resonate, importune, expiate, garble, avail: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Proficient set 69. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. resonate · verb/ˈrɛzəˌneɪt/

   to produce or be filled with a deep, echoing sound or to evoke a feeling or memory

   The sound of the bell began to resonate in the quiet room.

   Synonyms: echo, vibrate

   Origin: from Latin 'resonare', meaning 'to sound again'

2. importune · verb/ɪm.pɔːrˈtuːn/

   to request urgently or repeatedly

   The little boy would always importune his mother for ice cream after dinner.

   Synonyms: insist, beg, urge

   Origin: Middle English, from Latin 'importunus' meaning 'unfit, troublesome'.

3. expiate · verb/ˈɛk.spi.eɪt/

   to make amends for guilt or wrongdoing

   To expiate his mistakes, he volunteered at the local shelter every weekend.

   Synonyms: atone, rectify, compensate

   Origin: From Latin 'expiāre', meaning 'to atone for or to purge'.

4. garble · verb/ˈɡɑːr.bəl/

   to distort or confuse unintentionally or to make unclear

   When I tried to explain my idea on the phone, I think I garbled my words, and my friend couldn't understand me.

   Synonyms: jumble, mix up, confuse

   Origin: Derived from the Middle English word 'garblen', which means to sift or sort.

5. avail · verb/əˈveɪl/

   to make use of something or to take advantage of an opportunity

   I decided to avail myself of the special discount at the store.

   Synonyms: utilize, use, employ

   Origin: from Middle French 'availer' meaning 'to be of use'