cajole, hone, stoke, renege, posit: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Proficient set 86. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. cajole · verb/kəˈdʒoʊl/

   to persuade someone to do something through flattery or gentle urging

   She tried to cajole her friend into going to the party with sweet words and kind compliments.

   Synonyms: coax, persuade, sweet-talk

   Origin: From French 'cajoler', meaning 'to chatter or to coax'.

2. hone · verb/hoʊn/

   to sharpen or refine something over time

   She needed to hone her skills in playing the guitar to become a better musician.

   Synonyms: sharpen, refine, improve

   Origin: Middle English 'onen', from Old English 'hanian' meaning 'to make sharp' or 'to sharpen'

3. stoke · verb/stoʊk/

   to stir up or tend a fire or to encourage or excite

   The boy decided to stoke the fire to keep it warm and bright.

   Synonyms: fuel, tend, stir

   Origin: Old English 'stocian', meaning 'to poke or stir' related to the action of tending a fire.

4. renege · verb/rɪˈnɛɡ/

   to go back on a promise or commitment

   He promised to help me with my project, but he decided to renege on his promise.

   Synonyms: backtrack, break, default

   Origin: The word 'renege' comes from the Latin 'renegare', meaning 'to deny' or 'to refuse'.

5. posit · verb/ˈpɑːzɪt/

   to put forward or assume as a basis for argument or discussion

   She will posit that friendship is essential for happiness.

   Synonyms: suggest, propose, assume

   Origin: from Latin 'positus', past participle of 'ponere' meaning 'to put, place'