TOEFL Vocabulary — Set 151

Set 151 of TOEFL Vocabulary covers 5 words: deteriorate, emancipate, comprise, reside, presage. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. deteriorate · verb/dɪˈtɪr.i.ə.reɪt/

   to become progressively worse

   As the years went by, the old building began to deteriorate, making it unsafe for anyone to enter.

   Synonyms: worsen, degrade, decline

   Origin: from Latin 'deteriorare', which means 'to make worse'.

2. emancipate · verb/ɪˈmæn.sɪ.peɪt/

   to free from restraint, control, or the power of another

   The activists worked tirelessly to emancipate individuals who had been wrongfully imprisoned.

   Synonyms: liberate, release, free

   Origin: from Latin 'emancipare' meaning 'to transfer ownership', from 'e-' (out of) + 'mancipare' (to take possession)

3. comprise · verb/kəmˈpraɪz/

   to consist of, to be made up of

   The committee comprises several experts from different fields.

   Synonyms: consist of, include, encompass

   Origin: Middle French 'comprendre', from Latin 'comprehendere', meaning 'to seize, take together'.

4. reside · verb/rɪˈzaɪd/

   to live or be situated in a particular place

   Many families reside in the suburbs to enjoy a quieter lifestyle near the city.

   Synonyms: live, dwell, inhabit

   Origin: from Latin 'residēre', meaning 'to sit back, remain', from 're-' (back) + 'sedere' (to sit)

5. presage · verb/ˈprɛsɪdʒ/

   to foreshadow or warn of a future event

   The sudden drop in temperature seemed to presage an impending storm, leaving everyone on edge.

   Synonyms: foretell, predict, portend

   Origin: Middle English, from Latin 'praesagere' meaning 'to foretell' (prae- 'before' + sagire 'to perceive').