[TOEFL][English] Paraphrase Practice 5

# dispersion = dissemination

1. Dispersion:
   • One sentence explanation: Dispersion refers to the action or process of distributing things or people over a wide area.
   • Connotation/Formal Level: Neutral connotation; typically used in scientific, mathematical, and technical contexts.
   • Example sentence: "The dispersion of light through a prism creates a spectrum of colors."
2. Dissemination:
   • One sentence explanation: Dissemination is the act of spreading something, especially information or knowledge, widely.
   • Connotation/Formal Level: Neutral connotation; commonly used in academic and professional contexts, particularly in relation to information or research findings.
   • Example sentence: "The dissemination of these health guidelines is crucial to prevent the spread of disease."

 

# outlay = expenditure, expense, disbursement, cost, spending

1. Outlay:
   • One sentence explanation: Outlay refers to an amount of money spent on something.
   • Connotation/Formal Level: Neutral connotation; commonly used in financial and business contexts.
   • Example sentence: "The company made a substantial outlay on new equipment."
2. Expenditure:
   • One sentence explanation: Expenditure is the action of spending funds or the amount of money spent.
   • Connotation/Formal Level: Neutral connotation; often used in formal, economic, and governmental contexts.
   • Example sentence: "Government expenditure has increased this year."
3. Expense:
   • One sentence explanation: An expense is the cost required for something; a financial obligation.
   • Connotation/Formal Level: Neutral connotation; frequently used in both personal finance and business accounting contexts.
   • Example sentence: "Traveling so frequently for work has become a significant expense."
4. Disbursement:
   • One sentence explanation: Disbursement refers to the payment of money from a fund or account.
   • Connotation/Formal Level: Neutral connotation; typically used in formal, financial, or legal contexts.
   • Example Sentence:"The charity made disbursements totaling over $1 million last year."
5. Cost:
   • One sentence explanation: Cost is the amount that must be paid or spent to buy or obtain something.
   • Connotation/Formal Level : Neutral connotation; universally used across informal and formal settings, as well as various fields (economics, accounting, everyday conversation).
   • Example Sentence:"The cost of living has increased significantly over recent years."
6. Spending:
   • One-sentence explanation : Spending refers to the act of using money to pay for goods or services .-
   • Connotation/Formal Level : Neutral connotations ; Commonly used in both personal finance and governmental budget discussions .
   • Example Sentence:"Her spending habits have changed since she started her new job."

# be attributed to = result from, be due to, be assgined to, be blamed on, be credited to, be ascribed to

1. Be attributed to:
   • One sentence explanation: "Be attributed to" means to regard something as being caused by, produced by, or resulting from a particular thing or person.
   • Connotation/Formal Level: Neutral connotation; commonly used in academic, scientific, and formal contexts.
   • Example sentence: "The team's success can be attributed to their rigorous training schedule."
2. Result from:
   • One sentence explanation: "Result from" means to occur or happen due to a particular reason or cause.
   • Connotation/Formal Level: Neutral connotation; widely used across both formal and informal contexts.
   • Example sentence: "His headaches might result from eyestrain."
3. Be due to:
   • One sentence explanation: "Be due to" means caused by or resulting from.
   • Connotation/Formal Level: Neutral connotation; generally used across both formal and informal settings.
   • Example sentence: "Her success is due to hard work and determination."
4. Be assigned to:
   • One-sentence explanation : "Be assigned to" typically refers more directly towards being designated for a specific task or responsibility rather than attributing causation. .- Connotation/Formal Level : Neutral connotations ; Commonly used in organizational, military, project management contexts .- Example Sentence:"She was assigned to the marketing department."
5. Be blamed on: .- One-sentence explanation : "Be blamed on" implies that something negative has occurred as a result of an action taken by the person/thing it is being blamed on .- Connotation/Formal Level : Negative connotations ; Can be found in both informal conversations as well as more formal reports
6. Be credited to:
   • One sentence explanation: "Be credited to" means acknowledging or attributing something, such as an achievement or success, to a particular person, group, or factor.
   • Connotation/Formal Level: Generally positive connotation; commonly used in formal and informal contexts.
   • Example sentence: "The discovery of the new drug is credited to the research team."
7. Be ascribed to:
   • One sentence explanation: "Be ascribed to" means assigning or attributing something, such as a quality, characteristic, or outcome, to a particular cause or source.
   • Connotation/Formal Level: Neutral connotation; commonly used in academic, philosophical, and formal contexts.
   • Example sentence: "The decline in sales can be ascribed to changes in consumer preferences."

 

# elongation = extension, stretching, expansion, lengthening

1. Elongation

• One sentence explanation: Elongation refers to the process or result of making something longer or extending it.
• Connotation/ Formality level: Neutral connotation and formality. Used in both formal and informal contexts, often in scientific or technical discussions.
• Example sentence: The elongation of the day is a gradual process as we move towards summer.

1. Extension

• One sentence explanation: Extension refers to the act of making something larger or longer, especially in terms of space or time.
• Connotation/ Formality level: Neutral connotation and formality. Commonly used in various contexts.
• Example sentence: They decided to build an extension to their house to accommodate their growing family.

1. Stretching

• One sentence explanation: Stretching is the process of gently forcing your muscles to become longer and less tight by leaning against them with your body weight or pulling on them with your hands or a strap.
• Connotation/ Formality level: Neutral connotation and formality. Often used in physical fitness or material science contexts.

• Example sentence: Stretching before exercise can help prevent injuries.

1. Expansion

• One sentence explanation: Expansion is the action of becoming larger or more extensive.
• Connotation/ Formality level: Neutral connotation and formality. Often used in business, scientific, or geographic contexts.
• Example sentence: The company is planning an expansion into the European market.

1. Lengthening

• One sentence explanation: Lengthening is the process of making something longer in duration or spatial dimensions.
• Connotation/ Formality level: Neutral connotation and formality. Used in both formal and informal contexts.
• Example sentence: The days are lengthening as we move closer to summer.

 

# calve = bear, birth, deliver/ break off, fragment, shed

1. Calve (verb) = bear, birth, deliver

• One sentence explanation: "Calve" is a term used to describe the act of giving birth in certain animals, especially large mammals like cows and elephants.
• Connotation/Formality level: Neutral; typically used in a more formal or scientific context.
• Example sentence: The herd of elephants was on the move because one of their members was about to calve.

1. Calve (verb) = break off, fragment, shed

• One sentence explanation: In geology or glaciology, "calve" refers to the breaking off or shedding of large pieces of ice from glaciers or icebergs.
• Connotation/Formality level: Neutral; primarily used in formal or scientific discussions related to climate change and environmental studies.
• Example sentence: The glacier calved a massive iceberg into the ocean due to warming temperatures.

1. Bear (verb)

• One sentence explanation: "Bear" can mean to carry or support, to endure an ordeal or difficulty, or in the context of biology, to give birth to offspring.
• Connotation/Formality level: Neutral; used in both formal and informal contexts.
• Example sentence: She had to bear the heavy burden of leading the team through the crisis.

1. Birth (noun/verb)

• One sentence explanation: "Birth" as a noun refers to the process of being born or coming into existence, and as a verb it means to bring forth life or create something new.
• Connotation/Formality level: Neutral; used in both formal and informal contexts.
• Example sentence: The birth of their first child was a joyous occasion.

1. Deliver (verb)

• One sentence explanation: "Deliver" can mean several things such as bringing items to a location, providing something as promised, or in medical terms, assisting with childbirth.
• Connotation/Formality level: Neutral; used in both formal and informal contexts.
• Example sentence: The postman will deliver your package tomorrow morning.

1. Break off (phrasal verb)

• One sentence explanation: "Break off" refers to ending something abruptly such as a relationship or conversation, or physically separating part of an object from its whole.
• Connotation/Formality level: Neutral; more commonly used in casual conversations but also seen in formal writing.
• Example sentence: During their hike, he had to break off a branch from a tree for use as a walking stick.

1. Fragment (noun/verb)

• One sentence explanation : As a noun "fragment" refers to small broken piece from larger whole and as verb it means breaking into smaller pieces
• Connotation / Formality Level : Neutral ; Suitable for both formal and informal situations
• Example Sentence : Archaeologists discovered fragments of ancient pottery at the site.

1. Shed (verb/noun)

• One Sentence Explanation : As verb 'shed' implies losing old skin/leaves etc., casting off some material naturally & also getting rid of unnecessary things while as noun 'shed' is small building usually located at backyard for storage
• Connotation / Formality Level : Neutral ; Suitable for both formal and informal situations
• Example Sentence : Snakes shed their skin periodically throughout their lives.

 

# maleficent = harmful, evil, malicious, malignant, malevolent

1. Maleficent (adjective)

• One sentence explanation: "Maleficent" describes something or someone causing harm or evil, often in a deliberate manner.
• Connotation/Formality level: Formal; typically used in literary contexts and less common in everyday conversation. It has a strong negative connotation.
• Example sentence: The maleficent sorcerer cast a curse on the innocent village.

1. Harmful (adjective)

• One sentence explanation: "Harmful" refers to something that causes damage or injury, either physically or mentally.
• Connotation/Formality level: Neutral; used in both formal and informal contexts. It carries a negative connotation.
• Example sentence: Smoking is harmful to your health.

1. Evil (adjective/noun)

• One sentence explanation: "Evil" describes profound immorality, wickedness, and depravity, especially when regarded as a supernatural force (noun) or characteristic (adjective).
• Connotation/Formality level: Neutral; used in both formal and informal contexts. It has a very strong negative connotation.
• Example sentence: The villain in the story was truly evil, taking pleasure in causing pain to others.

1. Malicious (adjective)

• One sentence explanation: "Malicious" refers to behavior characterized by malice or the desire to harm others or do mischief.
• Connotation/Formality level: Formal; generally used in legal, professional, and academic contexts. It has a strong negative connotation.
• Example sentence: He was arrested for sending malicious emails threatening the company's reputation.

1. Malignant (adjective)

• One sentence explanation: "Malignant" primarily describes something harmful and dangerous that will grow worse over time; it's often used to describe diseases, especially cancer, that are invasive and likely to get worse.
• Connotation/Formality level: Neutral to formal; commonly used in medical contexts but can also be applied metaphorically in other situations. It carries a negative connotation.
• Example sentence: The doctor diagnosed the patient with a malignant tumor.

1. Malevolent (adjective)

• One sentence explanation: "Malevolent" describes a person or character who wishes to do evil or harm to others.
• Connotation/Formality level: Formal; typically used in literary contexts and less common in everyday conversation. It has a strong negative connotation.
• Example sentence: The malevolent spirit haunted the house, causing distress to its inhabitants.

 

# painstacking = detailed, thorough, melticulous, careful, diligent

1. Painstaking (adjective)

• One sentence explanation: "Painstaking" describes a task or action that requires great care, thoroughness, and effort.
• Connotation/Formality level: Neutral; used in both formal and informal contexts. It generally has a positive connotation.
• Example sentence: The artist's painstaking attention to detail resulted in a magnificent painting.

1. Detailed (adjective)

• One sentence explanation: "Detailed" refers to something that includes many small parts or items, providing comprehensive information about the subject matter.
• Connotation/Formality level: Neutral; used in both formal and informal contexts. It generally has a positive connotation.
• Example sentence: She gave a detailed account of her journey through South America.

1. Thorough (adjective)

• One sentence explanation: "Thorough" describes something that is done completely, without neglecting any aspects or details.
• Connotation/Formality level: Neutral; used in both formal and informal contexts. It generally has a positive connotation.
• Example sentence: He did a thorough job cleaning the kitchen.

1. Meticulous (adjective)

• One sentence explanation : "Meticulous" refers to showing great attention to detail; being very careful and precise.
• Connotation / Formality Level : Neutral ; Suitable for both formal and informal situations but leans towards more formal usage. Generally considered as positive trait
• Example Sentence : She was meticulous in her preparations for the big presentation.

1. Careful (adjective)

• One Sentence Explanation : "Careful" implies taking pains or trouble to avoid damage or risk; being cautious in one's actions
• Connotation / Formality Level : Neutral ; Suitable for both formal and informal situations
• Example Sentence : Be careful while crossing the road.

1. Diligent (adjective)

• One Sentence Explanation : 'Diligent' means showing care and conscientiousness in one's work or duties
• Connotation / Formality Level : Slightly Formal ; Generally viewed as positive trait
• Example Sentence : His diligent efforts were rewarded with promotion at work

 

# coupled with = combined with, along with, together with

1. Coupled with (phrase)

• One sentence explanation: "Coupled with" is a phrase used to indicate that two or more elements are linked or considered together.
• Connotation/Formality level: Neutral; used in both formal and informal contexts.
• Example sentence: His natural talent, coupled with his hard work, led him to success.

1. Combined with (phrase)

• One sentence explanation: "Combined with" is used to show that two or more things are joined together to produce a particular result or effect.
• Connotation/Formality level: Neutral; used in both formal and informal contexts.
• Example sentence: Regular exercise, combined with a healthy diet, can significantly improve your health.

1. Along with (phrase)

• One sentence explanation: "Along with" is used to mention something else that is also involved in an action or situation.
• Connotation/Formality level: Neutral; used in both formal and informal contexts.
• Example sentence: She arrived at the party along with her friends.

1. Together with (phrase)

• One Sentence Explanation : 'Together With' implies in addition to; as well as
• Connotation / Formality Level : Neutral ; Suitable for both formal and informal situations
• Example Sentence : The cost of the meal, together with the drinks and service charge, was higher than expected.

 

 

# just in case = in the event that, if , as a precaution

1. In the event that (phrase)

• One sentence explanation: "In the event that" is used to introduce a possible situation or circumstance that may occur.
• Connotation/Formality level: Neutral; used in both formal and informal contexts.
• Example sentence: In the event that it rains, we should bring umbrellas.

1. If (conjunction)

• One sentence explanation: "If" is a conditional conjunction used to express a condition or supposition.
• Connotation/Formality level: Neutral; used in both formal and informal contexts.
• Example sentence: If you study hard, you will pass the exam.

1. As a precaution (phrase)

• One sentence explanation: "As a precaution" indicates taking an action or measure to prevent or minimize potential risks or problems.
• Connotation/Formality level: Neutral; used in both formal and informal contexts.
• Example sentence: She wore gloves as a precaution against germs.

1. Just in case (phrase)

• One Sentence Explanation : 'Just in case' implies taking action or making preparations for something unlikely but possible to happen
• Connotation / Formality Level : Informal ; Used more commonly in casual conversations
• Example Sentence : I always carry an extra charger with me, just in case my phone battery dies.

 

# in effect = operational, active, effective, in force/ essentially, effectively, virtually, practically

1. When referring to a rule, law, or policy that is currently operational or being enforced:

• Operational (adjective)
  • One sentence explanation: "Operational" refers to something that is in working order or ready for use.
  • Connotation/Formality level: Neutral; used in both formal and informal contexts.
  • Example sentence: The new traffic system is now fully operational.
• Active (adjective)
  • One sentence explanation: "Active" describes something that is currently happening or being used.
  • Connotation/Formality level: Neutral; used in both formal and informal contexts.
  • Example sentence: The volcano remains active.
• Effective (adjective)
  • One sentence explanation : "Effective" refers to something that produces a desired result; when referring to laws or policies, it means they are officially valid or operative.
  • Connotation / Formality Level : Neutral ; Suitable for both formal and informal situations
  • Example Sentence : The new law will become effective from January next year.
• In force (phrase)
  • One Sentence Explanation : 'In force' implies being legally valid and operative
  • Connotation / Formality Level : Slightly Formal ; Mostly used in legal context
  • Example Sentence : The old regulations are still in force.

1. When meaning essentially, effectively:

• Essentially (adverb)
  • One sentence explanation: "Essentially" refers to the most important aspects of something; fundamentally.
  • Connotation/Formality level: Neutral; used in both formal and informal contexts.
  • Example sentence: Essentially, we're looking at a complete overhaul of the system.
• Effectively (adverb)
  • One sentence explanation : "Effectively" means doing something well and producing intended results; also can mean virtually when talking about the result of an action or situation --Connotation / Formality Level : Neutral ; Suitable for both formal and informal situations --Example Sentence : She effectively managed the project ensuring its successful completion.
• Virtually (adverb) --One Sentence Explanation : 'Virtually' implies almost completely; nearly --Connotation / Formality Level : Informal ; Mostly found in casual conversations --Example Sentence : With his poor performance, he has virtually no chance of getting selected for the team.
• Practically (adverb)
  • One Sentence Explanation : 'Practically' means almost; nearly but not exactly
  • Connotation / Formality Level : Informal ; Mostly found in casual conversations 
  • Example Sentence : It's practically impossible to convince him once he makes up his mind.

 

# scavange = forage, rummage, search, hunt, salvage

1. Scavenge (verb)

• One sentence explanation: "Scavenge" refers to searching for and collecting discarded items or material of value, often in a haphazard and disorganized way.
• Connotation/Formality level: Neutral; used in both formal and informal contexts. It often carries a somewhat negative connotation as it implies desperation or lack of resources.
• Example sentence: After the festival, people scavenge the grounds for lost or discarded items.

1. Forage (verb)

• One sentence explanation: "Forage" means to search widely for food or provisions.
• Connotation/Formality level: Neutral; commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, especially when discussing animals searching for food.
• Example sentence: The squirrels were busy foraging nuts for the winter.

1. Rummage (verb)

• One sentence explanation : "Rummage" refers to an intensive, thorough search through various items, typically in a disorganized way.
• Connotation / Formality Level : Informal ; Mostly found in casual conversations
• Example Sentence : She rummaged through her purse looking for her keys.

1. Search (verb)

• One Sentence Explanation : 'Search' means try to find something by looking carefully
• Connotation / Formality Level : Neutral ; Suitable for both formal and informal situations
• Example Sentence : I've been searching all over the house but I can't find my glasses anywhere.

1. Hunt (verb)

• One Sentence Explanation : 'Hunt' traditionally means pursue and kill (a wild animal) for sport or food but can also mean seek determinedly
• Connotation / Formality Level : Neutral ; Suitable for both formal and informal situations
• Example Sentence : She spent all day hunting for the perfect dress.

1. Salvage (verb) --One Sentence Explanation : 'Salvage' implies rescue discarded, damaged, or abandoned material so it can be reused --Connotation / Formality Level : Slightly Formal ; Often used in context of saving from waste --Example Sentence : They managed to salvage some furniture from the fire-damaged house.