smirk, propitiate, requite, portend, squint: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Proficient Plus set 70. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. smirk · noun/smɜrk/

   a smug or conceited smile

   He had a smirk on his face after winning the game.

   Synonyms: grin, smile, sneer

   Origin: Originates from Middle English 'smerken,' which means to smile or to grin.

2. propitiate · verb/prəˈpɪʃ.i.eɪt/

   to win or regain the favor of a spirit or person by doing something that pleases them

   The villagers offered gifts to propitiate the angry spirit of the river.

   Synonyms: appease, placate, soothe

   Origin: from Latin 'propitiāre', meaning 'to make favorable'

3. requite · verb/rɪˈkwaɪt/

   to make repayment or return for something

   She decided to requite his kindness with a sweet gift.

   Synonyms: repay, return, recompense

   Origin: Middle English, from Old French 'requiter', from Latin 'requitare' (to repay)

4. portend · verb/pɔrˈtɛnd/

   to indicate or signify something that is about to happen

   The dark clouds above seem to portend a storm coming soon.

   Synonyms: indicate, foreshadow, signify

   Origin: from Middle English, derived from Latin 'portendere', meaning 'to stretch forward' (por- 'forward' + tendere 'to stretch')

5. squint · verb/skwɪnt/

   to look at something with one eye closed or partly closed in order to see better

   She had to squint to see the small print on the sign.

   Synonyms: peek, gaze, glance

   Origin: Middle English 'squinten', of uncertain origin