allege, evaluate, compensate, distribute, coerce: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from TOEFL Vocabulary set 130. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. allege · verb/əˈlɛdʒ/

   to claim something is true without proof

   The report alleges misconduct by several high-ranking officials within the organization.

   Synonyms: claim, assert, contend

   Origin: Middle English 'allegen', from Old French 'aleguer', from Latin 'allegare' meaning 'to send forth, to allege, to assert'

2. evaluate · verb/ɪˈvæl.ju.eɪt/

   to assess the value, significance, or quality of something

   Before making a decision, it is essential to evaluate the pros and cons of each option carefully.

   Synonyms: assess, appraise, assess

   Origin: from Latin 'evaluare', meaning to 'value' or 'find the worth of'

3. compensate · verb/ˈkɑːmpənˌseɪt/

   to make up for a loss or deficiency

   The company offered additional benefits to compensate for the employees' longer working hours.

   Synonyms: offset, make up, reimburse

   Origin: Middle French 'compenser', from Latin 'compensare', meaning to weigh together, from 'com-' (together) + 'pensare' (to weigh)

4. distribute · verb/dɪsˈtrɪbjut/

   to divide and give out in shares or portions

   The organization aims to distribute food and supplies to families in need during the winter months.

   Synonyms: disperse, allocate, share

   Origin: from Latin 'distributus', the past participle of 'distribuere', meaning 'to divide or portion out'

5. coerce · verb/koʊˈɜrs/

   to compel someone to do something by using force or threats

   The detective was accused of trying to coerce a confession from the suspect using intimidation.

   Synonyms: force, compel, intimidate

   Origin: Late Latin 'coercere', meaning 'to restrain' or 'to confine'