Averting Danger: Mastering the Verb ‘Avert’ for the GRE
Explore the meaning, usage, and importance of the verb ‘avert’ for your GRE vocabulary. Learn how to use it correctly and avoid common mistakes, enhancing your ability to describe actions taken to prevent unwanted situations.
Imagine you’re walking down the street when you suddenly notice a flowerpot falling from a balcony above.
In a split second, you step aside, narrowly avoiding disaster. Congratulations! You’ve just experienced the act of averting danger.
Today, we’re exploring the word avert, a crucial term for your GRE vocabulary arsenal.
Word type: Avert is a verb, meaning it’s an action word.
Meaning: To avert means to turn away or aside. It can also mean to prevent or ward off, especially something undesirable.
In essence, when you avert something, you’re actively steering clear of or stopping a potential problem or danger.
Word history: The word avert has its roots in Latin. It comes from the Latin word avertere, which is composed of a, meaning away, and vertere, meaning to turn.
This etymology perfectly captures the core meaning of turning away or preventing something.
Synonyms:
Some synonyms for avert include prevent, avoid, deflect, and ward off. Each of these words carries the idea of keeping something unwanted at bay.
Antonyms: Antonyms of avert include face, confront, and welcome. These words represent the opposite action of turning towards or accepting something rather than turning away.
Examples use in sentences: Let’s look at some examples to see how avert is used in context. The diplomat worked tirelessly to avert a potential war between the two nations.
By implementing strict safety protocols, the company was able to avert a major accident at the construction site.
The goalkeeper’s quick reflexes allowed him to avert what seemed like a certain goal. Common errors in use:
One common mistake when using avert is confusing it with advert. While avert means to turn away or prevent, advert means to refer to or mention.
For example, you might say, He averted his eyes from the bright light, but you would say, She adverted to the previous discussion in her closing remarks.
Another error to watch out for is using avert when you mean avoid. While these words are similar, avert implies a more active or deliberate action to prevent something.
For instance, you would say, I avoided the traffic by taking a different route, rather than, I averted the traffic.
In conclusion, mastering the word avert will not only boost your GRE score but also enhance your ability to describe actions taken to prevent unwanted situations.
Whether you’re averting a crisis, averting your gaze, or averting danger, this versatile verb will serve you well in both your test and everyday language.
Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be averting any vocabulary challenges that come your way.
