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contradict

verb/ˌkɑːn.trəˈdɪkt/

definition

to assert the opposite of a statement or idea

example

The witness's testimony seemed to contradict the defendant's alibi, raising questions about his innocence.

synonyms
denyopposerefute
word origin — From Latin 'contradictus', past participle of 'contradicere', meaning 'to speak against.'

TOEFL Vocabulary — Set 89

Set 89 of TOEFL Vocabulary covers 5 words: contradict, convene, plunge, endorse, dispel. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

  1. contradict · verb/ˌkɑːn.trəˈdɪkt/

    to assert the opposite of a statement or idea

    The witness's testimony seemed to contradict the defendant's alibi, raising questions about his innocence.

    Synonyms: deny, oppose, refute

    Origin: From Latin 'contradictus', past participle of 'contradicere', meaning 'to speak against.'

  2. convene · verb/kənˈvin/

    to come together or assemble, especially for a meeting

    The committee will convene a meeting next week to discuss the upcoming project.

    Synonyms: gather, assemble, meet

    Origin: from Latin 'convenire', meaning 'to come together, meet' (com- 'together' + venire 'to come')

  3. plunge · verb/plʌndʒ/

    to fall or jump suddenly and energetically

    The athlete decided to plunge into the pool, making a big splash as he hit the water.

    Synonyms: dive, jump, leap

    Origin: Middle English 'plongen', from Old French 'plonger', originating from Latin 'plumbare' meaning 'to plunge'

  4. endorse · verb/ɪnˈdɔrs/

    to declare one's public approval or support of

    The celebrity decided to endorse the new health product, believing it would benefit her fans.

    Synonyms: support, back, advocate

    Origin: from Latin 'endorse', meaning 'to put on the back', derived from 'in-' (upon) and 'dorsum' (the back)

  5. dispel · verb/dɪˈspɛl/

    to drive away or eliminate something, such as a feeling or belief

    The teacher worked hard to dispel any doubts the students had about their ability to succeed.

    Synonyms: alleviate, dispel, scatter

    Origin: Middle English 'dispellen', from Old French 'dispeller', from Latin 'dispellere', meaning 'to drive away' (dis- 'away' + pellere 'to drive')