commence, obfuscate, cease, denote, adjust: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from TOEFL Vocabulary set 187. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. commence · verb/kəˈmɛns/

   to begin or start something

   The construction on the new bridge will commence next month, weather permitting.

   Synonyms: begin, start, initiate

   Origin: from Middle French 'comencier' and Latin 'com initiare', meaning 'to begin' or 'to initiate'

2. obfuscate · verb/ˈɑb.fə.skeɪt/

   to deliberately make something unclear or difficult to understand

   The politician tried to obfuscate the truth by using complex jargon that confused the audience.

   Synonyms: confuse, obscure, cloud

   Origin: Late Latin 'obfuscatus', past participle of 'obfuscāre' meaning 'to darken, to obscure'.

3. cease · verb/siːs/

   to bring or come to an end

   The factory will cease operations at the end of the month due to financial difficulties.

   Synonyms: stop, end, terminate

   Origin: from Old French 'ceser', from Latin 'cessare', meaning 'to cease, stop, or rest'

4. denote · verb/dɪˈnoʊt/

   to indicate or represent something specifically

   In mathematical formulas, the letter 'x' often denotes an unknown value.

   Synonyms: indicate, signify, represent

   Origin: from Latin 'denotare', meaning 'to mark out, indicate', from 'de-' (down) + 'notare' (to mark)

5. adjust · verb/əˈdʒʌst/

   to change or modify something to achieve a desired fit or result

   She had to adjust the settings on her camera to capture the perfect shot.

   Synonyms: modify, alter, amend

   Origin: from Old French 'ajuster', from Late Latin 'adjustare', from Latin 'ad-' meaning 'to' + 'justare' meaning 'to make just' or 'to bring into balance'