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detect

verb/dɪˈtɛkt/

definition

to discover or identify the existence or presence of something

example

The scientist was able to detect a significant increase in carbon dioxide levels from the recent data.

synonyms
discoveridentifyperceive
word origin — The word 'detect' originates from the Latin 'detectus', the past participle of 'deteguere', which means 'to uncover' or 'to discover'.

TOEFL Vocabulary — Set 198

Set 198 of TOEFL Vocabulary covers 5 words: detect, depreciate, aggravate, ameliorate, embellish. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

  1. detect · verb/dɪˈtɛkt/

    to discover or identify the existence or presence of something

    The scientist was able to detect a significant increase in carbon dioxide levels from the recent data.

    Synonyms: discover, identify, perceive

    Origin: The word 'detect' originates from the Latin 'detectus', the past participle of 'deteguere', which means 'to uncover' or 'to discover'.

  2. depreciate · verb/dɪˈpriː.ʃi.eɪt/

    to decrease in value or worth over time

    As new technology emerges, older models of smartphones often depreciate rapidly in value.

    Synonyms: devalue, diminish, reduce

    Origin: from late Latin 'depreciatus', the past participle of 'depreciari', meaning to undervalue, which combines 'de-' (down) and 'preciare' (to value).

  3. aggravate · verb/ˈæɡrəˌveɪt/

    to make a problem, injury, or offense worse or more serious

    Ignoring the warning signs can severely aggravate the existing problem and lead to more serious consequences.

    Synonyms: exacerbate, intensify, worsen

    Origin: From Latin 'aggravare', meaning 'to make heavier, increase in severity'; from 'ad-' (to) + 'gravare' (to weigh down).

  4. ameliorate · verb/əˈmiːl.jəˌreɪt/

    to make something better or improve a situation

    The new policies implemented by the government aim to ameliorate the living conditions of low-income families.

    Synonyms: improve, enhance, upgrade

    Origin: from Latin 'ameliorare', from 'melior' meaning 'better'

  5. embellish · verb/ɪmˈbɛlɪʃ/

    to make something more attractive by adding decorative details or features

    She decided to embellish the wedding invitations with gold leaf to make them more elegant.

    Synonyms: enhance, decorate, adorn

    Origin: From Middle French 'embellir', from 'em-' (to cause) + 'bellir' (to make beautiful), from Latin 'bellus' (pretty, handsome).