TOEFL Vocabulary — Set 190

Set 190 of TOEFL Vocabulary covers 5 words: recant, obtain, importune, disseminate, exhort. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. recant · verb/rɪˈkænt/

   to withdraw or retract a statement or belief

   After much consideration, the scientist decided to recant his previous statement about the effectiveness of the new drug.

   Synonyms: retract, disavow, renounce

   Origin: from Latin 'recantare', meaning 'to sing back' or 'to withdraw'

2. obtain · verb/əbˈteɪn/

   to acquire or receive something

   To obtain a degree in engineering, students must complete various coursework and practical projects.

   Synonyms: acquire, receive, gain

   Origin: Derived from the Old French 'obtenir', which comes from the Latin 'obtinere', meaning to hold on to or maintain.

3. importune · verb/ɪmˈpɔrtjun/

   to ask persistently or urgently for something

   She decided to importune her boss for a raise, hoping that her hard work would finally be recognized.

   Synonyms: beg, beseech, solicit

   Origin: The word 'importune' comes from the Latin 'importunus', meaning 'unfit, unsuitable', which is a combination of 'in-' (not) and 'portunus' (fitting, convenient).

4. disseminate · verb/dɪˈsɛm.ɪ.neɪt/

   to spread or distribute information or knowledge widely

   The organization aims to disseminate information about climate change to raise awareness among the public.

   Synonyms: distribute, spread, circulate

   Origin: from Latin 'disseminare', meaning to sow or spread widely, from 'dis-' (apart) + 'seminare' (to sow), from 'semen' (seed).

5. exhort · verb/ɪɡˈzɔrt/

   to strongly encourage or urge someone to do something

   The coach exhorted the team to give their best effort in the championship game.

   Synonyms: encourage, urge, admonish

   Origin: Late Latin 'exhortari', meaning 'to urge strongly', from 'ex-' (out) + 'hortari' (to encourage)