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pedestrian (adjective): lacking imagination
While Nan was always engaged in philosophical speculation, her brother was occupied with far more
pedestrian concerns: how to earn a salary and run a household.
This word has other definitions but this is the most important one for the GRE
pejorative (adjective): expressing disapproval (usu. refers to a term)
Most psychologists object to the pejorative term "shrink", believing that they expand the human mind,
not limit it.
This word has other definitions but this is the most important one for the GRE
perfidy (noun): an act of deliberate betrayal; a breach of a trust
The lowest circles in Dante's Inferno were for those who had practiced perfidy, and among these, the
very lowest was for those, such as Judas, who had been treacherous to one of their benefactors.
pernicious (adjective): exceedingly harmful; working or spreading in a hidden and injurious way
The most successful viruses are pernicious: an infected person may feel perfectly healthy for several
months while incubating and spreading the virus.
petulant (adjective): easily irritated or annoyed
When Ed first met Ruth, he didn't realize she was so petulant, but now that they are three months into
their relationship, Ed feels a day doesn't go by in which she isn't whining about some minor issue.
placate (verb): cause to be more favorably inclined; gain the good will of
I was able to placate the angry mob of students by promising to bring cookies on Monday.
platitude (noun): a trite or obvious remark
The professor argued that many statements regarded as wise in previous times, such as the Golden Rule,
are now regarded as mere platitudes.
poignant (adjective): emotionally touching
After the Montagues and Capulets discover the dead bodies of Romeo and Juliet, in the play's most
poignant moment, the two griefstricken familes agree to end their feud once and for all.
This word has other definitions but this is the most important one for the GRE
polemic (noun): a strong verbal or written attack on someone or something.
The professor launched into a polemic, claiming that Freudian theory was a pack of lies that absolutely
destroyed European literary theory.
This word has other definitions but this is the most important one for the GRE
posit (verb): assume as fact
Initially, Einstein posited a repulsive force to balance Gravity, but then rejected that idea as a blunder.
pragmatic (adjective): guided by practical experience and observation rather than theory
Rather than make a philosophical appeal to the Congressmen, the Speaker decided to take a far more
pragmatic approach, making small side-deals that would add votes to his bill.
precipitous (adjective): done with very great haste and without due deliberation