tolerate, assimilate, conclude, exasperate, expedite: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from TOEFL Vocabulary set 182. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. tolerate · verb/ˈtɑː.lə.reɪt/

   to allow the existence or occurrence of something without interference

   The teacher decided to tolerate minor disruptions in class, understanding that students occasionally need to express themselves.

   Synonyms: allow, permit, endure

   Origin: from Latin 'tolerare', meaning 'to bear or endure'

2. assimilate · verb/əˈsɪm.ə.leɪt/

   to absorb and integrate knowledge or culture into one's own understanding or practice

   In order to thrive in a new environment, it is essential for immigrants to assimilate into the local culture.

   Synonyms: integrate, absorb, adopt

   Origin: from Latin 'assimilare', meaning 'to make similar', from 'ad-' (to) + 'similis' (similar)

3. conclude · verb/kənˈklud/

   to bring something to an end or to reach a decision or agreement

   After reviewing all the evidence, the jury was able to conclude their deliberations and reach a verdict.

   Synonyms: finish, complete, determine

   Origin: from Latin 'concludere', from 'con-' (together) + 'claudere' (to close)

4. exasperate · verb/ɪɡˈzæspəˌreɪt/

   to irritate intensely or frustrate

   His constant lateness started to exasperate everyone in the team, leading to increased tensions during meetings.

   Synonyms: irritate, frustrate, vex

   Origin: late Middle English, from Latin 'exasperare', meaning 'to make rough' or 'to irritate'.

5. expedite · verb/ˈɛk.spə.daɪt/

   to make an action or process happen sooner or be accomplished more quickly

   To expedite the shipping process, we decided to upgrade to express delivery.

   Synonyms: accelerate, hasten, facilitate

   Origin: from Latin 'expeditus', meaning 'unimpeded' or 'free' (the past participle of 'expedire', meaning 'to free, to set free, to extricate').