evade, eschew, hone, liquefy, enthrall: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 2 set 236. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. evade · verb/ɪˈveɪd/

   to escape or avoid something often by cleverness or deceit

   The clever criminal managed to evade capture by hiding in an abandoned building.

   Synonyms: elude, avoid, escape

   Origin: Middle English, from Latin 'evadere', meaning 'to escape, get away from', composed of 'e-' (out) and 'vadere' (to go)

2. eschew · verb/ɪsˈtʃu/

   to deliberately avoid or abstain from something

   Many health-conscious individuals choose to eschew processed foods in favor of a more natural diet.

   Synonyms: avoid, shun, evite

   Origin: Middle English eschewen, from Old French eschiver, ultimately from Latin excutere 'to thrust out'

3. hone · verb/hoʊn/

   to sharpen or refine something over time

   She decided to hone her skills in public speaking by joining a local Toastmasters club.

   Synonyms: sharpen, polish, refine

   Origin: Middle English 'honen', from Old English 'hōnian', meaning to make sharp, related to 'hone' as a whetstone.

4. liquefy · verb/ˈlɪkəˌfaɪ/

   to cause a solid or gas to become a liquid

   Heat is used to liquefy the ice, turning it back into water.

   Synonyms: melt, dissolve, fluidify

   Origin: from Latin 'liquefacere' meaning 'to make liquid', from 'liquere' meaning 'to be fluid or to flow'.

5. enthrall · verb/ɪnˈθrɔl/

   to captivate or hold the attention of someone completely

   The magician's incredible performance enthralled the audience, leaving them in awe of his skills.

   Synonyms: captivate, fascinate, enchant

   Origin: The word 'enthrall' originates from the early 16th century, derived from the prefix 'en-' meaning 'to cause to be in' combined with 'thrall,' meaning 'to be in bondage or slavery,' which comes from Old Norse 'þræll,' meaning 'slave.'