slink, droop, fructify, waffle, gibe: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Word Master set 81. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. slink · verb/slɪŋk/

   to move smoothly and quietly in a stealthy manner

   The cat will slink behind the bushes to catch its prey.

   Synonyms: sneak, creep, slither

   Origin: Middle English 'slinken', from Old Norse 'slinka', meaning 'to move stealthily'

2. droop · verb/druːp/

   to bend or hang downwards

   The tired dog began to droop its head after a long walk.

   Synonyms: sag, hang, lower

   Origin: from Middle English 'drope', possibly from Old English 'drūpan', meaning 'to fall, to drop'

3. fructify · verb/ˈfrʌktfɪˌfaɪ/

   to make fruitful or productive

   The farmer worked hard every day to fructify the soil so that his crops would grow well.

   Synonyms: fertilize, yield, produce

   Origin: from Latin 'fructificare', meaning 'to make fruitful'

4. waffle · verb/ˈwɑː.fəl/

   to speak or write in a vague or evasive manner

   During the meeting, she started to waffle about her plans for the project.

   Synonyms: dither, hesistate, vacillate

   Origin: Originated in the mid-20th century, possibly related to the noun 'waffle', likened to the indecisive and meandering nature of the food.

5. gibe · noun/dʒaɪb/

   a taunting or mocking remark

   The teacher tried to ignore the student's gibe about her glasses.

   Synonyms: taunt, jest, mockery

   Origin: from Middle English 'gibe', meaning to make a scoffing remark, possibly of uncertain origin