Advanced Plus — Set 23

Set 23 of Advanced Plus covers 5 words: solely, alliance, congregate, strangle, wear off. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. solely · adverb/ˈsoʊl.li/

   for only one reason or purpose

   She solely focuses on her studies to get good grades.

   Synonyms: only, just, merely

   Origin: from Old English 'sola', meaning 'alone, single'

2. alliance · noun/əˈlaɪəns/

   a union or association formed for mutual benefit or common purpose

   The two countries formed an alliance to work together for peace and safety.

   Synonyms: association, union, partnership

   Origin: from Middle French 'aliance', from 'alier' meaning to bind or tie

3. congregate · verb/ˈkɑŋɡrəˌɡeɪt/

   to gather into a crowd or mass

   The children like to congregate in the park after school to play together.

   Synonyms: gather, assemble, crowd

   Origin: from Latin 'congregare', meaning to bring together

4. strangle · verb/ˈstræŋɡl/

   to constrict the neck of someone or something so as to cause death or loss of consciousness

   He tried to strangle the plastic bag around his neck, but it was too tight.

   Synonyms: choke, suffocate, throttle

   Origin: from Middle English 'stranglen', from Old English 'strenglan', meaning 'to strangle, squeeze, choke'

5. wear off · verb/wɛr ɔf/

   to diminish or gradually stop being effective or noticeable

   The excitement from the party will wear off after a few days.

   Synonyms: fade, diminish, decrease

   Origin: The phrase 'wear off' comes from the Old English 'werian', meaning to carry or to go, combined with 'off', denoting separation.