fluctuate, disregard, inherit, facilitate, utilize: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Advanced set 72. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. fluctuate · verb/ˈfləktʃəˌweɪt/

   change suddenly and unexpectedly

   Vegetable prices tend to fluctuate since they depend on varying harvest and seasonal conditions.

   Synonyms: vary, oscillate

   Origin: mid 17th century (earlier (late Middle English) as fluctuation): from Latin fluctuat- ‘undulated’, from the verb fluctuare, from fluctus ‘flow, current, wave’, from fluere ‘to flow’

2. disregard · verb/ˌdɪsrəˈɡɑrd/

   not pay a respectful amount of attention

   The mother grew frustrated with her teenage son who completely disregarded whatever advice she gave him.

   Synonyms: neglect, overlook, ignore

3. inherit · verb/ɪnˈhɛrət/

   receive money or property from a person after their death; exhibit traits passed down from a direct family member

   The two sons inherited the fortune and estate of the world-renowned pop star after his untimely death.

   Synonyms: receive

   Origin: Middle English enherite ‘receive as a right’, from Old French enheriter, from late Latin inhereditare ‘appoint as heir’, from Latin in- ‘in’ + heres, hered- ‘heir’

4. facilitate · verb/fəˈsɪləˌteɪt/

   make something easier; guide a process, often a meeting

   There are many free, cell phone apps available that facilitate language learning by offering fun and creative ways of studying new words.

   Synonyms: ease, help, aid, guide, direct

   Origin: early 17th century: from French faciliter, from Italian facilitare, from facile ‘easy’, from Latin facilis (see facile)

5. utilize · verb/ˈjudlˌaɪz/

   make use of something in a practical, effective way

   During orientation week, students were informed about all the resources they could utilize on campus, such as advisors and career services.

   Synonyms: use, employ

   Origin: early 19th century: from French utiliser, from Italian utilizzare, from utile (see utile)