mollify, defray, prevaricate, debase, conflate: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Proficient Plus set 80. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. mollify · verb/ˈmɑː.lɪ.faɪ/

   to soothe in temper or disposition

   The teacher tried to mollify the angry student by listening to his concerns.

   Synonyms: calm, soothe, placate

   Origin: from Latin 'mollificare', meaning 'to soften'

2. defray · verb/dɪˈfreɪ/

   to provide money to pay a cost or expense

   The school held a bake sale to help defray the costs of the field trip.

   Synonyms: pay, cover, settle

   Origin: from Old French 'defraier', meaning 'to pay, to spend', based on 'fraier', which means 'to do business or trade'.

3. prevaricate · verb/prɪˈvær.ɪ.keɪt/

   to speak or act in an evasive way

   When asked about his plans, he preferred to prevaricate rather than give a straight answer.

   Synonyms: lie, evade, dodge

   Origin: from Latin 'prævaricat-', meaning 'to walk crookedly'

4. debase · verb/dɪˈbeɪs/

   to lower in quality, value, or esteem

   The poor quality of the product will debase its reputation in the market.

   Synonyms: degrade, demean, lower

   Origin: from Latin 'debasare', meaning 'to lower or reduce'.

5. conflate · verb/kənˈfleɪt/

   to combine two or more substances, ideas, or concepts into one

   Many people conflate happiness with money, thinking they are the same.

   Synonyms: merge, combine, fuse

   Origin: from Latin 'conflatus', meaning 'blown together'