TOEFL Vocabulary — Set 23

Set 23 of TOEFL Vocabulary covers 5 words: intensify, remonstrate, portend, persuade, amend. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. intensify · verb/ɪnˈtɛnsəˌfaɪ/

   to increase in strength, degree, or severity

   As the storm approached, the wind began to intensify, causing alarm among the residents.

   Synonyms: amplify, escalate, deepen

   Origin: from Latin 'intensificare', meaning to make intense, from 'intensus', meaning stretched or strained

2. remonstrate · verb/rɪˈmɑnstreɪt/

   to make a forcefully reproachful protest

   The citizens gathered outside the town hall to remonstrate against the new tax increase, expressing their anger and frustration.

   Synonyms: protest, object, complain

   Origin: derived from the Latin 'remonstratus', the past participle of 'remonstrare' meaning to show again, to demonstrate.

3. portend · verb/pɔrˈtɛnd/

   to indicate or signal the likelihood of something happening in the future

   The dark clouds gathering on the horizon seem to portend a heavy storm later this evening.

   Synonyms: foreshadow, predict, signify

   Origin: Late Middle English from Latin 'portendere', meaning 'to stretch forth' or 'to indicate'

4. persuade · verb/pər'sweɪd/

   to cause someone to do something through reasoning or argument

   She tried to persuade her friend to join the club by explaining the benefits of being a member.

   Synonyms: convince, induce, sway

   Origin: Middle English, from Latin 'persuadere' meaning 'to persuade' or 'to lead over'.

5. amend · verb/əˈmɛnd/

   to make changes in order to improve or correct

   The organization decided to amend its policies to better reflect the needs of its community.

   Synonyms: modify, revise, improve

   Origin: Middle English, from Old French 'amender', from Latin 'emendare' meaning 'to free from faults'