Proficient Plus — Set 61

Set 61 of Proficient Plus covers 5 words: retrench, stupefy, obtrude, concoct, vaticinate. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. retrench · verb/rɪˈtrɛnʧ/

   to reduce or diminish in extent or quantity

   The company decided to retrench its expenses to save money for future projects.

   Synonyms: cut back, reduce, lessen

   Origin: from French 'retrancher', meaning 'to cut back; take away'

2. stupefy · verb/ˈstuːpəˌfaɪ/

   to make someone unable to think or feel properly

   The loud noise from the explosion seemed to stupefy everyone in the crowd, leaving them confused and unable to move.

   Synonyms: daze, stun, amaze

   Origin: from Latin 'stupefacere', meaning 'to make senseless'

3. obtrude · verb/əbˈtruːd/

   to impose or thrust oneself upon others without invitation or welcome

   During the meeting, Mark tried to obtrude his opinion even when no one asked for it.

   Synonyms: intrude, impose, encroach

   Origin: from Latin 'obtrudere', where 'ob-' means 'against' and 'trudere' means 'to push'

4. concoct · verb/kənˈkɑkt/

   to create or devise a plan or idea by combining various elements

   She decided to concoct a new plan to finish the project on time.

   Synonyms: devise, mix, create

   Origin: from Latin 'concoctus', meaning 'to cook together'

5. vaticinate · verb/fɔrˈtɛl, prɪˈdɪkt, dɪˈvaɪn/

   to predict or foretell the future

   The old man liked to vaticinate about the weather, predicting rain for next week.

   Synonyms: foretell, predict, divine

   Origin: The word 'vaticinate' comes from the Latin 'vaticinari', which means 'to prophesy'.