presume, fluctuate, diminish, circulate, elude: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from TOEFL Vocabulary set 168. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. presume · verb/prɪˈzum/

   to assume something is true without proof

   I presume that the meeting will start on time, given that everyone is already here.

   Synonyms: assume, suppose, postulate

   Origin: Middle English 'presumen', from Latin 'praesumere', meaning to take beforehand.

2. fluctuate · verb/ˈflʌkʧueɪt/

   to change or vary regularly in level or amount

   The temperature tends to fluctuate significantly throughout the day, dropping during the night and rising in the afternoon.

   Synonyms: vary, oscillate, alternate

   Origin: Late Middle English: from Latin 'fluctuare', from 'fluctus' meaning 'wave'

3. diminish · verb/dɪˈmɪnɪʃ/

   to make or become less in amount, importance, or severity

   The government's new policies aim to diminish the impact of climate change on vulnerable communities.

   Synonyms: reduce, lessen, decrease

   Origin: from Middle English 'diminishen', from Old French 'diminuer', from Latin 'diminuere', meaning 'to lessen or decrease'.

4. circulate · verb/ˈsɜr.kjʊ.leɪt/

   to move continuously or freely through a closed system or area

   The air must circulate freely in the room to maintain a comfortable temperature.

   Synonyms: disperse, flow

   Origin: from Latin circulatus, past participle of circulare, meaning 'to form a circle, go around'

5. elude · verb/ɪˈluːd/

   to evade or escape from something or someone

   The criminal managed to elude capture by hiding in the dense forest.

   Synonyms: evade, escape, avoid

   Origin: from Latin 'eludere', where 'e-' means 'out' and 'ludere' means 'to play'