encompass, rectify, appraise, envisage, specify: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from TOEFL Vocabulary set 85. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. encompass · verb/ɪnˈkʌm.pəs/

   to include or cover something completely

   The project will encompass various aspects of environmental sustainability, ensuring a holistic approach to conservation.

   Synonyms: include, cover, contain

   Origin: The word 'encompass' originates from the Middle English 'encompassen', which comes from the Old French 'encompasser', based on the Latin 'com-' (with) and 'passare' (to pass).

2. rectify · verb/ˈrɛk.tə.faɪ/

   to correct or set right a mistake or wrongdoing

   The manager promised to rectify the errors in the financial report before the end of the week.

   Synonyms: correct, amend, fix

   Origin: Late Latin 'rectificare' meaning 'to make right'

3. appraise · verb/əˈpreɪz/

   to evaluate or estimate the value of something

   Before selling her house, she decided to appraise its market value to ensure she set a fair price.

   Synonyms: evaluate, assess, estimate

   Origin: from Middle English 'appraisen', from Old French 'apprécier', from Latin 'appretiare' meaning 'to set a price on'

4. envisage · verb/ɪnˈvɪʒ/

   to imagine or consider something as a future possibility

   She can easily envisage a future where technology and nature coexist harmoniously.

   Synonyms: imagine, envision, foresee

   Origin: from the Latin 'in' (in) + 'videre' (to see)

5. specify · verb/ˈspɛsɪfaɪ/

   to state or enumerate in detail

   The instructions specify the materials needed for the project.

   Synonyms: define, detail, designate

   Origin: from Latin 'specificare', from 'species' meaning 'species or kind' and 'facere' meaning 'to make, do'