TOEFL Vocabulary Flashcards
vary (v)
[no object] : to be different or to become different : change
“Test scores vary from school to school.”
dwindle (v)
[no object] : to gradually become smaller
“His money had dwindled away.”
ascertain (v)
(formal)
[+ object] to learn or find out (something, such as information or the truth)
“They were unable to ascertain the cause of the fire.”
intimidate (v)
[+ object] to make (someone) afraid
“The boss is quite tough, but don’t let him intimidate you.”
confer (with) (v)
[no object] : to discuss something important in order to make a decision
“Franklin conferred with his attorneys.”
confer (on) (v)
[+ object] : to give (something, such as a degree, award, title, right, honor, etc.) to someone or something — usually + on or upon
“An honorary degree was conferred on him by the University.”
steep (v)
to put (food) in a liquid for a period of time
“Steep the tea for three minutes.”
What is the adjective form of ‘intimidate’?
“Public speaking is very ________.”
intimidating
Which thing can you NOT ascertain?
A. The cost of a project.
B. The reason something happened
C. What you want to eat for dinner
D. Who is guilty of a crime
You cannot ascertain:
C. What you want to eat for dinner
What can you NOT steep?
A. fabric
B. lemons
C. tea
D. chili peppers
You cannot steep:
A. fabric
(It must be food!)
What are synonyms of ‘confer with’?
A. consult, speak to
B. offer, give
A. consult, speak to
What are synonyms of ‘confer on’?
A. consult, speak to
B. offer, give
B. offer, give
What does ‘dwindle’ mean?
A. to quickly become smaller
B. to slowly become smaller
C. to become smaller and disappear
D. to quickly become bigger
‘Dwindle’ means:
B. to slowly become smaller
What is another way to say “It varies” in this context:
- “What do you eat for dinner?” “It varies.”
A. It changes from day to day.
B. I never know what I will eat.
C. I have trouble deciding what to eat.
“What do you eat for dinner?” “It varies.”
A. It changes from day to day.
What is the form of ‘intimidate’ in this sentence?
“I used to be ____________ by my boss.”
intimidated
“I used to be intimidated by my boss.”
pare
to make (something) smaller : to reduce (something) in size, amount, or number
“The company has to find a way to pare expenses.”
utilize
to use (something) for a particular purpose
“We need to utilize our resources more effectively to get the job done faster.”
What is NOT a meaning of ‘pare’?
A. to make smaller, to reduce
B. to cut off the outside of something
C. to connect to something by Bluetooth
What is NOT a meaning of ‘pare’?
C. to connect to something by Bluetooth
(That would be ‘pair’.)
What word goes in the blank?
I am _____ resident of the common dorm.
a
I am a resident of the common dorm.
Which word fits in this sentence?
“Please use/utilize the other door.”
use
Please use the other door.
‘Utilize’ is too formal.
Which word fits in this sentence?
We have decided to use/utilize the other room as a workshop.
Both are ok. Utilize is more formal.
We have decided to use the other room as a workshop.
We have decided to utilize the other room as a workshop.
fluid
a situation that is fluid is likely to change
“Our plans for the project are still somewhat fluid.”
tranquil
pleasantly calm, quiet, and peaceful
“I live in a small, tranquil village in the mountains.”
capitalize on
(business) to get as much advantage out of an event, situation etc. as you can
“We are well placed to capitalize on the growth of cable TV.”
