procure, sobriety, escalate, reciprocate, perpetuate: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Advanced Plus set 46. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. procure · verb/prəˈkjʊr/

   to obtain or acquire something, especially through effort or careful planning

   She worked hard to procure the necessary supplies for the project.

   Synonyms: obtain, get, acquire

   Origin: from Latin 'procurare', meaning 'to take care of, to manage'

2. sobriety · noun/səˈbraɪədi/

   the state of being sober or free from the effects of alcohol or drugs

   After many years of drinking, he finally found sobriety and began to feel better.

   Synonyms: abstinence, temperance

   Origin: from the Latin 'soberanus', meaning 'sober' or 'sane'.

3. escalate · verb/ˈɛskəleɪt/

   to increase or intensify in amount or severity

   The argument between the two friends began to escalate quickly, making everyone uncomfortable.

   Synonyms: increase, intensify, grow

   Origin: from Latin 'scala' meaning 'ladder', with the prefix 'es-' indicating 'to' or 'out'.

4. reciprocate · verb/rɪˈsɪprəˌkeɪt/

   to respond to an action by making a corresponding one

   When she helped me with my project, I wanted to reciprocate by helping her with hers.

   Synonyms: return the favor

   Origin: from Latin 'reciprocatus', the past participle of 'reciprocare', meaning 'to move back and forth'

5. perpetuate · verb/pərˈpɛtʃ.u.eɪt/

   to cause something to continue indefinitely

   Teachers can sometimes perpetuate stereotypes when they do not teach students about different cultures.

   Synonyms: maintain, continue, preserve

   Origin: Derived from Latin 'perpetuare', from 'perpetuus' meaning 'everlasting'.