Proficient Plus — Set 29

Set 29 of Proficient Plus covers 5 words: render, decry, divest, jibe, elude. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. render · verb/ˈrɛndər/

   to provide or give a service or reply

   The volunteer will render assistance to the patients at the hospital.

   Synonyms: provide, supply, give

   Origin: from Old French 'rendre' meaning 'to give back' or 'to yield', from Latin 'reddere' meaning 'to give back'

2. decry · verb/dɪˈkraɪ/

   to publicly criticize or denounce something

   Many people decry the use of plastic bags because they hurt the environment.

   Synonyms: denounce, criticize, condemn

   Origin: from Old French 'decrier', which comes from 'de-' meaning 'down' and 'crier' meaning 'to cry' or 'to shout'

3. divest · verb/dɪˈvɛst/

   to deprive or strip of authority, possession, or rights

   The company decided to divest its assets to pay off its debts.

   Synonyms: strip, remove, take away

   Origin: The word 'divest' comes from the Latin word 'divestire', which means 'to unclothe' or 'to strip off'.

4. jibe · verb/dʒaɪb/

   to make a mocking or insulting remark

   When he tripped on stage, some people couldn't help but jibe at him about it.

   Synonyms: mock, tease, taunt

   Origin: The word 'jibe' comes from the late 19th century, originally meaning a taunt or a mocking remark. It is likely derived from the word 'gibe', which means to jeer or scoff.

5. elude · verb/ɪˈluːd/

   to evade or escape from something typically in a skillful or cunning way

   The thief managed to elude the police by hiding in a dark alley.

   Synonyms: avoid, evade, escape

   Origin: from Latin 'eludere', which means 'to evade or escape' (e- 'out' + ludere 'to play').