Verbal Usage - Confusing Verbs (Co- and Con-)

To compensate means to make up for a loss or provide something good to balance something bad. 'Coincide' means to happen simultaneously, 'coax' means to persuade gently, 'compile' means to collect together, and 'comply' means to obey rules. Only 'compensate' fits the context of making up for loss.

'Compile' means to create or collect together systematically. A catalogue is a list or collection, so you compile it. Coax means to persuade gradually, compensate means to make up for something, coincide means to happen simultaneously, and comply means to follow rules.

The sentcnce is discussing two things which will be happening simultaneously or in close proximity to each other. In this case, the correct answer is coincide because it means two or more things which happen side by side.

'Condemn' means to express strong disapproval of something, often morally. In this context, the speaker struggles to criticize a mother stealing to feed her child. Confine means to restrict, condone means to accept, comprise means to consist of, and confide means to share secrets.

'Condone' means to accept or allow behavior that is considered wrong. The sentence suggests that violence could only be acceptable in exceptional circumstances. Confine means to limit, condemn means to criticize, comprise means to include, and confide means to trust.

'Comprise' means to consist of or be composed of. The two Houses together form/constitute the British Parliament. Confine means to restrict, condemn means to criticize, condone means to accept, and confide means to share secrets.

'Coax' means to persuade gradually or gently. The phrase 'coax information out of someone' is a common idiom for getting reluctant people to talk. Coincide means to happen together, compensate means to make up for, compile means to collect, and comply means to obey.

'Confide' means to tell someone secrets or private information. 'Confide in' is the correct phrasing for sharing personal thoughts. Confine means to restrict, condemn means to criticize, condone means to accept, and comprise means to consist of.

'Comply' means to act according to rules or orders. 'Comply with' is the standard phrase. The court ordering full compliance with directives matches this meaning. Coincide means to happen together, coax means to persuade, compensate means to make up for, and compile means to collect.

'Concede' means to surrender, give up, or yield. In territorial disputes, you concede land. Conceive means to imagine, conceal means to hide, compromise means to weaken principles, and conclude means to reach a judgment.

'Conceive' means to imagine, understand, or form an idea. The speaker cannot understand/imagine why the girls were allowed to go alone. Conceal means to hide, compromise means to weaken, conclude means to reach a decision, and concede means to give up.

'Compromise' in this context means to weaken or abandon one's principles. She refused to give in or lower her standards. Conceive means to imagine, conceal means to hide, conclude means to decide, and concede means to yield.

'Conceal' means to hide or keep secret. They struggled to hide their excitement (glee). Conceive means to imagine, compromise means to weaken, conclude means to decide, and concede means to yield.

'Conform' means to comply with rules, standards, or expected patterns. He doesn't fit the usual stereotype/expected pattern. Consult means to seek advice, confront means to face, contravene means to violate, and console means to comfort.

To confine oneself to something means to limit or restrict oneself to a particular topic or activity. The speaker wants the person to stick to the subject and not wander off-topic.

To confront means to face someone or something boldly, especially in a challenging situation. Swinging round suggests turning to face the accusers directly.

Contravene means to violate or go against a law, rule, or agreement. A local law that doesn't align with the constitution would contravene it.

To conclude means to reach a judgment or decision by reasoning. The question asks what judgment or inference can be drawn from the situation.

To consult means to seek advice or information from someone, typically a professional or expert. When pain continues, seeking medical advice is appropriate.

To contemplate means to think deeply about something, especially for a prolonged time. The speaker can't even consider the possibility of buying a house.

To conspire means to secretly plan with others to do something, typically something wrong or mischievous. Children planning together to play tricks fits this meaning.

To console means to provide comfort and solace to someone who is sad or distressed. When someone loses their pet, they need comforting.

To confirm means to establish the truth or correctness of something. The writer is verifying or validating the person's entitlement to housing benefit.

To contradict means to assert the opposite or say things that are inconsistent with each other. A confused speaker might say things that conflict.

To consume means to eat, drink, or use something up. The sentence refers to drinking alcohol in large quantities.