Intermediate — Set 82

Set 82 of Intermediate covers 5 words: protect, receive, sharpen, unlock, replace. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. protect · verb/prəˈtɛk(t)/

   to keep somebody or something unharmed

   Reports from Greenpeace claim that there are many things individuals can do to protect the environment from pollution.

   Synonyms: defend, guard, shield

   Origin: late Middle English: from Latin protect- ‘covered in front’, from the verb protegere, from pro- ‘in front’ + tegere ‘to cover’

2. receive · verb/rəˈsiv/

   to get something that is given to you

   Families living in developed countries receive child benefits irrespective of their country of origin.

   Synonyms: get, obtain, accept

   Origin: Middle English: from Anglo-Norman French receivre, based on Latin recipere, from re- ‘back’ + capere ‘take’

3. sharpen · verb/ˈʃɑrp(ə)n/

   to make sharper or a situation better

   The chef made the assistants sharpen all the knives that had become blunt in his kitchen.

   Synonyms: enhance, improve

4. unlock · verb/ˌənˈlɑk/

   to open something with a lock or make something accessible

   Smart houses can recognize you from your fingerprints, and you can unlock your door even if you do not have the key with you.

   Synonyms: open, undo, decipher

5. replace · verb/rəˈpleɪs/

   to change the position of a person or thing with another person or thing

   New technology will probably replace the whiteboards that the lecturers use.

   Synonyms: change, take over, renew