eliminate

Pronunciation: /ɪˈlɪmɪneɪt/

verb

Difficulty: intermediate

Definition of eliminate

To completely remove or put an end to something, often in a deliberate and decisive manner.

Origin of eliminate

Language of origin: Latin

Root word: eliminare

Original meaning: to turn out of doors

How it evolved: Initially referred to physical removal or expulsion, later broadening to signify the removal of abstract or physical entities.

The word 'eliminate' originates from Latin, where it literally meant 'to turn out of doors,' evolving to its current usage of removing or expelling something entirely.

First known use: 16th century

How to Remember eliminate

Imagine 'eliminate' as 'eliminating the line'—picture erasing a line on a paper to make it disappear completely.

Synonyms for eliminate

  • remove
  • eradicate
  • abolish
  • exterminate
  • obliterate
  • expunge
  • annihilate
  • extinguish

Antonyms of eliminate

eliminate in a Sentence

  1. The company implemented new policies to eliminate inefficiencies in their production process.
  2. Scientists are working tirelessly to eliminate the spread of the invasive species threatening native ecosystems.
  3. The rigorous security measures were designed to eliminate any potential risks to the event's success.

eliminate in Literature & Culture

The word 'eliminate' is often found in political speeches and documents, symbolizing the removal of societal issues like poverty, crime, or corruption. It is also a common term in competitive contexts, such as reality TV or sports competitions.

Usage Notes

Avoid using 'eliminate' when referring to partial removal; it implies complete eradication. It is often used in formal or technical contexts, such as science, business, or law.

Why eliminate Matters for GRE & SAT

This word is significant for GRE test-takers because it frequently appears in reading comprehension passages, analytical writing prompts, and sentence equivalence questions, where precision in understanding connotation is crucial.

Word Family

elimination (noun)
The process of removing or getting rid of something.
eliminator (noun)
A person or thing that removes or gets rid of something.
eliminative (adjective)
Relating to or involving removal or expulsion.

Did You Know?

  • The word 'eliminate' gained popularity in the 20th century in sports, referring to teams being removed from competition.
  • In mathematics, 'eliminate' is used to describe removing variables from equations to simplify them.
  • The phrase 'eliminate the impossible' became well-known through Sherlock Holmes, emphasizing logical deduction.

More Vocabulary Words Starting with E

  • ebullient — cheerful and joyful
  • ebullient — cheerful and joyful
  • eccentric — deviating from conventional behavior; quirky
  • eccentric — deviating from conventional behavior; quirky
  • echelon — a level or tier within a system or organization
  • echelon — a level or tier within a system or organization
  • eclectic — Deriving ideas or style from a broad and diverse range of sources
  • eclectic — derived from a diverse range of sources or styles
  • eclectic — derived from a diverse range of sources or styles
  • eclipse — overshadow or surpass

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