stultify, revile, jostle, obfuscate, edify: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Proficient set 54. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. stultify · verb/ˈstəltəˌfī/

   cause to lose enthusiasm and initiative, especially as a result of a tedious or restrictive routine

   He found ways of gently subverting the class system that stultified 1950s English society.

   Synonyms: hamper, impede, obstruct, thwart, frustrate

2. revile · verb/rɪˈvaɪl/

   to criticize in an abusive or angrily insulting manner

   The angry crowd began to revile the speaker for his lies.

   Synonyms: abuse, insult, scold

   Origin: from Middle French 'reviler', from Latin 'revilare', meaning 'to bring back' or 'to vilify'

3. jostle · verb/ˈdʒɑːsl/

   to push or bump against someone or something in a crowd or to compete for an advantage

   In the crowded train, people jostle for space to stand comfortably without bumping into each other.

   Synonyms: bump, shove, push

   Origin: The word 'jostle' comes from Middle English 'jostlen', likely derived from the Old French 'jostler', which means to thrust or push.

4. obfuscate · verb/ˈɑːb.fə.skeɪt/

   to deliberately make something unclear or difficult to understand

   The teacher tried to obfuscate the lesson so the students would pay more attention.

   Synonyms: confuse, obscure, cloud

   Origin: from Latin 'obfuscatus', meaning 'darkened, obscured', from 'ob-' (over, against) + 'fuscare' (to darken)

5. edify · verb/ˈɛdɪfaɪ/

   to instruct or improve someone morally or intellectually

   Reading good books can edify us about different cultures and ideas.

   Synonyms: teach, instruct, educate

   Origin: from Latin 'aedificare', meaning 'to build up'