surmount, setback, dissipate, plunge, suffrage: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Advanced Plus set 6. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. surmount · verb/sərˈmaʊnt/

   to overcome a difficulty or obstacle

   She worked hard to surmount the challenges in her studies.

   Synonyms: overcome, conquer, defeat

   Origin: from Middle English 'surmounten', derived from Old French 'surmonter', which combines 'sur-' meaning 'over' and 'monter' meaning 'to mount'

2. setback · noun/ˈsɛt.bæk/

   a difficulty or problem that delays or prevents progress

   The project faced a major setback when the team lost their funding.

   Synonyms: obstacle, difficulty, problem

   Origin: The word 'setback' originated in the early 20th century, combining 'set' (to place or put in a specific position) with 'back' (indicating a reverse direction or position).

3. dissipate · verb/ˈdɪs.ɪ.peɪt/

   to gradually disappear or cause something to disperse

   The mist began to dissipate as the sun came out.

   Synonyms: disperse, scatter, vanish

   Origin: from Latin 'dissipare', meaning 'to scatter about'

4. plunge · verb/plʌndʒ/

   to jump or dive quickly and energetically into water or to fall suddenly and steeply

   He decided to plunge into the deep water to cool off on a hot day.

   Synonyms: dive, leap, jump

   Origin: Middle English 'plungen', from Old French 'plongier', based on 'plongier' meaning to dive.

5. suffrage · noun/ˈsʌf.rɪdʒ/

   the right to vote in political elections

   Many women campaigned for suffrage so they could participate in national elections.

   Synonyms: franchise, voting rights

   Origin: from Latin 'suffragium' meaning 'vote, support'