excavate, correspond, convalesce, seep, omit: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from TOEFL Vocabulary set 46. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. excavate · verb/ˈɛkskeɪˌveɪt/

   to remove earth or other material from a site to make a hole

   The construction crew will excavate the foundation for the new building next week.

   Synonyms: dig, unearth, hollow out

   Origin: Latin 'excavare' meaning 'to hollow out', from 'ex-' (out) and 'cavare' (to hollow)

2. correspond · verb/ˌkɔr.ɪˈspɑnd/

   to be in agreement or conformity with something

   The results of the study correspond with the previous research findings, confirming the initial hypothesis.

   Synonyms: concur, align

   Origin: from Latin 'correspondere', meaning 'to respond together'

3. convalesce · verb/ˌkɑnvəˈlɛs/

   to recover health and strength gradually after illness

   After her surgery, she needed several weeks to convalesce at home before returning to work.

   Synonyms: recover, recuperate, get better

   Origin: from the Latin 'convalescere', meaning 'to grow strong' or 'to be strong again'

4. seep · verb/sip/

   to pass slowly through small openings or porous materials

   As the rain fell heavily, water began to seep through the cracks in the old roof, creating puddles on the floor.

   Synonyms: ooze, dribble, leak

   Origin: Middle English 'sepen', from Old English 'sēopan', meaning 'to flow or leak'.

5. omit · verb/oʊˈmɪt/

   to leave out or exclude something

   In his report, he decided to omit the details that were not relevant to the main argument.

   Synonyms: exclude, leave out, skip

   Origin: From Latin 'omittere', meaning 'to let go, neglect, or disregard'