grab, sew, erupt, synthesize, domesticate: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from IELTS Vocabulary set 53. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. grab · verb/ɡræb/

   to seize or take hold of suddenly or forcibly

   He decided to grab a quick snack before heading to his meeting.

   Synonyms: snatch, capture, seize

   Origin: Middle English 'grappen', probably from Old Norse 'grípa' meaning 'to seize or take hold of'

2. sew · verb/soʊ/

   to join or attach fabric or materials using a needle and thread

   She decided to sew a button onto her shirt to fix it.

   Synonyms: stitch, mend, tailor

   Origin: Middle English 'sewen', from Old English 'siwian', of Germanic origin; related to Dutch 'naaien'.

3. erupt · verb/ɪˈrʌpt/

   to break out or burst forth suddenly and violently

   The volcano began to erupt, sending ash and lava into the sky.

   Synonyms: explode, burst, break out

   Origin: from Latin 'erumpere', meaning 'to break out'

4. synthesize · verb/ˈsɪn.θəˌsaɪz/

   to combine different parts to create a new whole

   The researchers aim to synthesize data from various studies to produce a comprehensive overview of the topic.

   Synonyms: integrate, combine, merge

   Origin: The word 'synthesize' originates from the Greek word 'synthesis', which means 'a putting together'.

5. domesticate · verb/dəˈmɛstɪkeɪt/

   to tame and breed animals or cultivate plants for human use

   Humans began to domesticate wild animals thousands of years ago, leading to the development of various breeds for agriculture and companionship.

   Synonyms: tame, cultivate, train

   Origin: from Latin 'domesticare' meaning 'to make a home' or 'to tame', derived from 'domus' meaning 'home'.