consummate, culminate, attest, abrogate, spew: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Proficient set 60. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. consummate · adjective/ˈkɑnsəˌmeɪt/

   complete or perfect in every way

   She is a consummate professional who always meets her deadlines.

   Synonyms: complete, perfect, total

   Origin: from Latin 'consummatus', meaning 'completed or finished'

2. culminate · verb/ˈkʌlmɪneɪt/

   to reach the highest point or final stage

   After years of hard work, their efforts finally culminated in a big celebration.

   Synonyms: peak, conclude, finish

   Origin: from Latin 'culminare', which means 'to reach the top'

3. attest · verb/əˈtɛst/

   to provide evidence or testimony to support the truth of something

   Many witnesses can attest to the fact that the event was very exciting.

   Synonyms: confirm, witness, prove

   Origin: Middle English, from Old French 'attester', from Latin 'attestari', meaning 'to bear witness'

4. abrogate · verb/ˈæb.rə.ɡeɪt/

   to repeal or do away with a law, right, or formal agreement

   The government decided to abrogate the old law about smoking in public places.

   Synonyms: revoke, annul, cancel

   Origin: from Latin 'abrogare', meaning 'to annul or repeal'

5. spew · verb/spju/

   to expel or discharge something forcefully and in large amounts

   The volcano began to spew lava and ash into the sky.

   Synonyms: spout, erupt, gush

   Origin: Middle English 'spewen', from Old English 'spēowan', meaning to vomit or discharge.