smelt, conciliate, permeate, opine, desecrate: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Proficient Plus set 6. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. smelt · verb/smɛlt/

   to extract a metal from its ore by a process involving heating and melting

   The factory will smelt copper from the ore to make wires.

   Synonyms: extract, refine, melt

   Origin: Middle English 'smelten,' from Old English 'smeltean' meaning 'to melt.'

2. conciliate · verb/kənˈsɪl.i.eɪt/

   to restore friendly relations or settle a disagreement

   She tried to conciliate her friend after their argument by apologizing and offering to help with her homework.

   Synonyms: reconcile, appease, pacify

   Origin: from Latin 'conciliatum,' meaning 'to bring together' or 'to unite'

3. permeate · verb/ˈpɜr.mi.eɪt/

   to spread or diffuse through something

   The smell of freshly baked bread began to permeate the whole house.

   Synonyms: saturate, infuse, pervade

   Origin: from Latin 'permeare', meaning 'to go through'

4. opine · verb/əˈpaɪn/

   to express an opinion or belief

   Many people opine that exercise is important for good health.

   Synonyms: express, state, believe

   Origin: from Latin 'opinari', meaning 'to think, believe, or suppose'

5. desecrate · verb/ˈdɛs.ɪ.kreɪt/

   to deliberately violate or destroy the sacredness of something

   They decided to desecrate the old church by painting graffiti on its walls.

   Synonyms: violate, profane, defile

   Origin: from Latin 'desecratus', past participle of 'desecrāre', meaning 'to make unholy'