reinforce, deplore, convince, synthesize, acclimate: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from TOEFL Vocabulary set 125. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. reinforce · verb/ˌriːɪnˈfɔrs/

   to strengthen or support an idea, action, or object

   The teacher used visual aids to reinforce the key concepts taught in the lesson.

   Synonyms: strengthen, support, bolster

   Origin: from Old French 'reinforcer', from 'rein-' (intensive prefix) + 'forcir' (to strengthen), from Latin 'fortis' (strong)

2. deplore · verb/dɪˈplɔr/

   to express strong disapproval of something

   Many community leaders deplore the rising rates of crime in our neighborhoods.

   Synonyms: condemn, criticize, lament

   Origin: from Latin 'deplorare', meaning 'to weep for, to lament, to express sorrow for'

3. convince · verb/kənˈvɪns/

   to cause someone to believe firmly in the truth of something

   She was able to convince her friends to join her on the trip by highlighting all the fun activities planned.

   Synonyms: persuade, assure

   Origin: from Latin 'convincere' meaning 'to overcome, prove' (com- 'with' + vincere 'to conquer')

4. synthesize · verb/ˈsɪnθəˌsaɪz/

   to combine different components to form a coherent whole

   In her research, she learned how to synthesize various data sources to create a comprehensive report.

   Synonyms: combine, integrate, amalgamate

   Origin: from Greek 'synthesis', meaning 'a putting together'

5. acclimate · verb/ˈæk.lɪ.meɪt/

   to adjust or adapt to a new environment or different conditions

   It took her a few weeks to acclimate to the high altitude after moving to the mountain town.

   Synonyms: adapt, adjust, acclimatize

   Origin: from Latin 'acclimatāre', where 'ad-' means 'to' and 'clima' means 'climate'