TOEFL Vocabulary — Set 150

Set 150 of TOEFL Vocabulary covers 5 words: cultivate, accomplish, adhere, encumber, confirm. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. cultivate · verb/ˈkʌl.tɪ.veɪt/

   to prepare and use land for crops or gardening or to develop a quality or skill

   Farmers often cultivate the land to ensure a successful harvest each season.

   Synonyms: grow, develop, nurture

   Origin: From Latin 'cultivare', which means 'to till, cultivate'.

2. accomplish · verb/əˈkɑmplɪʃ/

   to successfully complete or achieve something

   She worked tirelessly to accomplish her goals for the year and finally reached them by December.

   Synonyms: achieve, complete, fulfill

   Origin: The word 'accomplish' comes from Middle English 'accompleisshen', derived from Old French 'accomplir', meaning 'to fulfill or finish', from 'a-' (to) + 'complir' (to complete).

3. adhere · verb/ədˈhɪr/

   to stick fast to a surface or substance

   The paint will not adhere properly to a surface that is not clean and dry.

   Synonyms: stick, cling, attach

   Origin: from Latin 'adhaerere', meaning 'to stick to'

4. encumber · verb/ɪnˈkʌmbər/

   to restrict or burden in such a way as to impede progress or action

   The new regulations will encumber businesses with excessive paperwork, making it difficult for them to operate efficiently.

   Synonyms: hinder, impede, burden

   Origin: Middle English 'encumberen', from Old French 'encombrer', from 'combre' meaning 'to block or obstruct'.

5. confirm · verb/kənˈfɜrm/

   to establish the truth or correctness of something

   The scientist conducted additional experiments to confirm the accuracy of his findings.

   Synonyms: verify, authenticate, validate

   Origin: from Latin 'confirmare', from 'con-' (together) + 'firmare' (to make firm)