nettle, loll, inculcate, kindle, substantiate: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Proficient set 83. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. nettle · noun/ˈnɛtəl/

   a herbaceous plant of the genus urtica with stinging hairs

   In the garden, I accidentally brushed against a nettle and felt a sting on my arm.

   Synonyms: sting, herb, plant

   Origin: From Old English 'netele,' which is of Germanic origin.

2. loll · verb/lɑl/

   to sit, lie, or stand in a lazy, relaxed way

   After lunch, I like to loll on the couch and watch TV.

   Synonyms: slouch, lounge, sprawl

   Origin: Middle English 'lollen', meaning to move or hang loosely

3. inculcate · verb/ˈɪn.kʌl.keɪt/

   to instill an idea, attitude, or habit by persistent instruction

   Teachers often try to inculcate good behavior in students from a young age.

   Synonyms: instill, teach, impart

   Origin: from Latin 'inculcare', meaning 'to tread on, to instill', from 'in-' (in) + 'calcare' (to tread)

4. kindle · verb/ˈkɪndl/

   to ignite or start a fire; to arouse or inspire an emotion or feeling

   The dry leaves helped to kindle the fire quickly.

   Synonyms: light, ignite, spark

   Origin: Old Norse 'kynda', meaning to light or set on fire

5. substantiate · verb/səb'stæn.ʧi.eɪt/

   to provide evidence or support for a claim or assertion

   The teacher asked the student to substantiate his answer with facts from the book.

   Synonyms: prove, verify, support

   Origin: from Latin 'substantiare', meaning 'to establish, affirm, or prove'