convert, sustain, undo, decline, decay: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Upper-Intermediate set 78. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. convert · verb/kənˈvərt/

   to change something so that it could be made use of in a new format

   She aimed to convert the abandoned warehouse into a vibrant art gallery, breathing new life into the once neglected space.

   Synonyms: change, adapt, transform

   Origin: Middle English (in the sense ‘turn round, send in a different direction’): from Old French convertir, based on Latin convertere ‘turn about’, from con- ‘altogether’ + vertere ‘turn’

2. sustain · verb/səˈsteɪn/

   to make something continue for a long time

   When the participants make silly or unrelated comments, it becomes really difficult to sustain a conversation at a meeting.

   Synonyms: maintain, keep, prolong

   Origin: Middle English: from Old French soustenir, from Latin sustinere, from sub- ‘from below’ + tenere ‘hold’

3. undo · verb/ˌənˈdu/

   to cancel the effects or the results of something

   Kefir is a drink that is made by special kefir grains that could be used again and again. Kefir is also said to help undo the damage after exposure to X Rays.

   Synonyms: free, release, unblock

   Origin: Old English undōn(see un-, do)

4. decline · verb/dəˈklaɪn/

   to decrease in amount, quality, strength, or importance

   After the introduction of a new tax on luxury cars, it is thought that sales of luxury cars will decline dramatically.

   Synonyms: decrease, diminish, lessen

   Origin: late Middle English: from Old French decliner, from Latin declinare ‘bend down, turn aside’, from de- ‘down’ + clinare ‘to bend’

5. decay · verb/dəˈkeɪ/

   to gradually rot, decompose, or become damaged

   The vegetables begin to decay as a result of too much rain in the area, which was unforeseen by the producers.

   Synonyms: deteriorate, collapse, degenerate

   Origin: late Middle English: from Old French decair, based on Latin decidere ‘fall down or off’, from de- ‘from’ + cadere ‘fall’