Essentials Vocabulary - Week 17
enumerate: Meaning Usage
[ih-NOO-muh-reyt] Verb To mention separately, as in counting. ● ●
Can you enumerate the supplies that we will need for the trip? The teacher enumerated four objectives for the year.
Synonyms
list, count, calculate, itemize, recite
Antonyms
conceal, estimate, guess
epoch:
[EP-uhk] Noun
Meaning
A particular period of time marked by distinctive features, events, etc. ●
Usage ●
The popularity of streaming websites and applications marks the end of the epoch of the DVD format. The Renaissance is an epoch of innovation and transformation.
Synonyms
period, age, era, span, time
Antonyms
none
equine:
[EE-kwahyn) Adjective/Noun
Meaning
Of, relating to, or resembling a horse. (adj.) A horse. (n.) ●
Usage ●
There is an ongoing equine flu outbreak in the county during the winter. (adj.) That is a beautiful equine in your farm. Is it for sale? (n.)
Synonyms
horse, roan
Antonyms
none
equivocal: Meaning
Usage
[ih-KWIV-uh-kuh I] Adjective Allowing the possibility of several different meanings, as a word or phrase. ● ●
The equivocal statements of politicians often confuse the public. The instruction was too equivocal; that's why I failed to solve the problem.
Synonyms
doubtful, uncertain, ambiguous, ambivalent, dubious
Antonyms
certain, clear, definite
err: Meaning
Usage
[ur]/[er] Verb To go astray in thought or belief. To make a mistake. ● ●
To err is human; to forgive, divine. I accidentally erred when calculating my tax and had to redo everything.
Synonyms
misbehave, miscalculate, stray, stumble
Antonyms
behave, obey, stay
errand:
[ER-uh nd] Noun
Meaning
A short and quick trip to accomplish a specific purpose.
Usage
● ●
I'm swamped with errands today; I can't rest. I reduce my errands on weekends by going to the grocery store after work.
Synonyms
task, assignment, charge, commission, duty
Antonyms
none
erratic:
[ih-RAT-ik] Adjective
Meaning
Deviating from the usual or proper course in conduct or opinion.
Usage
● ●
She was showing erratic behaviour during her shift at work. Observe if a car is driving in an erratic manner and report to me immediately.
Synonyms
unpredictable, wandering, abnormal, arbitrary, bizarre
Antonyms
calm, common, normal
ethnic: Meaning
[ETH-nik] Adjective Pertaining to or characteristic of a people, especially a group. ●
Usage
●
Pupils from a wide variety of ethnic backgrounds study in the school. The ethnic minority is requesting protection from people encroaching upon their lands.
Synonyms
racial, indigenous, tribal, native
Antonyms
none
evince:
[ih-VINS] Verb
Meaning
To show clearly; make evident or manifest.
Usage
● ●
His letters evince the excitement he felt at winning the trophy. It was exciting to see children evince an interest in science.
Synonyms
manifest, attest, declare, demonstrate
Antonyms
conceal, cover, deny
exacerbate: Meaning
Usage
[ig-ZAS-er-beyt] Verb To increase the severity, bitterness, or violence of. ● ●
Touching a burned skin will exacerbate the pain and infection. The statement given by the president will exacerbate the tense relationship with other countries.
Synonyms
infuriate, aggravate, annoy, heighten, inflame
Antonyms
aid, alleviate, appease
excavate:
[EKS-kuh-veyt] Verb
Meaning
To make hollow by removing the inner part. To dig or scoop out (earth, sand, etc.) ●
Usage
●
They are planning to excavate a site where ancient potteries were found. The city government requires a permit if you want to excavate near a busy street
Synonyms
scrape, shovel, uncover, unearth, dig up
Antonyms
cover, fill
exonerate:
[ig-ZON-uh-reyt] Verb
Meaning
Usage
To clear, as of an accusation. To relieve, as from an obligation, duty, or task. ● ●
The judge is about to exonerate an innocent man. He's waiting for his manager to exonerate him from his duties so he can go home early.
Synonyms
excuse, absolve, acquit, dismiss, discharge
Antonyms
blame, condemn, convict