Proficient Plus — Set 3

Set 3 of Proficient Plus covers 5 words: inculpate, elucidate, circumscribe, sequester, castigate. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. inculpate · verb/ˈɪn.kʌl.peɪt/

   to accuse or blame someone for a fault or wrongdoing

   The evidence can inculpate him in the robbery case.

   Synonyms: accuse, blame, charge

   Origin: from Latin 'inculpatus', meaning 'to blame or accuse'

2. elucidate · verb/ɪˈluː.sɪ.deɪt/

   to make something clear or easy to understand

   The teacher will elucidate the difficult topic so that all students can understand it.

   Synonyms: clarify, explain, illuminate

   Origin: from Latin 'elucidare', meaning 'to make clear', from 'ex-' meaning 'out' and 'lucidus' meaning 'light' or 'clear'

3. circumscribe · verb/ˌsɜr.kəmˈskraɪb/

   to limit or restrict something within certain boundaries

   The teacher decided to circumscribe the project to only one week so that students would not feel overwhelmed.

   Synonyms: limit, restrict, confine

   Origin: The word 'circumscribe' originates from the Latin 'circumscribere', which means 'to draw a line around' ('circum' meaning 'around' and 'scribere' meaning 'to write').

4. sequester · verb/sɪˈkwɛstɚ/

   to isolate or hide away something or someone

   The teacher decided to sequester the students in a separate room during the test.

   Synonyms: isolates, hides, shelters

   Origin: from Latin 'sequestrare', meaning 'to set apart' or 'to put aside'

5. castigate · verb/ˈkæstɪɡeɪt/

   to reprimand someone severely

   The teacher decided to castigate the student for skipping class without permission.

   Synonyms: scold, reprimand, censure

   Origin: from Latin 'castigare', which means 'to correct' or 'to chastise'