Proficient — Set 7

Set 7 of Proficient covers 5 words: patronize, revere, digress, exacerbate, hamper. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. patronize · verb/ˈpeɪtrəˌnaɪz/

   to treat someone with an apparent kindness that betrays a feeling of superiority

   She tried to help him with his homework, but she ended up talking to him in a way that made him feel patronized.

   Synonyms: condescend, talk down to, demean

   Origin: from Latin 'patronus' meaning 'protector or patron'

2. revere · verb/rɪˈvɪr/

   to regard with deep respect and admiration

   Many people revere their teachers for the knowledge they share.

   Synonyms: esteem, admire, venerate

   Origin: from Latin 'revereri' meaning 'to stand in awe of'

3. digress · verb/daɪˈɡrɛs/

   to deviate from the main topic in speech or writing

   During her speech, she started to digress from the main topic and talked about her childhood instead.

   Synonyms: wander, deviate, stray

   Origin: From Latin 'digressus', the past participle of 'digredi', meaning 'to go aside'.

4. exacerbate · verb/ɪɡˈzæs.ər.beɪt/

   to make a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worse

   The loud noise from the construction site will only exacerbate my headache.

   Synonyms: aggravate, worsen, intensify

   Origin: from Latin 'exacerbātus', which means 'to make harsh or bitter', combining 'ex-' (out of) and 'acerbus' (harsh, bitter)

5. hamper · verb/ˈhɪndər/

   to hinder or impede the progress or movement of something

   Bad weather can hamper our plans for a picnic.

   Synonyms: hinder, obstruct, impede

   Origin: from Old English 'hindrian', meaning to hinder or delay