TOEFL Vocabulary — Set 111

Set 111 of TOEFL Vocabulary covers 5 words: malign, placate, baffle, sustain, induce. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. malign · verb/məˈlaɪn/

   to speak about someone in a spitefully critical manner

   Despite her attempts to ignore the rumors, she knew that her colleagues would malign her behind her back, spreading lies about her performance.

   Synonyms: slander, defame, vilify

   Origin: The word 'malign' comes from the Middle French 'malin', meaning 'evil' or 'spiteful', which in turn originates from the Latin 'malignus', meaning 'wicked' or 'ill-natured'.

2. placate · verb/pləˈkeɪt/

   to appease or pacify someone by giving in to their demands or feelings

   In an effort to placate the angry customers, the manager offered them a discount on their next purchase.

   Synonyms: appease, pacify, mollify

   Origin: From Latin 'placare' meaning 'to calm or soothe'

3. baffle · verb/ˈbæfəl/

   to confuse or bewilder someone

   The intricate puzzle seemed to baffle everyone in the room, leaving them scratching their heads in confusion.

   Synonyms: confound, perplex, mystify

   Origin: Late Middle English; probably from the verb 'babble', meaning to confuse or speak rapidly with little meaning.

4. sustain · verb/səˈsteɪn/

   to support or uphold over a period of time

   The funding will help sustain the community programs for several more years.

   Synonyms: maintain, support, uphold

   Origin: from Old French 'sustenir', from Latin 'sustinere', meaning 'to hold up, support'

5. induce · verb/ɪnˈduːs/

   to bring about or give rise to a particular condition or outcome

   The scientist hoped that the new drug would induce a faster recovery in patients.

   Synonyms: cause, bring about, generate

   Origin: from Latin 'inducere' meaning 'to lead in'