Intermediate — Set 1

Set 1 of Intermediate covers 5 words: bargain, enable, recognize, disappoint, avoid. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. bargain · verb/ˈbɑrɡ(ə)n/

   to discuss the price of something to come to an agreement

   The vendor usually asks a high price for his vegetables, so try to bargain the price down.

   Synonyms: negotiate, haggle

   Origin: Middle English: from Old French bargaine (noun), bargaignier (verb); probably of Germanic origin and related to German borgen ‘borrow’

2. enable · verb/ɪˈneɪb(ə)l/

   to make it possible for someone to do something

   Your diploma will enable you to find a job.

   Synonyms: allow, let, permit

   Origin: late Middle English (formerly also as inable): from en-, in-, + able

3. recognize · verb/ˈrɛkə(ɡ)ˌnaɪz/

   to know someone or something because you have seen or heard them before

   My grandmother's memory has been getting weaker and weaker. She cannot even recognize my mom.

   Synonyms: identify, know, remember

   Origin: late Middle English (earliest attested as a term in Scots law): from Old French reconniss-, stem of reconnaistre, from Latin recognoscere ‘know again, recall to mind’, from re- ‘again’ + cognoscere ‘learn’

4. disappoint · verb/ˌdɪsəˈpɔɪnt/

   to make someone sad because you did not do what they hoped for

   We trusted him as a partner but he just disappointed us and failed to meet our expectations.

   Synonyms: let down, upset, displease

   Origin: late Middle English (in the sense ‘deprive of a position’): from Old French desappointer

5. avoid · verb/əˈvɔɪd/

   to stay away from someone or something

   You should avoid the main road into town because there is too much traffic.

   Synonyms: keep away from, dodge, escape

   Origin: late Middle English: from Old French evuider ‘clear out, get rid of’, from vuide ‘empty’ (see void)