TOEFL Vocabulary — Set 74

Set 74 of TOEFL Vocabulary covers 5 words: persist, isolate, acquire, facilitate, captivate. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. persist · verb/pɚˈsɪst/

   to continue in an opinion or course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition

   Despite numerous setbacks, she continued to persist in her efforts to achieve her goals.

   Synonyms: continue, endure, persevere

   Origin: from Latin 'persistĕre', meaning 'to stand firm or remain unchanged'

2. isolate · verb/ˈaɪ.sə.leɪt/

   to separate from others or to set apart

   The scientists decided to isolate the bacteria to study its effects on the environment.

   Synonyms: separate, detach, seclude

   Origin: Originating in the early 19th century, from the Latin 'isolare', which means 'to make isolated', from 'insula' meaning 'island'.

3. acquire · verb/əˈkwajɚ/

   to gain possession of something or to obtain

   She hopes to acquire new skills by attending the workshop next month.

   Synonyms: obtain, gain, secure

   Origin: from Latin 'acquirere', meaning 'to get or gain', composed of 'ad-' (to) and 'quaerere' (to seek or ask)

4. facilitate · verb/fəˈsɪl.ɪ.teɪt/

   to make a process easier or assist in the progress of something

   The new software was designed to facilitate communication among team members.

   Synonyms: assist, ease, aid

   Origin: from Latin 'facilitare', from 'facilis' meaning 'easy'

5. captivate · verb/ˈkæp.tɪˌveɪt/

   to attract and hold the interest and attention of someone

   The stunning visuals of the documentary captivate audiences around the world, drawing them into the story.

   Synonyms: charm, fascinate, enchant

   Origin: From Latin 'captivare', which means 'to seize or take captive.'