posit, cajole, renege, stoke, hone: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Proficient Plus set 44. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. posit · verb/ˈpɑːzɪt/

   to put forward as a basis of argument or as a fact

   Some scientists posit that climate change is caused by human activities.

   Synonyms: suggest, propose, assert

   Origin: from Latin 'positus', meaning 'placed'

2. cajole · verb/kəˈdʒoʊl/

   to persuade someone to do something through flattery or coaxing

   She tried to cajole her friend into going to the party by saying it would be fun.

   Synonyms: coax, persuade, entice

   Origin: The word 'cajole' comes from the French 'cajoler,' which means to chatter or to coax.

3. renege · verb/rɪˈnɛɡ/

   to go back on a promise or commitment

   He decided to renege on his promise to help me move this weekend.

   Synonyms: backtrack, withdraw, default

   Origin: From Latin 'renegare', meaning 'to deny or refuse'.

4. stoke · verb/stoʊk/

   to stir up or tend a fire to promote combustion

   He used a stick to stoke the fire so it would burn brighter.

   Synonyms: foster, fuel, tend

   Origin: Middle English stoken, from Old English stocian.

5. hone · verb/hoʊn/

   to sharpen or refine something over time

   She decided to hone her skills by practicing every day.

   Synonyms: sharpen, refine, perfect

   Origin: Middle English 'honen', from Old English 'hōnian'