vindicate, deem, coalesce, negate, disparage: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Proficient set 13. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. vindicate · verb/ˈvɪn.dɪˌkeɪt/

   to clear from blame or suspicion

   The new evidence helped to vindicate him from all the accusations.

   Synonyms: clear, exonerate, absolve

   Origin: from Latin 'vindicare', meaning 'to claim, avenge, or set free'

2. deem · verb/dim/

   to regard or consider in a specified way

   The teacher will deem the project finished when it has all the requirements.

   Synonyms: consider, regard, think

   Origin: from Old English 'dēman', meaning 'to judge' or 'to decide'

3. coalesce · verb/koʊəˈlɛs/

   to come together and form one mass or whole

   Over time, the small streams began to coalesce into a larger river.

   Synonyms: combine, unite, merge

   Origin: from Latin 'coalescere', meaning 'to grow together'

4. negate · verb/nɪˈɡeɪt/

   to nullify or make untrue

   His kind words did not negate my feelings of sadness.

   Synonyms: cancel, deny, nullify

   Origin: from Latin 'negare', meaning 'to deny'

5. disparage · verb/dɪˈspɛr.ɪdʒ/

   to regard or represent as being of little worth

   I don't like when people disparage my favorite movie because I think it is great.

   Synonyms: belittle, deride, denigrate

   Origin: from Old French 'desparagier', which combines 'des-' (meaning 'dis-') and 'parage' (meaning 'descent' or 'rank')