devolve, fulminate, perjure, begrudge, exude: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Word Master set 71. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. devolve · verb/dɪˈvɑlv/

   to transfer power or responsibility to a lower level, or to develop gradually into a worse state

   The government decided to devolve power to local leaders so they could make better decisions for their communities.

   Synonyms: delegate, devolute, transfer

   Origin: from Latin 'devolvere', meaning 'to roll down' or 'to transfer'

2. fulminate · verb/ˈfʌl.məˌneɪt/

   to express strong criticism or protest emphatically

   The teacher fulminated against the new rules that made learning harder for students.

   Synonyms: rant, reprimand, scold

   Origin: from Latin 'fulminare' meaning 'to strike with lightning'

3. perjure · verb/ˈpɜr.dʒər/

   to make oneself guilty of perjury by lying under oath

   The witness decided to perjure himself to protect his friend from going to jail.

   Synonyms: lie, deceive, swear falsely

   Origin: The word 'perjure' comes from the Latin 'perjurare', which means 'to swear falsely', combining 'per-' (meaning 'through') and 'jurare' (meaning 'to swear').

4. begrudge · verb/bɪˈɡrʌdʒ/

   to envy or resent the good fortune or success of someone

   I really begrudge her success because she never works hard for it.

   Synonyms: envy, resent, grudge

   Origin: Middle English 'begrugge' meaning 'to withhold or to be reluctant to give'; related to Old English 'georgian' meaning 'to begrudge or to grumble'.

5. exude · verb/ɪɡˈzud/

   to emit or discharge a substance or quality gradually and steadily

   The flowers exude a sweet scent that attracts bees.

   Synonyms: release, discharge, ooze

   Origin: from Latin 'exsūdāre', meaning 'to sweat out' (ex- 'out' + sudāre 'to sweat')