Intermediate — Set 23

Set 23 of Intermediate covers 5 words: seem, consume, tend, measure, ensure. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. seem · verb/sim/

   appear; look

   He seemed a bit confused by the question but he still answered it.

   Synonyms: look

   Origin: Middle English (also in the sense ‘suit, befit, be appropriate’): from Old Norse sœma ‘to honor’, from sœmr ‘fitting’

2. consume · verb/kənˈsum/

   eat or drink something

   Many of my friends have decided not to consume meat and I am also considering becoming a vegetarian.

   Synonyms: eat, use up

   Origin: late Middle English: from Latin consumere, from con- ‘altogether’ + sumere ‘take up’; reinforced by French consumer

3. tend · verb/tɛnd/

   usually do a particular thing

   Many young people tend to leave home, go to university and establish a career in bigger cities.

   Synonyms: normally, usually, be likely, be prone, be inclined

   Origin: Middle English (in the sense ‘move or be inclined to move in a certain direction’): from Old French tendre ‘stretch, tend’, from Latin tendere

4. measure · verb/ˈmɛʒər/

   determine the size, length or amount of something

   What is the easiest way to measure the distance between the earth and the sun?

   Synonyms: assess, calculate

   Origin: Middle English (as a noun in the senses ‘moderation’, ‘instrument for measuring’, ‘unit of capacity’): from Old French mesure, from Latin mensura, from mens- ‘measured’, from the verb metiri

5. ensure · verb/ɪnˈʃʊr/

   make certain of; guarantee

   We are doing our best to ensure a high degree of quality and service for the guests in our hotel.

   Synonyms: assure, guarantee, make sure

   Origin: late Middle English (in the senses ‘convince’ and ‘make safe’): from Anglo-Norman French enseurer, alteration of Old French aseurer, earlier form of assurer (see assure). Compare with insure