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sunder

verb/ˈsʌndər/

definition

to split apart or divide

example

The strong wind seemed to sunder the old tree into two pieces.

synonyms
splitdividecleave
word origin — from Old English 'sundorian', meaning to separate or divide

sunder, stigmatize, tattle, tweak, construe: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Proficient Plus set 60. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

  1. sunder · verb/ˈsʌndər/

    to split apart or divide

    The strong wind seemed to sunder the old tree into two pieces.

    Synonyms: split, divide, cleave

    Origin: from Old English 'sundorian', meaning to separate or divide

  2. stigmatize · verb/ˈstɪɡ.mə.taɪz/

    to mark someone or something as disgraceful or shameful

    People often stigmatize those who struggle with mental health issues, making it hard for them to seek help.

    Synonyms: label, brand, mark

    Origin: from the Greek word 'stigma' meaning 'mark' or 'puncture'

  3. tattle · verb/ˈtæt.əl/

    to report someone's wrongdoing or misbehavior to an authority figure

    If you see someone breaking the rules at school, it is good to tattle to the teacher.

    Synonyms: snitch, inform, squeal

    Origin: The word 'tattle' comes from the Middle English word 'tatel', which means to talk or prattle, and is of uncertain origin.

  4. tweak · verb/twiːk/

    to make small adjustments or improvements to something

    I need to tweak the design of my poster to make it look better.

    Synonyms: adjust, modify, refine

    Origin: The word 'tweak' possibly comes from the 16th-century dialectal English word 'tweak', meaning to pull or twist sharply.

  5. construe · verb/kənˈstru/

    to interpret or explain the meaning of something

    The teacher asked us to construe the poem and find its hidden meaning.

    Synonyms: interpret, explain, clarify

    Origin: from Latin 'construere' meaning 'to build together'