Upper-Intermediate — Set 65

Set 65 of Upper-Intermediate covers 5 words: evolve, adapt, deteriorate, replace, fluctuate. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. evolve · verb/əˈvɔlv/

   to undergo development or evolution

   Scientists believe that humans will change in the future, but are we are unlikely to evolve into a new species which is very different from our current appearance and mental power.

   Synonyms: develop, progress

   Origin: early 17th century (in the general sense ‘make more complex, develop’): from Latin evolvere, from e- (variant of ex-) ‘out of’ + volvere ‘to roll’

2. adapt · verb/əˈdæpt/

   to change to suit a new purpose

   The new manager was criticised for refusing to adapt his methods to the the ever-changing expectations of the customers.

   Synonyms: accustom, modify

   Origin: mid 16th century: from French adapter, from Latin adaptare, from ad- ‘to’ + aptare (from aptus ‘fit’)

3. deteriorate · verb/dəˈtɪriəˌreɪt/

   to become worse or disintegrate

   As a regular customer who has been eating lunch in this restaurant for the last 5 years, I can say that the quality of the food served has deteriorated seriously.

   Synonyms: degrade, worsen

   Origin: late 16th century (in the sense ‘make worse’): from late Latin deteriorat- ‘worsened’, from the verb deteriorare, from Latin deterior ‘worse’

4. replace · verb/rəˈpleɪs/

   to take the place or move into the position of something

   Since replacing the former minister, the current Minister of Economy has had to deal with public protests stemming from the economic crisis.

   Synonyms: restore, compensate

5. fluctuate · verb/ˈfləktʃəˌweɪt/

   to move in a rising and falling pattern

   In many parts of the world, the price of gold fluctuates considerably as it is influenced by the demand from investors.

   Synonyms: vary, shift

   Origin: mid 17th century (earlier (late Middle English) as fluctuation): from Latin fluctuat- ‘undulated’, from the verb fluctuare, from fluctus ‘flow, current, wave’, from fluere ‘to flow’