Proficient Plus — Set 37

Set 37 of Proficient Plus covers 5 words: beguile, doff, mar, traverse, conscript. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. beguile · verb/bɪˈɡaɪl/

   to charm or enchant someone, often in a deceptive way

   The magician's tricks would beguile the audience, making them believe in magic.

   Synonyms: charm, deceive, enthrall

   Origin: From Middle English 'beguile', from Old French 'beguiler', from 'be-' (completely) + 'guiler' (to deceive).

2. doff · verb/dɔf/

   to remove or take off an article of clothing

   He will doff his hat when he enters the room.

   Synonyms: remove, take off

   Origin: From Middle English 'doffen', which is a combination of 'do' and 'off'.

3. mar · verb/mɑr/

   to damage or spoil to a certain extent

   The rain began to mar the beautiful painting we were working on.

   Synonyms: damage, spoil, ruin

   Origin: Middle English, from the Old English 'merran' meaning to damage or injure

4. traverse · verb/trəˈvɜrs/

   to travel across or through

   We need to traverse the forest to reach the other side.

   Synonyms: cross, pass, travel

   Origin: from Middle English 'traversen', from Old French 'traverser', from Latin 'traversare', meaning 'to turn across'.

5. conscript · verb/kənˈskrɪpt/

   to enlist someone compulsorily, often into the military service

   The government decided to conscript young men for military service during the war.

   Synonyms: draft, enlist, recruit

   Origin: from Latin 'conscriptere', meaning 'to write together'