Category: Verbs

(no object) 1 : to become less strong or intense The pain/swelling will subside in a couple of hours. After his anger had subsided, he was able to look at things rationally. We’ll have to wait until the wind/storm/rain subsides. Read More …

(+ object) somewhat formal to move across (an area) The candidates traversed the state throughout the campaign. ships traversing the ocean The river traverses the county.

To purloin is to take something that belongs to someone else—that is, to steal it. Purloin is much more formal-sounding than steal, but is often—though not always—encountered in humorous contexts, suggesting that the theft is not serious. The puppy managed Read More …

(+ object) to destroy (something, such as a building) completely : DEMOLISH — often used as (be) razed The old factory was razed to make room for a parking lot.

(+ object) to make (something) more interesting, lively, or enjoyable He enlivened his speech with a few jokes. a soup enlivened by chili peppers A few touches of color will enliven the room.

Conjecture is a formal synonym of the verb guess that means “to form an opinion or idea without proof or sufficient evidence.” Some scientists have conjectured that Jupiter’s moon Europa could sustain life.

(+ object) 1 : to be similar or equal to (something) Their test results parallel our own. Nothing parallels that experience. (=that experience is unlike any other experience; it is unique) 2 : to happen at the same time as Read More …

To lambaste something or someone is to criticize them very harshly. Lambaste is also sometimes used as a synonym of beat meaning “to assault.” The coach lambasted the team for its poor play.

(+ object) to make (someone) less angry : to calm (someone) down He tried to mollify his critics with an apology. All attempts to mollify the extremists have failed. The landlord fixed the heat, but the tenants still were not Read More …