maximize, alleviate, anticipate, precipitate, reconcile: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from TOEFL Vocabulary set 97. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. maximize · verb/ˈmæksɪmaɪz/

   to make as great or large as possible

   To maximize profits, the company implemented a new pricing strategy that attracted more customers.

   Synonyms: enhance, increase, boost

   Origin: from Late Latin 'maximizzare', from 'maximus' meaning 'greatest'

2. alleviate · verb/əˈliːviˌeɪt/

   to make something less severe or intense

   The doctor prescribed medication to alleviate the patient's chronic pain.

   Synonyms: relieve, reduce, lessen

   Origin: from Latin 'alleviare', meaning 'to lighten' or 'to relieve'

3. anticipate · verb/ænˈtɪsəˌpeɪt/

   to expect or predict something that will happen in the future

   She anticipated a positive outcome from the meeting based on the preliminary feedback.

   Synonyms: expect, foresee, predict

   Origin: Middle English 'anticipaten', from Latin 'anticipare', meaning 'to take in advance'.

4. precipitate · verb/prɪˈsɪp.ɪ.teɪt/

   to cause something to happen suddenly or unexpectedly

   The unexpected news precipitated a wave of protests across the city.

   Synonyms: hasten, accelerate, instigate

   Origin: from Latin 'praecipitare', meaning 'to throw down' or 'to hurl'

5. reconcile · verb/ˈrɛkənsaɪl/

   to restore friendly relations between

   After many months of arguing, they finally decided to reconcile their differences and become friends again.

   Synonyms: resolve, mend, restore

   Origin: Middle English: from Old French 'reconcilier', from Latin 'reconciliāre', meaning 'to bring together again'.