equivocate, corroborate, articulate, vilify, abjure: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Proficient set 10. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. equivocate · verb/ɪˈkwɪvəˌkeɪt/

   to use ambiguous language to conceal the truth or avoid committing oneself

   When asked about his plans, he chose to equivocate and said he was still thinking about it.

   Synonyms: waffle, prevaricate, dodge

   Origin: from Latin 'aequivocare' meaning 'to call equally, to use ambiguous language', from 'aequus' (equal) + 'vocare' (to call)

2. corroborate · verb/kəˈrɑbəreɪt/

   to confirm or give support to a statement theory or finding

   The witness could corroborate the story that the man was at the scene of the crime.

   Synonyms: confirm, support, verify

   Origin: from Latin 'corroborare', meaning 'to strengthen'.

3. articulate · adjective/ɑrˈtɪk.jə.lɪt/

   able to express thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively

   She is an articulate speaker who can explain complex ideas simply.

   Synonyms: clear, eloquent, fluent

   Origin: from Latin 'articulatus', meaning 'divided into joints or segments', from 'articulare' meaning 'to connect or join'.

4. vilify · verb/ˈvɪlɪfaɪ/

   to speak or write about in an abusively disparaging manner

   Many people vilify the celebrity for her mistakes online.

   Synonyms: defame, belittle, disparage

   Origin: from Latin 'vilificare', which means to make cheap or to belittle

5. abjure · verb/əbˈdʒʊr/

   to renounce or reject a belief, cause, or claim formally

   After much thought, he decided to abjure his old beliefs and follow a new path.

   Synonyms: renounce, reject, forsake

   Origin: from Middle English abjuren, from Latin abjurare, meaning 'to forswear'