TOEFL Vocabulary — Set 100

Set 100 of TOEFL Vocabulary covers 5 words: delineate, debase, yield, abdicate, assail. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. delineate · verb/dɪˈlɪn.i.eɪt/

   to describe or portray something precisely

   The report delineates the project's goals and objectives to ensure that everyone is on the same page.

   Synonyms: describe, outline, depict

   Origin: The word 'delineate' originates from the Latin 'delineare,' which means 'to draw or outline.'

2. debase · verb/dɪˈbeɪs/

   to reduce the quality or value of something

   The constant advertising of luxury goods can debase the value of genuine craftsmanship.

   Synonyms: degrade, demean, lower

   Origin: from Old French 'debaser', which combines 'de-' meaning 'down' and 'baser' meaning 'low'.

3. yield · verb/jiːld/

   to produce or provide something as a result of effort or process

   The research is expected to yield significant results in understanding the disease.

   Synonyms: produce, generate, deliver

   Origin: From Old English 'gieldan,' meaning to pay, repay, or give, related to the notion of yielding or providing.

4. abdicate · verb/ˈæbdɪkeɪt/

   to renounce one's throne or to give up power or responsibility

   After a turbulent reign, the king decided to abdicate the throne in favor of his eldest son.

   Synonyms: renounce, relinquish, resign

   Origin: from Latin 'abdicare', meaning 'to disown, reject' (from 'ab-' meaning 'away' + 'dicare' meaning 'to proclaim')

5. assail · verb/əˈseɪl/

   to attack someone physically or verbally

   The angry protesters began to assail the police officers with shouts and insults, demanding justice for their cause.

   Synonyms: attack, assault, besiege

   Origin: Late Middle English, from Old French 'assailer', from Latin 'assalire', meaning 'to leap upon'.