TOEFL Vocabulary — Set 36

Set 36 of TOEFL Vocabulary covers 5 words: exalt, confer, prevaricate, bolster, revise. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. exalt · verb/ɪɡˈzɔlt/

   to raise in rank or status or to praise highly

   The committee decided to exalt the talented musician with an award for her contributions to the arts.

   Synonyms: elevate, glorify, extol

   Origin: Middle English, from Latin 'exaltare' meaning 'to raise high' or 'to elevate'

2. confer · verb/kənˈfɜr/

   to grant or bestow a title, degree, benefit, or right

   The university will confer an honorary degree on the renowned scientist during the graduation ceremony.

   Synonyms: bestow, grant, present

   Origin: from Middle English 'conferen', from Latin 'conferre', meaning 'to bring together, compare, contribute'.

3. prevaricate · verb/prɪˈværɪˌkeɪt/

   to speak or act in an evasive way

   During the meeting, she chose to prevaricate rather than provide a clear answer about the project's status.

   Synonyms: lie, equivocate, dodge

   Origin: from Latin 'praevaricari', meaning 'to turn aside, indulge in a crime' (from 'prae-' meaning 'before' + 'varicare' meaning 'to straddle')

4. bolster · verb/ˈboʊlstər/

   to support or strengthen

   The new policy is designed to bolster the economy by encouraging small businesses to grow.

   Synonyms: support, strengthen, reinforce

   Origin: Middle English, from Old English 'bolster', of Germanic origin.

5. revise · verb/rɪˈvaɪz/

   to examine and make alterations to something in order to improve it

   Before submitting my thesis, I need to revise the section on methodology to ensure clarity and precision.

   Synonyms: edit, amend, alter

   Origin: Middle English 'revise', from Old French 'reviser', from Latin 'revidere' meaning 'to see again'.