

   Synonyms: improve, increase, boost

   Origin: Middle English 'enhancen,' from Old French 'enhanser,' composed of 'en-' (to make) + 'hance' (to lift).

2. apprehend · verb/ˌæp.rɪˈhɛnd/

   to understand or perceive something

   It took me a while to apprehend the complexities of the subject during the lecture.

   Synonyms: comprehend, grasp, perceive

   Origin: The word 'apprehend' originates from the Latin word 'apprehendere,' which means 'to seize, grasp, or catch.'

3. alleviate · verb/əˈliːvieɪt/

   to make something less severe or more bearable

   The new pain relief medication helped to alleviate the discomfort caused by her injury.

   Synonyms: ease, mitigate, relieve

   Origin: from the Latin 'alleviāre', meaning 'to lighten' or 'to relieve'

4. convene · verb/kənˈvin/

   to come together or assemble for a meeting or gathering

   The committee decided to convene a meeting to discuss the upcoming budget proposals.

   Synonyms: assemble, gather, meet

   Origin: Middle English 'convenen', from Latin 'convenire', meaning 'to come together'

5. promote · verb/prəˈmoʊt/

   to support or actively encourage the advancement or development of something

   The new campaign aims to promote sustainable energy practices in local communities.

   Synonyms: advance, support, encourage

   Origin: from Latin 'promovere', which is a combination of 'pro-' meaning 'forth' and 'movere' meaning 'to move'