preclude, vivify, ascribe, demarcate, stipulate: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Proficient set 31. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. preclude · verb/prɪˈklud/

   to prevent something from happening or make it impossible

   The heavy rain will preclude us from going to the picnic today.

   Synonyms: prevent, stop, hinder

   Origin: from Latin 'praecludere', meaning 'to close off' (from 'prae-' meaning 'before' and 'claudere' meaning 'to shut')

2. vivify · verb/ˈvɪv.ɪ.faɪ/

   to enliven or animate something

   The bright colors of the painting help to vivify the room and make it feel cheerful.

   Synonyms: revive, energize, animate

   Origin: from Latin 'vivificare', which means to restore to life

3. ascribe · verb/əˈskraɪb/

   to attribute something to a cause or source

   Many people ascribe the success of the project to the hard work of the team.

   Synonyms: attribute, assign, credit

   Origin: from Latin 'ascribere', meaning 'to write to, add'.

4. demarcate · verb/ˈdiˌmɑr.keɪt/

   to set the boundaries or limits of something

   The farmer used fences to demarcate the land between his property and his neighbor's.

   Synonyms: mark, define, delineate

   Origin: from the Latin 'de-' meaning 'from' and 'marcare' meaning 'to mark'

5. stipulate · verb/ˈstɪp.jə.leɪt/

   to demand or specify a requirement as part of an agreement

   The contract will stipulate the payment deadlines for the project.

   Synonyms: require, specify, dictate

   Origin: from Latin 'stipulatus', the past participle of 'stipulari', meaning 'to make a formal demand or agreement'