aver, beset, circumvent, masticate, incinerate: meanings and examples

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

1. aver · verb/əˈvɜr/

   to state or assert to be the case

   She averred that she saw him at the park yesterday.

   Synonyms: declare, assert, state

   Origin: Middle English, from Old French 'averer', from Latin 'ad verum' meaning 'to the truth'.

2. beset · verb/bɪˈsɛt/

   to surround and attack on all sides

   The village was beset by heavy storms that caused many problems.

   Synonyms: surround, attack, assail

   Origin: Middle English 'besetten', from Old French 'esseter', from Latin 'obsedere'

3. circumvent · verb/ˌsɜr.kəmˈvɛnt/

   to find a way around or avoid an obstacle or rule

   She tried to circumvent the rules by finding a clever way to get around them.

   Synonyms: avoid, bypass, evade

   Origin: from Latin 'circumvenire', meaning 'to come around' (circum 'around' + venire 'to come')

4. masticate · verb/ˈmæstɪˌkeɪt/

   to chew food thoroughly before swallowing

   It is important to masticate your food well to help with digestion.

   Synonyms: chew, gnaw, nibble

   Origin: from Latin 'masticare', which means 'to chew', combining 'mas' (chew) and 'macerare' (to soften).

5. incinerate · verb/ɪnˈsɪn.ər.eɪt/

   to burn something completely to ashes

   They had to incinerate the old papers to keep the information safe.

   Synonyms: burn, cremate, char

   Origin: from Latin 'incinerare', meaning 'to reduce to ashes'; 'in-' meaning 'into' + 'cinerare' meaning 'to turn to ashes'.