Proficient Plus — Set 74

Set 74 of Proficient Plus covers 5 words: extemporize, matriculate, coddle, inveigh, cavort. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. extemporize · verb/ɪkˈstɛmpəˌraɪz/

   to compose or perform something such as music or a speech without preparation

   During the talent show, she had to extemporize a song when her music stopped playing.

   Synonyms: improvise, ad-lib, wing it

   Origin: from Latin 'extemporarius', meaning 'immediate' or 'done on the spur of the moment'

2. matriculate · verb/məˈtrɪk.jʊ.leɪt/

   to enroll in a college or university as a student

   She decided to matriculate at the local university after finishing high school.

   Synonyms: register, enroll, join

   Origin: from Latin 'matriculare', meaning to enroll or register

3. coddle · verb/ˈkɑː.dəl/

   to treat with excessive care or indulgence

   Parents often coddle their children by giving them everything they want.

   Synonyms: pamper, indulge, nurture

   Origin: Originated from the late 15th century, possibly from the Old English word 'codd,' meaning a small bag or pouch.

4. inveigh · verb/ɪnˈveɪ/

   to speak or write about something with great hostility

   The teacher began to inveigh against the unfair rules of the school.

   Synonyms: protest, oppose, complain

   Origin: From Latin 'invehi', meaning 'to attack, to carry against'

5. cavort · verb/kəˈvɔrt/

   to leap or dance in a lively or boisterous manner

   The children cavorted around the playground, laughing and playing games.

   Synonyms: jump, skip, dance

   Origin: The word 'cavort' originates from the French word 'cavorter', which means to caper or to leap.