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YOUR VOCABULARY, ONE WORD AT A TIME

enlist

Verb

IPA /ɪnˈlɪst/

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Meaning in plain English

To obtain someone's help or support for a particular purpose.

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Pronunciation

enlist/ɪnˈlɪst/

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  1. A task needs help

  2. Ask others to take part

  3. Their help is secured

To enlist someone's help is to obtain their support for a task.

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Examples in context

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  1. I enlisted my sister's help with the move.
  2. The tutor enlisted two volunteers to demonstrate the exercise.

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To obtain someone's help or support for a particular purpose.
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enlist — To obtain someone's help or support for a particular purpose.

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To obtain someone's help or support for a particular purpose.

Compare: I enlisted my sister's help with the move.

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Word origin

Formed from en- and list, originally connected with entering a name for military service.

Did you know?

Enlist someone's help and enlist someone's support are common combinations.

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enlist

/ɪnˈlɪst/ (Verb)

“Enlist also has a military meaning. In this entry, it means securing help for a task.”

englishskillstudio.com