Understanding ‘Ensue’: A Key GRE Vocabulary Word
Learn the meaning, usage, and common mistakes associated with the verb ‘ensue’. This video explores its etymology, synonyms, antonyms, and provides examples to help you master this important GRE vocabulary word.
Imagine you’re walking down a busy street when suddenly, a street performer starts juggling flaming torches.
A crowd quickly gathers, blocking the sidewalk. Traffic slows as drivers crane their necks to watch. Chaos ensues.
This is a perfect example of our word for today: ensue.
Word type: Ensue is a verb.
Meaning: Ensue means to happen or occur afterward or as a result.
It often implies a logical or inevitable sequence of events.
Word history: The word ensue comes from the Anglo-French word ensuer, which itself derives from the Latin word insequi, meaning to follow.
This Latin root gives us a clue about the word’s meaning – something that follows or comes after.
Synonyms:
Some synonyms for ensue include follow, result, succeed, and stem from.
Antonyms: Antonyms for ensue are precede, lead, and come before.
Examples use in sentences: After the controversial ruling, protests ensued in several major cities. The team’s victory in the championship game ensued from months of rigorous training and preparation.
A heated debate ensued when the professor introduced a controversial topic in class. Common errors in use:
One common mistake is using ensue as a transitive verb. Ensue is intransitive, meaning it doesn’t take a direct object.
For example, you wouldn’t say “The rain ensued flooding.” Instead, you’d say “Flooding ensued after the heavy rain.”
Another error is confusing ensue with ensure. While they sound similar, ensure means to make certain, while ensue means to follow as a consequence.
Ensue is a valuable word for GRE vocabulary, as it allows you to describe sequences of events concisely and elegantly.
Whether you’re discussing historical events, scientific processes, or social phenomena, mastering the use of ensue will enhance your ability to articulate cause-and-effect relationships.
Remember, when one event leads to another, the second event ensues. Practice using this word in your own writing and conversations to solidify your understanding and impress the GRE examiners.
