snivel, tarnish, rectify, confiscate, slither: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Word Master set 36. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. snivel · verb/ˈsnɪvəl/

   to cry or whine in a feeble or fretful way

   When she lost her toy, she began to snivel and ask for it back.

   Synonyms: whine, cry, sob

   Origin: From Middle English 'snivelen', of unknown origin.

2. tarnish · verb/ˈtɑrnɪʃ/

   to lose luster or shine especially due to oxidation or discoloration

   The silver necklace began to tarnish after being exposed to air and moisture.

   Synonyms: dull, fade

   Origin: Middle English, from the word 'tarnishen', which means to make dull or to obscure the brightness.

3. rectify · verb/ˈrɛktɪfaɪ/

   to correct or set right something that is wrong

   I need to rectify my mistake on the test to get a better score.

   Synonyms: correct, adjust, fix

   Origin: from Latin 'rectificare', from 'rectus' meaning 'right' and 'facere' meaning 'to make'

4. confiscate · verb/ˈkɑːnfɪskeɪt/

   to take or seize someone's property with authority

   The teacher had to confiscate the phone from the student during the test.

   Synonyms: seize, take, grab

   Origin: from Latin 'confiscare', meaning 'to seize for public use'

5. slither · verb/ˈslɪðər/

   to move smoothly and quietly in a twisting or sliding motion

   The snake will slither through the grass as it hunts for food.

   Synonyms: slide, sneak, glide

   Origin: Middle English 'slithen', meaning 'to slide, slip'.