delude, exult, invigorate, retain, utilize: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from TOEFL Vocabulary set 79. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. delude · verb/dɪˈluːd/

   to cause someone to believe something that is not true

   She was deluded into thinking that she would win the competition without any preparation.

   Synonyms: mislead, deceive, dupe

   Origin: From Latin 'deludere', meaning 'to play upon, to deceive', from 'de-' (meaning 'down, away') and 'ludere' (meaning 'to play').

2. exult · verb/ɪɡˈzʌlt/

   to show or feel elation or jubilation

   After winning the championship, the team couldn't help but exult in their hard-earned victory.

   Synonyms: rejoice, celebrate, revel

   Origin: Late Middle English, from Latin 'exultare', meaning 'to leap up', from 'ex-' (up) + 'saltare' (to leap)

3. invigorate · verb/ɪnˈvɪɡəreɪt/

   to give strength or energy to

   A brisk walk in the morning can really invigorate your mind and body.

   Synonyms: refresh, energize, revitalize

   Origin: The word 'invigorate' originates from the Latin 'invigorare', meaning to make strong or lively, composed of 'in-' (into) and 'vigorare' (to give strength).

4. retain · verb/rɪˈteɪn/

   to keep possession of or continue to have

   It is essential for a company to retain customers in order to ensure long-term success.

   Synonyms: keep, hold, preserve

   Origin: Middle English, from Old French retenir, from Latin retinere, from re- 'back' + tenere 'to hold'.

5. utilize · verb/ˈjuːtəˌlaɪz/

   to make practical and effective use of something

   To improve efficiency, we need to utilize our available resources more effectively during the project.

   Synonyms: use, employ, exploit

   Origin: from Latin 'utilis' meaning useful, derived from 'uti' meaning to use