exert, renounce, debacle, coincide, dubious: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Advanced Plus set 30. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. exert · verb/ɪɡˈzɜrt/

   to apply or bring to bear (a force, influence, or quality)

   She will exert her influence to help her friend get the job.

   Synonyms: apply, use, employ

   Origin: from Latin 'exertus', past participle of 'exerĕre', meaning 'to bring forth'

2. renounce · verb/rɪˈnaʊns/

   to formally declare one's abandonment of a claim, right, or possession

   She decided to renounce her claim to the inheritance after her father's death.

   Synonyms: reject, give up, abandon

   Origin: From Middle English 'renuncen,' from Latin 'renuntiare,' meaning to announce or report back.

3. debacle · noun/dɪˈbɑ.kəl/

   a sudden and ignominious failure

   The team's loss in the final match was a huge debacle that shocked everyone.

   Synonyms: failure, disaster, catastrophe

   Origin: French 'débâcle', meaning 'to unbar' or 'to break up'

4. coincide · verb/ˌkoʊ.ɪnˈsaɪd/

   to occur at the same time or to occupy the same space

   The festival will coincide with the start of summer vacation.

   Synonyms: concur, overlap, coexist

   Origin: from Latin 'coincidere', meaning 'to fall together'

5. dubious · adjective/ˈduːbiəs/

   not certain or reliable; causing doubt

   She gave him a dubious look when he said he could run a marathon without training.

   Synonyms: doubtful, questionable

   Origin: from Latin 'dubius', meaning 'doubtful'