Proficient Plus — Set 18

Set 18 of Proficient Plus covers 5 words: calibrate, declaim, bicker, surmise, subvert. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. calibrate · verb/ˈkæl.ɪ.breɪt/

   to adjust or mark a measuring instrument or device so that it can measure accurately

   The technician will calibrate the thermometer to make sure it shows the correct temperature.

   Synonyms: adjust, measure, set

   Origin: from the French word 'calibrer', which means to mark or divide into degrees

2. declaim · verb/dɪˈkleɪm/

   to speak rhetorically or in a loud and theatrical manner

   The teacher declaimed the importance of reading every day to the class.

   Synonyms: harangue, recite, pontificate

   Origin: From Latin 'declamare', meaning 'to proclaim, to shout out'

3. bicker · verb/ˈbɪkər/

   to engage in petty and trivial argument

   The kids often bicker over who gets to play with the toy first.

   Synonyms: argue, quarrel, dispute

   Origin: Middle English: from 'bikeren', related to 'bickering' in Scots.

4. surmise · verb/sərˈmaɪz/

   to suppose that something is true without having evidence to confirm it

   I can only surmise that she is late because of traffic.

   Synonyms: guess, assume, presume

   Origin: Middle English, from Old French 'surmiser' (to put together) based on Latin 'sub' (from) + ‘mittere’ (to send)

5. subvert · verb/səbˈvɜrt/

   to undermine the power and authority of an established system or institution

   The protestors tried to subvert the government's rules by organizing secret meetings.

   Synonyms: overturn, undermine, disrupt

   Origin: from Latin 'subvertere', meaning 'to turn upside down'