GRE Vocabulary Flash review

GRE

vocabulaRy

FLASH REVIEW

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GRE

vocabulaRy

FLASH REVIEW

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GRE VOCABULARY

can Copyright Conventions. Published in the United

States by LearningExpress, LLC, New York.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

GRE Vocabulary flash review. — 1st ed.

p. ; cm.

ISBN- 978-1-57685-781-6

1. Vocabulary—Problems, exercises, etc. 2. Graduate

Record Examination. I. LearningExpress (Organization)

PE1449.G656 2011

428.1—dc22

2010053646

Printed in the United States of America

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

First Edition

For more information or to place an order, contact

LearningExpress at:

2 Rector Street

26th Floor

New York, NY 10006

Or visit us at:

www.learnatest.com

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CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . vii

ABOUT THIS BOOK . . . . xiii

A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229

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L . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 393

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 397

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 409

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 411

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INTRODUCTION

The GRE general test is designed to test appli-

cants who are applying to graduate school. GRE

Vocabulary Flash Review includes pronunciation

guides, definitions, sample sentences, and syno-

nyms for 600 of the words that most commonly

appear on the Graduate Record Examination

(GRE) general test. Studying and learning these

words will help you succeed on the Verbal Rea-

soning sections of the exam.

About the GRE General Test

Beginning in August 2011, the Educational Testing

Service (ETS) is offering a revised version of the

GRE general test. The following information re-

flects the format of the revised general test; changes

from the previous version of the test are also noted.

Beginning in August 2011, the GRE will in-

clude six sections. (The previous version included

fewer but longer sections.)

[ vii ]

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[ viii ]

It includes:

 An Analytic Writing section, for which

you will write two short essays.

 Two Verbal Reasoning sections, which

test reading comprehension.

 Two Quantitative Reasoning sections,

which test mathematical concepts and skills.

 An unidentified experimental section.

Altogether, the test takes about three and a

half hours to complete. The Analytic Writing

section is always administered first; the other

sections may follow in any order. In addition, a

research section may conclude the test. As with

the experimental section, your answers on this

section will not count toward your final score.

Go to the ETS website for d

etailed infor-

mation about each of these exam s

ections:

www.ets.org/gre

The Experimental Section

The experimental section may be a third Verbal

Reasoning section, or it may be a third Quanti-

tative Reasoning section. Because this section is

experimental, and only designed to test questions

for use on future exams, your answers on it will

not count toward your final score. However, you

will not know which section is the experimental

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[ ix ]

section, so be sure to do your best on all parts of

the exam.

Computer-Based Testing

All GRE general tests within the United States

are administered by computer. (Only if you take

the exam outside the United States, in an area

where computer-based testing is unavailable, will

you take a paper-based exam; these are admin-

istered a limited number of times each year.)

Beginning in August 2011, the format of the

computer-based exam will allow you to change

answers within a section or skip questions and go

back to them later—actions that were not per-

mitted on the previous version of the computer-

based exam. Although scratch paper is permitted,

the exam is administered entirely by computer.

Vocabulary on the GRE General Test

Unlike the previous version of the GRE general

test, the revised version does not include anto-

nyms or analogies—question types that test the

understanding of vocabulary out of context. This

is good news for you! The context provided by

a sentence or passage on which each question is

based will help you determine the meaning of

the words you study in this book and elsewhere.

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[ x ]

Beginning in August 2011, the Verbal Rea-

soning sections of the GRE general test include

the following three question types.

Reading Comprehension questions test your

understanding of a text. The GRE general test

includes about 10 Reading Comprehension

passages, ranging in length from one paragraph

to several; as few as one and as many as six ques-

tions may be asked about a given passage. These

will comprise about half of the questions you

will see on the Verbal Reasoning sections.

There are three kinds of Reading Compre-

hension questions:

 Some questions are traditional multiple-

choice questions, in which you select one

correct answer from among five choices.

 Some questions require you to select

one, two, or three correct answers from

among three choices. You cannot receive

partial credit for your responses to these

questions; you receive credit for your re-

sponse only if you select all of the correct

answers and nothing else.

 Some questions, require you to click

on the sentence within the passage that

meets a particular description.

Some Reading Comprehension questions will

ask directly about the meaning of words within

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[ xi ]

a passage. However, because the strength of your

vocabulary is a crucial factor in your ability to

understand what you read, vocabulary study

should help you prepare for Reading Compre-

hension questions.

For Text Completion questions, you are

presented with a brief passage, from which some

words have been omitted. Your task is to select

the words and/or phrases that complete the pas-

sage in a way that makes sense. If the passage

includes just one blank, you will be offered five

choices, only one of which fills in the blank cor-

rectly. If the passage includes two or three blanks,

you will be offered three choices for each blank.

For Sentence Equivalence questions, you

are presented with a single sentence that in-

cludes a blank. Your task is to select two words

from among the choices provided, either of

which could complete the sentence in a way

that makes sense. The two completed sentences

will be equivalent in meaning. You cannot re-

ceive partial credit for your responses to these

questions; you receive credit for your response

only if you select both correct answers.

Because of their more focused format, success

with Text Completion and Sentence Equiva-

lence questions depends greatly on the strength

of your vocabulary.

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[ xiii ]

ABOUT THIS BOOK

The 600 words in this book are presented in al-

phabetical order. Each page includes three words:

On one side, the words are provided along with

a guide to their pronunciation. On the reverse

side, definitions, sample sentences, and synonyms

are provided for each word. The pages are de-

signed in this way so that you can quiz yourself

on the meaning of each word.

The pronunciation of each word is given.

Capital letters indicate stressed syllables, and the

following spellings are used to represent some

common sounds.

g girl

jelly

kite, cat

sun, celery

zest, cheese

measure

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[ xiv ]

a hat

bed

wish

mop

cup

cake

eat

ahy

bike

coat

yoo

music

alarm [schwa]

raw

mouse

room

The definitions provided for the words are not

comprehensive, but rather focus your attention

on the meanings that are the most common—

and the most commonly tested. Synonyms are

provided to further clarify the meaning of each

word. Because the best way to learn vocabulary

is to learn it in context, a sample sentence is pro-

vided for each word, to illustrate its use.

A word about spelling: yes, it does count! Take

care to note and learn the distinction between

such commonly confused words as complacent and

complaisant and discreet and discrete. Also note the

spelling of such words as complement (as opposed to

compliment) and imminent (as opposed to eminent).

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[ xv ]

Using This Book for Vocabulary Study

In truth, vocabulary acquisition is the work of

a lifetime. Don’t try to learn all 600 words in

this book at once. The best approach is to study

the words in sets of about 12 or 15 words (4 or

5 pages) each day. The following is a suggested

program of study:

 Review a set of words in the morning.

Say each word aloud. Try to think of your

own sentences using the words.

 Write the words down on a sheet of pa-

per, and keep the sheet with you, check-

ing it throughout the day to familiarize

yourself with the list.

 In the evening, quiz yourself on the

meaning of the words. Use a pencil to

write a check next to the words you de-

fine correctly; review the words you are

unable to define, along with the words

you will study the next day.

 Periodically quiz yourself on the words

you have already studied, to check that

you have learned them.

A Last Word on Vocabulary Study:

Read, Read, Read

Vocabulary is learned best when it is learned in

context—that’s why we’ve provided a sample

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[ xvi ]

sentence for each word in this book. The more

frequently you encounter words in a variety of

contexts, the better you will be able to remem-

ber them, and even discern the nuances of their

meaning. So, the best way to learn GRE vocab-

ulary is to read, read, read!

If you are currently an undergraduate, you’re

probably scrambling to keep up with your

weekly reading assignments. As you read, pay

attention to the vocabulary in each assignment.

Take the time to note and look up the meaning

of words you don’t know. If you come across

one of the words in this book, note the context

in which it is used. You might even want to jot

down the sentence on the page with the word

in this book.

If you are not currently in school, the type of

reading that will best prepare you for the GRE

general test is nonfiction. Read the newspaper.

Read serious magazines, such as New Yorker,

The Economist, or The Nation. Read biographies.

Choose a subject that matters to you, and read

everything you can find on the topic. As you

read, pay attention to the vocabulary you en-

counter; learn the words that are new to you,

and note the use of words you have learned

from this book.

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GRE

vocabulaRy

FLASH REVIEW

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[ 1 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

ABATE

(ah-BEYT)

ABDICATE

(AB-di-keyt)

ABERRANT

(ah-BER-uhnt)

GRE VOCABULARY

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[ 2 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

to make or become less in degree, intensity,

value, or amount

We waited for the storm to abate before we

headed out.

Synonyms: decrease, diminish, reduce, subside

to give up a right or responsibility, especially

formally

Elizabeth II of England would probably not

have become queen if her uncle, King Edward

VIII, had not abdicated.

Synonyms: relinquish, renounce, resign

going off the usual, normal, or right way;

deviating from the usual or normal type

The aberrant weather during that rainy summer

left many feeling as though there had not been

any summer at all.

Synonyms: abnormal, atypical, deviant, unusual

GRE VOCABULARY

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[ 3 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

ABJURE

(ab-JOOR)

ABJECT

(AB-jekt)

ABEYANCE

(uh-BEY-uhns)

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[ 4 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

a temporary state of inactivity

We kept our travel plans in abeyance and

did not go until we were certain that we had

enough money for the trip.

Synonyms: inactivity, recess, suspension

completely hopeless

They lost everything when their house burned

down and have since lived in abject conditions,

often homeless.

Synonyms: downtrodden, miserable, wretched

to formally reject, often under oath

Though she had completely changed her

ways, she could not abjure her former friends.

Synonyms: forswear, renounce

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[ 5 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

ABYSMAL

(uh-BIZ-muhl)

ABSTEMIOUS

(ab-STEE-mee-uhs)

ABSCOND

(ab-SKOND)

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[ 6 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

to leave secretly and suddenly

One minute the children were underfoot; the

next minute, they absconded with all the

cookies.

Synonyms: disappear, escape, vanish

restrained, especially with food and alcohol

Since she began to do yoga, she has also been

abstemious with both alcohol and junk food.

Synonyms: frugal, moderate, restrained, tem-

perate

like an abyss: immeasurably great or low;

hopelessly bad

He wrote the term paper all in one night, and

the results were abysmal.

Synonyms: bottomless, vast, wretched

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[ 7 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

ACCRUE

(uh-KROO)

ACERBIC

(uh-SUHR-bik)

ACCOLADE

(A-kuh-LEYD)

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[ 8 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

an award or other expression of honor or

praise

Given the number of accolades she has

received for her work on stage and in film, it is

surprising just how humble she is.

Synonyms: award, honor

sour or harsh in taste, mood, or temperament

He tried to hide his bad mood, but his acerbic

reply gave his anger away.

Synonyms: acidic, caustic, harsh, sharp

to grow through additions

As the years accrue, so does wisdom.

Synonyms: accumulate, collect, increase

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[ 9 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

ADMONISH

(ad-MO-nish)

ADAMANT

(A-duh-muhnt)

ACUMEN

(A-kyuh-muhn)

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[ 10 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

insight or shrewdness, especially in practical

matters

Due to the combination of her personal

warmth and business acumen, her new

company was an instant success.

Synonyms: discernment, insight, judgment,

perception

insistent, immovable

Though the child protested, his parents

were adamant: he had to be in bed by eight

o’clock.

Synonyms: determined, inflexible, resolute,

stubborn, unyielding

to advise against something; to gently scold

or warn

The teacher admonished the children for

tracking mud down the hallways of the school.

Synonyms: advise, reprimand, warn

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[ 11 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

AESTHETIC

(es-THE-tik)

ADULTERATE

(uh-DUHL-tuh-REYT)

ADULATION

(a-juh-LEY-shun)

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[ 12 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

excessive admiration, praise, or devotion;

flattery

The football star enjoyed the adulation of

thousands of fans until it was revealed that he

had cheated.

Synonyms: devotion, fawning, flattery, worship

to make impure by adding foreign or inferior

elements, materials, or ingredients

Do not adulterate this cake batter by using

flour of such poor quality!

Synonyms: cheapen, corrupt, dilute, weaken

having to do with beauty or the arts

Though the morality of the movie is question-

able, its aesthetic qualities are admirable: it

was beautifully filmed.

Synonym: artistic

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[ 13 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

AGGREGATE

(A-gre-guht or A-gre-GEYT)

AGGRANDIZE

(uh-GRAN-dahyz)

AFFINITY

(uh-FI-ni-tee)

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[ 14 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

an attraction, especially one based on a

similarity in interests

Countless young women have read and reread

Jane Eyre, feeling an affinity for its fierce heroine.

Synonyms: affection, fondness, sympathy

to make greater in size, power, or honor; to

enhance the appearance of greatness

The dictator aggrandized his power by taking

control of the press and all other media.

Synonyms: glorify, hype, inflate, strengthen

(adj.) formed by grouping elements into one

larger body

The aggregate power of the teammates was

far greater than you might imagine based on

their individual talents.

Synonyms: accumulated, collective

(v.) to group elements into one larger body

We need to aggregate the survey results in

order to have a clear picture of the overall data.

Synonyms: assemble, collect, combine

(n.) a body of associated elements

In the aggregate, her small daily efforts

resulted in a gorgeous book of poems.

Synonyms: combination, mass, whole

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[ 15 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

ALLAY

(uh-LEY)

ALCHEMY

(AL-kuh-mee)

ALACRITY

(uh-LA-kruh-tee)

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[ 16 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

cheerful readiness

He replied to the invitation with alacrity; he

was eager for the opportunity to travel to

Puerto Rico.

Synonyms: liveliness, promptness, willingness

the power or process that can change some-

thing ordinary into something valuable; a

medieval pseudoscience with the purpose of

changing lead into gold

The alchemy that transformed him into a dash-

ingly handsome man in her eyes was love.

Synonyms: enchantment, magic, sorcery

to put to rest; to decrease in strength or

difficulty

After they heard the coyotes howling, nothing

but the dawn could allay their fears.

Synonyms: alleviate, calm, ease, lessen, relieve

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[ 17 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

ALLURE

(uh-LOOR)

ALLOY

(A-loi)

ALLEVIATE

(uh-LEE-vee-eyt)

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[ 18 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

to lessen the burden, make easier

Her calm support did much to alleviate his

difficulties with the task.

Synonyms: allay, ease, lighten, relieve

a mixture of two or more different things;

literally, a mixture of two or more metals or

of a metal and nonmetal

Even sterling silver is actually an alloy of silver

with another metal, usually copper.

Synonyms: blend, combination, composite,

compound

(v.) to attract

Only the possibility that his favorite singer

might perform could allure him to attend the

concert.

Synonyms: charm, entice, tempt

(n.) that which attracts

Easily nauseated, she could not see the allure

of a roller coaster.

Synonyms: appeal, charm

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[ 19 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

AMBIVALENCE

(am-BI-vuh-luhns)

AMBIGUOUS

(am-BI-gyoo-wuhs)

AMALGAMATE

(uh-MAL-guh-MEYT)

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[ 20 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

to mix or combine into one body

The plan to amalgamate the two high schools

was not well thought out, and the students did

not easily unite into one school.

Synonyms: blend, incorporate, integrate,

merge

ill-defined or uncertain; possible to be under-

stood in different ways

Her habitual sarcasm rendered her statement

ambiguous; no one could tell if she really

meant what she said.

Synonyms: cryptic, enigmatic, indefinite,

indeterminate

uncertainty; the state of having two or more

contradictory feelings about something at the

same time

His ambivalence about playing the piano went

on for years, and he thought about quitting

every day until he enrolled at the conservatory.

Synonyms: doubt, indecision, uncertainty

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[ 21 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

AMENITY

(uh-ME-nuh-tee)

AMENABLE

(uh-ME-nuh-buhl)

AMELIORATE

(uh-MEEL-yuh-reyt)

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[ 22 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

to get or make better

Her illness was ameliorated by the fact that it

permitted her finally to rest and get enough

sleep.

Synonyms: alleviate, improve, relieve

agreeable, willing, or submissive; answerable

or legally responsible; able to be examined or

tested

Even though it would require him to redo

much of the work he had done so far, he was

amenable to the change in plans.

Synonyms: cooperative, manageable; accountable

the quality of being agreeable; a feature that

increases value or comfort

He had become so used to the general amenity

of the community that the rudeness of the grocery

store clerk shocked him.

Synonyms: charm, pleasantness; advantage,

convenience

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[ 23 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

ANARCHY

(A-nuhr-kee)

ANALOGOUS

(uh-NA-luh-guhs)

ANACHRONISM

(uh-NA-kruh-ni-zuhm)

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[ 24 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

a person or thing that is out of place in time

Her floor-length skirts and elaborately done up

hair were anachronisms that she nevertheless

pulled off with grace.

Synonym: misplacement

comparable in such a way that an analogy can

be drawn

Freud viewed the mind as analogous to a

steam engine, whereas today we are more

likely to compare it to a computer.

Synonyms: alike, corresponding

lack of government; complete disorder

When the teacher was called out of the

classroom, the children erupted into gleeful

anarchy.

Synonyms: chaos, confusion, turmoil

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[ 25 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

ANOMALY

(uh-NO-muh-lee)

ANODYNE

(A-nuh-dahyn)

ANATHEMA

(uh-NA-thuh-muh)

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[ 26 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

someone or something that is cursed or

disliked intensely; a curse

Except for carrots, vegetables were anathema

to the toddler.

Synonyms: abomination, pariah

something that comforts; a medicine that

relieves pain

The music of Bach was an anodyne to her

through the months of mourning.

Synonyms: balm; painkiller

something different, irregular

His late submission was an anomaly; he was

known for meeting his deadlines.

Synonyms: aberration, exception, irregularity,

oddity

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[ 27 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

APOGEE

(A-puh-jee)

APOSTATE

(uh-PO-steyt)

ANTIPATHY

(an-TI-puh-thee)

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[ 28 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

dislike, feeling against

He could not overcome his antipathy for

dogs, even to date a woman who had a

poodle as a pet.

Synonyms: aversion, disgust, loathing

one who renounces a previous loyalty, such as

to a religion, nation, or party

Though she had many disagreements with the

party, she had no plans to become an apostate.

Synonyms: defector, dissenter, heretic,

nonconformist

the highest point; literally, the point at which

an orbiting body is farthest from Earth

Finalizing the deal that spring was the apogee

of her career thus far.

Synonyms: apex, climax, summit, zenith

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[ 29 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

APPROBATION

(a-pruh-BEY-shuhn)

APPRISE

(uh-PRAYHZ)

APPEASE

(uh-PEEZ)

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[ 30 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

to bring to a state of peace

Only singing her favorite song could appease

the distressed child.

Synonyms: calm, pacify, soothe

to inform

He kept the radio on at all times, to be sure

he was kept apprised of the latest weather

report.

Synonyms: advise, enlighten, notify

formal approval

Make art to express yourself, not to win the

approbation of others.

Synonyms: approval, commendation, endorse-

ment, recognition

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 30 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 31 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

ARDUOUS

(AHR-juh-wuhs)

ARCHAIC

(ahr-KEY-ik)

APPROPRIATE

(uh-PRO-pree-eyt)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 31 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 32 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

to set apart for a specific use; to take for

oneself

The army appropriated all vehicles in the

region for military use.

Synonyms: confiscate, seize, steal, usurp

of the past; extremely old or out of date

Students think that the language of Shakespeare

is archaic until they encounter the work of Chaucer,

who lived about two centuries earlier.

Synonyms: ancient, obsolete, old-fashioned

extremely difficult; requiring much energy or

effort

Running a marathon is arduous enough in

itself; I can’t imagine doing it as the last leg

of a triathlon.

Synonyms: exhausting, grueling, strenuous

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 32 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 33 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

ASPERITY

(a-SPER-uh-tee)

ASCETIC

(uh-SE-tik)

ARTLESS

(AHRT-luhs)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 33 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 34 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

natural, simple, and without artificiality;

without knowledge or skill

The child artlessly won over even the crankiest

adults simply by smiling at them.

Synonyms: genuine, straightforward, unaffected,

uncultured

strictly self-denying, often for spiritual purposes

The ascetic practices of a monk are certainly

not for everyone.

Synonyms: austere, disciplined, strict

severity of tone, manner, or temper; roughness

The asperity with which she spoke revealed

her anger about the situation.

Synonyms: harshness, sharpness

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 34 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 35 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

ASSUAGE

(uh-SWEYJ)

ASSIDUOUS

(uh-SI-juh-wuhs)

ASPERSION

(uh-SPER-zhuhn)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 35 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 36 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

a false accusation intended to do harm

He cast aspersions on his rival, but everyone

could see that his wild claims were not true.

Synonyms: defamation, slander

characterized by persistent and careful atten-

tion or effort

An assiduous student, she earned the highest

grades despite her learning disability.

Synonyms: attentive, constant, persevering

to decrease the intensity or severity of

Nothing but time could assuage their grief

after they lost their home.

Synonyms: calm, ease, relieve

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 36 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 37 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

ATTENUATE

(uh-TEN-yuh-WEYT)

ASYLUM

(uh-SAHY-luhm)

ASTRINGENT

(uh-STRIN-juhnt)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 37 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 38 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

harsh, caustic, strict

He was the only employee unafraid of the

boss’s astringent tongue.

Synonyms: biting, bitter, cutting, sharp

a place or state of shelter and protection; a

place for the care of the ill or insane

The refugees found asylum at the monastery.

Synonyms: refuge, retreat, sanctuary

to make thin or weak

Her enthusiasm was attenuated by the length

of the event; she did not like to be kept awake

so late.

Synonyms: debilitate, lessen, weaken

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 38 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 39 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

AUTONOMOUS

(aw-TO-nuh-muhs)

AUSTERE

(aw-STEER)

AUDACIOUS

(aw-DEY-shuhs)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 39 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 40 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

daring, recklessly brave; inventive,

unconventional

I am hardly audacious enough to go scuba

diving, let alone sky diving!

Synonyms: adventurous, bold, rash

somber, strict, or stern in manner or appearance

The house was plain and blended into the

austere winter landscape.

Synonyms: ascetic, rigorous, serious, solemn

independent

There are many who wish that the city govern-

ment were more autonomous and did not have

to abide by the decisions made at the distant

state capital.

Synonyms: self-governing, self-ruling, sovereign

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 40 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 41 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

AVOCATION

(a-vuh-KEY-shun)

AVER

(uh-VUHR)

AVARICE

(A-vuh-ruhs)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 41 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 42 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

a greed for wealth that cannot be satisfied

His avarice was a source of great discontent; he

could not be happy with what he already had.

Synonyms: covetousness, greed, rapacity

to declare or prove to be true

I can aver that her story is true, because I was

there and saw it happen myself.

Synonyms: affirm, assert, claim, verify

an occupation pursued for enjoyment

She pursued her avocation of designing jewelry

in the evenings after returning home from her

day job.

Synonyms: diversion, hobby, pastime

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 42 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 43 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

AXIOMATIC

(AK-see-uh-MA-tik)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 43 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 44 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

taken as an axiom, or self-evident truth

Until Copernicus showed otherwise, it was

taken as axiomatic that the Earth was the

center of the universe.

Synonyms: accepted, fundamental, given,

obvious

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 44 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 45 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

BEHEMOTH

(bi-HEE-muhth)

BAWDY

(BAW-dee)

BANAL

(buh-NAL)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 45 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 46 ]

GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

unoriginal, trite

The musical was unbelievably banal; the

characters, plot, and music completely lacked

originality.

Synonyms: bland, conventional, hackneyed

obscene, often in a boisterous or humorous

way

Shakespeare’s language can be as bawdy as it

is beautiful.

Synonyms: coarse, indecent, lewd, vulgar

something enormous in size or power

The company was a behemoth, associated

with about 1,000 brands, some of them even

competing with each other.

Synonyms: beast, giant, leviathan, mammoth

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 46 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 47 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

BENEFICENT

(buh-NE-fuh-suhnt)

BELLICOSE

(BEH-li-kohs)

BELIE

(bi-LAYH)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 47 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 48 ]

GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

to reveal the falsehood of, contradict

His blushing face belied his claim that he did

not care.

Synonyms: disprove, negate, repudiate

inclined or eager to fight

The bellicose young man picked fights on the

playground nearly every day.

Synonyms: belligerent, combative, hostile,

warlike

doing good

Every fall, they celebrated the beneficent

Earth for its rich harvest.

Synonyms: benevolent, generous, kind

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 48 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 49 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

BOMBASTIC

(bom-BAS-tik)

BOLSTER

(BOHL-stuhr)

BLANDISHMENT

(BLAN-dish-muhnt)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 49 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 50 ]

GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

flattery intended to persuade

The blandishments of the salesperson got the

better of her judgment, and she purchased the

stereo, only to return it the next day.

Synonyms: coaxing, fawning, wheedling

to give support

The coach bolstered their spirits after they

played a poor first half, and ultimately they

won the game.

Synonyms: brace, sustain, uphold

obnoxiously pretentious in speech or writing

After an evening of listening to bombastic

speeches, I left the award ceremony with a

headache.

Synonyms: pompous

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 50 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 51 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

BROACH

(brohch)

BRAZEN

(BREY-zuhn)

BOORISH

(BOOR-ish)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 51 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 52 ]

GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

rude in a way that reveals insensitivity to others

He lost several friends because of his boorish

behavior at the party that night.

Synonyms: bad mannered, coarse, crude

shamelessly bold

He was so brazen as to interrupt the guest

speaker in the middle of her remarks.

Synonyms: audacious, cocky, impudent

to mention for the first time

Though he loved her dearly, he was too timid

to broach the topic of marriage.

Synonyms: introduce, propose, suggest

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 52 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 53 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

BURNISH

(BUHR-nish)

BURGEON

(BUHR-juhn)

BUCOLIC

(byoo-KO-lik)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 53 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 54 ]

GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

having to do with shepherds or rural life

He enjoyed their vacation in bucolic northern

New England; she longed to return to the city.

Synonyms: pastoral, rural, rustic

to sprout, bloom, and grow

She burgeoned into an eager reader shortly

after beginning first grade.

Synonyms: blossom, flourish

to polish, especially by rubbing

The carpenter burnished the surface of the

table until it was smooth and glossy.

Synonyms: brighten, rub, shine

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 54 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 55 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

BUTTRESS

(BUH-truhs)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 55 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 56 ]

GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

to support, prop up

She listened to the anthem again and again, to

buttress her courage.

Synonyms: bolster, brace, strengthen

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 56 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 57 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

CANON

(KA-nuhn)

CALUMNY

(kuh-LUM-nee)

CACOPHONY

(kuh-KO-fuh-nee)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 57 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 58 ]

GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

harsh, discordant sound

To her, it was powerfully stirring music; to her

parents, it was unbearable cacophony.

Synonyms: discord, noise

false charges made with the intention of

harming the reputation of another

Despite the falseness of the charges, the

calumny ended her career in politics.

Synonyms: defamation, slander

a body of fundamental rules or standards; a set

of sacred texts or other comprehensive list of

texts

Many of the books we take as part of the

canon today may be forgotten in the next

century.

Synonyms: dogma, law, principle

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 58 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 59 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

CAPTIOUS

(KAP-shuhs)

CAPRICIOUS

(kuhp-REE-shuhs)

CANT

(kant)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 59 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 60 ]

GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

the use of trite or stock language, especially

for insincere expressions of enthusiasm or

piety

We were disgusted with the empty cant of the

politicians, who had done nothing to prevent

the disaster.

Synonyms: hypocrisy, sanctimoniousness

impulsive, tending to act according to whim

He was so capricious that he rarely kept a job

longer than a few months.

Synonyms: arbitrary, erratic, unpredictable

tending to find fault; designed to confuse

The teacher’s feedback was more captious

than instructive.

Synonyms: cantankerous, faultfinding, finicky,

nit-picking

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 60 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 61 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

CAUSAL

(KAW-zuhl)

CATALYST

(KA-tuh-luhst)

CASTIGATION

(kas-ti-GEY-shuhn)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 61 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 62 ]

GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

severe criticism or punishment

The children did not expect such castigation

from their gentle teacher, who later apologized

for reprimanding them so harshly.

Synonyms: chastisement, discipline, invective

an agent that causes or speeds up a change

or activity; literally, a substance that causes or

speeds up a chemical reaction

They had talked about moving for years; her

pregnancy was the catalyst that finally spurred

them to take action.

Synonyms: impetus, stimulus

relating to a cause

She understood the causal relationship between

the care she took with her studies and her

grades.

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 62 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 63 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

CENSURE

(SEN-sher)

CAVIL

(KA-vil)

CAUSTIC

(KAWS-tik)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 63 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 64 ]

GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

able to burn or corrode; sarcastic

Her caustic tone and sarcastic words said

everything we needed to know about her

thoughts about getting fired.

Synonyms: acerbic, biting, harsh

to raise minor objections

His tendency to cavil at new ideas made him a

poor manager, and he was soon fired.

Synonyms: criticize, quibble

blame, formal condemnation

The censure of her colleagues did nothing to

curb her illicit behavior.

Synonyms: criticism, disapproval, reprimand

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 64 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 65 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

CHICANERY

(shi-KEYN-uh-ree)

CHASTEN

(CHEY-suhn)

CHARY

(CHER-ee)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 65 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 66 ]

GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

cautious

She was chary of auditioning for another play

after the last production ended in a debacle.

Synonyms: careful, restrained, wary

to correct through punishment

The children were thoroughly chastened after

they spent their weekend cleaning the play-

ground they had damaged.

Synonyms: discipline, humiliate, subdue

deception through trickery

He won the competition through chicanery,

not talent.

Synonyms: artifice, cheating, subterfuge

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 66 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 67 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

COAGULATE

(koh-A-gyuh-leyt)

CIRCUITOUS

(suhr-KYOO-uh-tuhs)

CHIMERA

(kahy-MIR-uh)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 67 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 68 ]

GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

a terrible illusion, an imagined monster

The chimera that haunts him at night is his

idea of himself in the future.

Synonyms: delusion, mirage

going in a winding, indirect way

Though it may have been quicker to go by the

highway, we enjoyed the circuitous drive to

the lake.

Synonyms: rambling, roundabout

to thicken; to gather in a mass

The milk became sour and began to coagulate.

Synonyms: congeal, clot, curdle, solidify

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 68 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 69 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

COMMENSURATE

(kuh-MEN-se-ruht)

COGENT

(KOH-juhnt)

CODA

(KOH-duh)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 69 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 70 ]

GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

the conclusion of a work of music, literature,

drama, or film, often formally different from

the rest of the work

We knew how the story was going to turn out

long before the play reached its coda.

Synonyms: conclusion, ending, finale

very convincing and appealing to reason;

relevant

The senator was not able to give a cogent

argument in favor of his re-election.

Synonyms: apt, compelling, persuasive, telling

equal or corresponding in measure, degree,

intensity, or duration

If your effort is commensurate with your

desire, you are likely to succeed.

Synonyms: comparable, equivalent,

proportionate

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 70 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 71 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

COMPLAISANT

(kuhm-PLEY-suhnt)

COMPLACENT

(kuhm-PLEY-suhnt)

COMPENDIUM

(kuhm-PEN-dee-uhm)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 71 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 72 ]

GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

a summary of a larger work or body of knowl-

edge; a complete list of items

The thin volume included a compendium of all

the different kinds of birds he had seen visiting

the woods in his backyard.

Synonyms: abstract, digest, overview, survey

satisfied with one’s own condition

It is easy to be complacent with one’s own

good fortune rather than to use it to better the

lives of others.

Synonyms: self-satisfied, smug, unconcerned

inclined to please

The girl was shy but complaisant, and soon

warmed up to the company.

Synonyms: agreeable, gracious, obliging

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 72 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 73 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

CONCILIATORY

(kuhn-SI-lee-uh-taw-ree)

COMPLIANT

(kuhm-PLAHY-uhnt)

COMPLEMENT

(KOM-pluh-ment)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 73 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 74 ]

GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

something that completes or perfects

For her, coffee is a necessary complement to

breakfast.

Synonyms: counterpart, enhancement,

supplement

conforming, submissive

Stand firmly on your ground—don’t be so

compliant!

Synonyms: docile, obedient, obliging, yielding

tending to gain goodwill, overcome distrust

Upon hearing her conciliatory words, no one

was in the mood to argue anymore.

Synonyms: appeasing, civil, placating

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 74 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 75 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

CONTENTION

(kuhn-TEN-shuhn)

CONNOISSEUR

(ko-nuh-SUHR)

CONFOUND

(kuhn-FOUND)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 75 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 76 ]

GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

to confuse thoroughly

The directions confounded her so completely

that she ended up on the wrong side of town.

Synonyms: baffle, bewilder, frustrate, perplex

one who understands, appreciates, and can

make judgments of an art or matter of taste

Though he claimed to be a connoisseur of

twentieth century art, he could not even tell a

Picasso from a Pollock.

Synonyms: aficionado, expert, specialist

opposition, strife; an idea proposed and held

in debate or argument

The constant mishaps of her lackadaisical

brother became a source of contention with

her husband.

Synonyms: conflict, discord, quarrel

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 76 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 77 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

CONTUMACIOUS

(kon-too-MEY-shuhs)

CONTRITE

(kuhn-TRAHYT)

CONTIGUOUS

(kuhn-TI-gyoo-wuhs)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 77 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 78 ]

GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

in contact, adjoining

The state of Alaska is contiguous with Canada

but not with the United States.

Synonyms: adjacent, bordering, neighboring,

touching

feeling or showing sorrow for wrongdoing

Though he was contrite after their argument,

she was not easily willing to forgive.

Synonyms: apologetic, penitent, remorseful,

sorry

stubbornly rebellious

The contumacious little girl refused to listen to

reason and to wear a jacket or shoes.

Synonyms: headstrong, obstinate

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 78 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 79 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

CONVIVIAL

(kuhn-VI-vee-uhl)

CONVENTION

(kuhn-VEN-shuhn)

CONUNDRUM

(kuh-NUHN-druhm)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 79 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 80 ]

GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

a complicated problem; literally, a riddle with a

pun or wordplay in its answer

The disorder in his bedroom every morning

was a conundrum, until they realized that he

was sleepwalking at night.

Synonyms: puzzle, riddle, trick

a meeting; an agreement; the standard or

usual way of doing things

As e-mail has become the main form of written

correspondence, many people are forgetting

the conventions of letter writing.

Synonyms: custom, habit

enjoying company, food, and drink

A convivial person, she looks forward to the

holidays even though they mark the beginning

of winter.

Synonyms: agreeable, friendly, jovial

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 80 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 81 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

CRAVEN

(KREY-vuhn)

COPIOUS

(KOH-pee-uhs)

CONVOLUTED

(KON-vuh-loo-tuhd)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 81 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 82 ]

GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

full of twists and turns, complicated

His convoluted directions were unnecessary;

all that he needed to say was, “Turn left at the

corner.”

Synonyms: complex, intricate, puzzling

numerous, plentiful

She took copious notes and filled several

notebooks every term.

Synonyms: abundant, extensive, generous

completely lacking in courage

Please tell me you are not so craven as to

forfeit the game rather than face your fiercest

opponent.

Synonyms: cowardly, fearful, timid

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 82 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 83 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

CYNICISM

(SI-nuh-si-zuhm)

CULPABLE

(KUHL-puh-buhl)

CREDULOUS

(KRE-juh-luhs)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 83 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 84 ]

GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

willing to believe; originating in credulity

As a teacher, he was far too credulous, and his

students could get away with almost anything,

so long as they could tell a story to explain it.

Synonyms: believing, gullible, unsuspecting

deserving blame

Though she was clearly culpable, she was

never even charged for the crime.

Synonyms: blameworthy, guilty, liable

a complete lack of faith, especially in the

values and motives of humans

Despite his cynicism, he was also charm-

ing, and soon everyone was seduced by his

gloomy outlook.

Synonyms: bitterness, negativism, pessimism,

sarcasm

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 84 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 85 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

CYNOSURE

(SI-no-shor)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 85 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 86 ]

GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

center of attraction

The movie star is an unapologetic cynosure;

she always expects all eyes to be on her.

Synonyms: hotshot

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 86 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 87 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

DEBAUCHERY

(di-BAW-chuh-ree)

DEBACLE

(duh-BAH-kuhl)

DEARTH

(duhrth)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 87 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 88 ]

GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

a shortage, an inadequate supply

The dearth of clean water was due to the

drought.

Synonyms: deficiency, lack, scarcity

a disaster or complete failure

The play was supposed to be a tragedy, but

the production was such a debacle that the

audience laughed through the third act.

Synonyms: breakdown, defeat, fiasco, wreck

indulgence in physical pleasures

His life of debauchery took a toll on his body,

and he looked far older than his years.

Synonyms: depravity, intemperance, revelry

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 88 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 89 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

DEFERENCE

(DEH-fuh-ruhns)

DEFAULT

(di-FAWLT)

DECORUM

(di-KOHR-uhm)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 89 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 90 ]

GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

propriety and good taste

Please conduct yourselves with decorum during

our visit to the mayor’s office.

Synonyms: civility, convention, dignity

(n.) a failure to act or fulfill an obligation

We hired him by default; none of the other

applicants showed up for the interview.

Synonyms: disregard, neglect

(v.) to fail to act or fulfill an obligation

She defaulted on her mortgage payments

after she lost her job.

Synonyms: evade, neglect

respect for and submission to the judgment or

will of another, especially an elder or superior

The children treated their grandparents with

deference.

Synonyms: compliance, courtesy, esteem,

regard

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 90 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 91 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

DEMUR

(di-MUHR)

DELINEATE

(di-LI-nee-eyt)

DEFUNCT

(di-FUHNGKT)

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no longer working or in use; no longer existing

The organization had been defunct for nearly

a decade when she decided to revive it.

Synonyms: obsolete; extinct

to describe or portray in detail

The CEO took the time to delineate her plans

for the company, so that everyone would

understand the direction they would be taking

in the next year.

Synonyms: characterize, depict, draw,

represent

to express disagreement, object

Everyone else was enthusiastic about the

project, but she demurred, saying it would

never succeed.

Synonyms: oppose, refuse

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GRE VOCABULARY

DERISION

(di-RI-zhuhn)

DENOUEMENT

(DEY-noo-mawn)

DENIGRATE

(de-ni-GREYT)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 93 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

to attack the reputation or achievements of

another

He did nothing but denigrate his classmates’

artwork, but could hardly tolerate the most

neutral comment about his own.

Synonyms: belittle, criticize, disparage

the outcome of a story or series of events

The denouement was unsatisfying: the hero

woke up, and it turned out that the entire story

had been his dream.

Synonyms: conclusion, culmination, resolution

ridicule, contempt

The poorly plotted film was the object of much

derision from critics, but audiences loved it.

Synonyms: disdain, mockery, scorn

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GRE VOCABULARY

DESUETUDE

(DEH-swi-tood)

DESICCATE

(DEH-si-keyt)

DERIVATIVE

(di-RI-vuh-tiv)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 95 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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derived from something else, lacking in

originality

His first album was derivative R & B, but his

second album was completely original and

propelled him to fame.

Synonyms: banal, copied, imitative

to dry up

The desiccated landscape had not seen rain in

months.

Synonyms: dehydrate, deplete, wither

the state of no longer being in use

After the original members of the sorority

graduated, many of their rituals were forgotten

and soon fell into desuetude.

Synonyms: disuse, inactivity

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GRE VOCABULARY

DETRACTION

(di-TRAK-shuhn)

DETERRENT

(di-TUHR-uhnt)

DESULTORY

(DE-suhl-tohr-ee)

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

lacking a plan or sense of purpose, disconnected

His desultory ways were maddening to her;

she preferred to get right to the point.

Synonyms: aimless, chance, erratic, rambling

that which prevents

The new methods of policing the neighbor-

hood turned out to be an effective deterrent

to crime.

Synonyms: curb, hindrance, obstacle, restraint

a lessening of reputation, especially due to

criticism; the act of taking away

As a result of the critics’ many detractions of

the novel, it sold only a few dozen copies.

Synonyms: misrepresentation, slander

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GRE VOCABULARY

DICHOTOMY

(dahy-KO-tuh-mee)

DIATRIBE

(DAHY-uh-trahyb)

DIAPHANOUS

(dahy-A-fuh-nuhs)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 99 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

extremely fine or delicate to the point of

transparency; insubstantial

The starlet’s diaphanous gown was both

gorgeous and scandalous.

Synonyms: gossamer, flimsy, sheer

a critical or abusive speech or piece of writing

After taking in her boss’s long diatribe about

her work, she simply quit.

Synonyms: harangue, invective, tirade

a division into two opposite or mutually

exclusive groups

The dichotomy between her words and actions

was startling; to hear her talk, you’d think she

could do nothing right, whereas I had never

seen her do anything wrong.

Synonyms: bifurcation, difference, separation

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GRE VOCABULARY

DIFFUSE

(di-FYOOS)

DIFFIDENCE

(DI-fi-duhns)

DIDACTIC

(dahy-DAK-tik)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 101 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

tending or intended to inform or teach

Because our values are so different today, the

didactic novels of the past are now more

humorous than instructive.

Synonyms: academic, instructive, pendantic

shyness, lack of confidence

He overcame his diffidence and gave a stirring

speech at the rally.

Synonyms: hesitancy, insecurity, reluctance,

reservation

wordy and disorganized; not concentrated,

spread around

The lecturer was so diffuse that although she

shared a wealth of information, we hardly

learned anything.

Synonyms: rambling; diluted, scattered,

widespread

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 102 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

DIRGE

(duhrj)

DILETTANTE

(DI-luh-tahnt)

DIGRESSION

(dahy-GRE-shuhn)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 103 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

a turning away from the main course or subject

This paragraph is a digression from the main

topic of the essay, but it is more interesting to

me than anything else.

Synonyms: departure, diversion, wandering

a lover of or dabbler in the arts

He called himself a dilettante, but he was

actually an accomplished pianist.

Synonyms: amateur, connoisseur, rookie

a slow, mournful piece of music, especially one

intended for a funeral or similar occasion

The orchestra played the piece so slowly that it

sounded like a dirge.

Synonyms: lament, requiem

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 104 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

DISCORDANT

(dis-KOR-duhnt)

DISCERNING

(di-SUHR-ning)

DISABUSE

(DIS-uh-byooz)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 105 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

to clear up an error or confusion

The nutritionist worked hard to disabuse the

public of the notion that vegetarians cannot

get enough protein.

Synonyms: correct, debunk, enlighten

having good judgment or understanding

Only the most discerning customers can tell

the difference between this fabric and real silk.

Synonyms: discriminating, insightful, knowl-

edgeable, perceptive

not in harmony, quarrelsome

She was a brilliant leader who could listen to

the discordant voices of the Senate and some-

how find a way to compromise.

Synonyms: cacophonous, contradictory,

inconsistent

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 106 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

DISCREPANCY

(dis-KRE-puhn-see)

DISCREET

(dis-KREET)

DISCREDIT

(dis-KRE-duht)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 107 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

to refuse to believe or cause others to

disbelieve

He had to discredit the ridiculous idea that

with a better diet, one could get by with only

five hours of sleep each night.

Synonyms: doubt, question, reject

maintaining or respecting privacy, especially

about something of a delicate nature

They were so discreet about the affair that it

was never discovered.

Synonyms: cautious, modest, prudent,

restrained

disagreement, inconsistency

The investigation of a small discrepancy in

an account revealed widespread fraud at that

bank.

Synonyms: conflict, difference, dissimilarity,

variation

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 108 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

DISINTERESTED

(dis-IN-truhs-tuhd)

DISINGENUOUS

(dis-in-JEN-yoo-uhs)

DISCRETE

(dis-KREET)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 109 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

separate, distinct

The course was given in three discrete sessions;

you could attend just one or two and still follow

the material.

Synonyms: apart, detached, isolated

lacking in truth, often while giving the appear-

ance of truthfulness

Their advertising was disingenuous, featuring

photographs that made their dumpy hotel look

like a paradise.

Synonyms: deceitful, dishonest, insincere,

hypocritical

not personally engaged, without emotional

interest

He could not participate on the jury; the

victim was his cousin, and so he could not

be disinterested in the outcome of the trial.

Synonyms: dispassionate, indifferent, unbiased,

unconcerned

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 110 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

DISPARAGE

(di-SPER-ij)

DISMISS

(dis-MIS)

DISJOINTED

(dis-JOIN-tuhd)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 111 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

disorderly, out of sequence

She told the story in such a disjointed way

that we asked her to repeat it so that we could

understand.

Synonyms: confused, disconnected, incoherent,

rambling

to allow or cause to leave; to reject

She dismissed the proposal, saying that it

would be too expensive to carry out.

Synonyms: discharge, release, send away;

disregard

to speak of slightingly; to lessen the reputation of

Do not disparage your elders; they worked

hard to build this community.

Synonyms: belittle, depreciate

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 112 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

DISSEMINATE

(di-SE-muh-neyt)

DISSEMBLE

(di-SEM-buhl)

DISPARATE

(DIS-puhr-uht)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 113 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

essentially different

The four musicians brought together their

disparate talents and ideas to make a wild

and beautiful collection of songs.

Synonyms: dissimilar, diverse, various

to put on a false appearance

The children tried to dissemble innocence, but

the crumbs on their face gave them away.

Synonyms: conceal, feign, simulate

to scatter, spread around

Please disseminate the news; I want everyone

to know about my candidacy.

Synonyms: advertise, broadcast, disperse,

publish

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 114 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

DISSONANCE

(DI-suh-nuhns)

DISSOLUTION

(DI-suh-loo-shuhn)

DISSIDENT

(DI-suh-duhnt)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 115 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

disagreeing with an established belief or

organization

Under the rule of the dictator, people kept

their dissident ideas to themselves.

Synonyms: heretical, nonconforming, unorthodox

the act or process of falling apart

The dissolution of their marriage was unex-

pected; they had seemed so happy.

Synonyms: disintegration, rupture, separation

the clashing of ideas or sounds

The music included much dissonance, and I

left the concert hall with a headache.

Synonyms: conflict, disagreement, discord

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 116 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

DIVEST

(dahy-VEST)

DISTILL

(dis-TIL)

DISTEND

(dis-TEND)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 117 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

to expand, swell

Ironically, their distended bellies are a sign of

their great hunger.

Synonyms: bloat, bulge, enlarge

to extract the essence of

The professor could distill complex ideas into

a simple diagram or statement.

Synonyms: concentrate, purify, refine

to strip, deprive, or free from

He divested himself of most of his wealth and

went off to live in the woods.

Synonyms: dismantle, dispossess, seize

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 118 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

DOGMATIC

(dawg-MA-tik)

DOCTRINAIRE

(dok-truh-NAIR)

DIVULGE

(dahy-VUHLJ)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 119 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

to make a secret known

She refused to divulge what her sister had told

her that evening.

Synonyms: admit, disclose, tell

fanatic about a doctrine or theory

A doctrinaire libertarian, she refused to pay

any taxes.

Synonyms: dogmatic, fanatical, impractical,

inflexible

taken to expressing opinions as though they

were facts

She was turned off by his dogmatic assertions

that reading his book would completely trans-

form her life.

Synonyms: fanatical, opinionated

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 120 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

DUPE

(doop)

DROSS

(dros)

DORMANT

(DAWR-muhnt)

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

inactive, asleep

It is hard to believe that the tulip bulbs lie

dormant in the earth under the winter snow.

Synonyms: inert, latent, potential

waste, something that is inferior

The art show was so full of dross that his

beautiful piece stood out.

Synonyms: refuse, scum, trash

one who is easily deceived or fooled

He was a dupe to believe all of her lies.

Synonyms: chump, fool

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 122 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

ECLECTIC

(e-KLEK-tik)

ECCENTRIC

(ek-SEN-trik)

EBULLIENT

(i-BOOL-yuhnt)

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

lively, enthusiastic

We soon were all carried away by her ebullient

mood.

Synonyms: buoyant, high-spirited, vivacious

unconventional, irregular

Her staid outfits contrasted with her eccentric

ideas.

Synonyms: odd, unusual, whimsical

choosing from a variety of sources; composed

of a variety of styles, methods, or ideas

His taste in music was eclectic, including

everything from opera to free jazz.

Synonyms: assorted, diverse, varied

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 124 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

EFFICACY

(EH-fi-kuh-see)

EFFETE

(e-FEET)

EFFERVESCENCE

(e-fuhr-VE-sens)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 125 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

liveliness

Her effervescence was not appropriate for the

solemn occasion.

Synonyms: enthusiasm, excitement

without strength or character

The young men longed for war so that they

could prove they had not grown effete.

Synonyms: decadent, degenerate, sterile

the ability to produce the desired effect

Her efficacy was astonishing; within three days

she got the project back on track.

Synonyms: capability, competence, effectiveness

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 126 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

ELICIT

(i-LI-suht)

ELEGY

(E-luh-jee)

EFFRONTERY

(i-FRUHN-tuh-ree)

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

shameless boldness

He had the effrontery to demand a full refund,

simply because he had not liked one of the

performers.

Synonyms: arrogance, disrespect, insolence

a poem or song expressing sorrow at the loss

of one who has died

After the poet read the elegy for her mother,

not an eye was dry of tears.

Synonyms: lament, requiem

to draw or bring out

Her pointed questions elicited thoughtful

replies.

Synonyms: evoke, obtain

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GRE VOCABULARY

EMACIATED

(i-MEY-shee-ey-tuhd)

ELOQUENT

(EH-luh-kwuhnt)

ELIXIR

(i-LIK-suhr)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 129 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

a sweetened mixture of alcohol and water having

medicinal qualities

He made a fortune selling an elixir that he

claimed could preserve youth.

Synonyms: medicine, solution

beautifully and fluently expressive

She wrote an eloquent letter to thank her aunt

for the gift.

Synonyms: articulate, expressive

made thin and week

The cat was emaciated when we found her,

but now she is healthy though a bit plump.

Synonyms: haggard, skinny, starved, wasted

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 130 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

EMPIRICAL

(im-PIR-i-kuhl)

EMOLLIENT

(i-MOL-yuhnt)

EMBELLISH

(im-BE-lish)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 131 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

to add ornamentation

He embellished the story with little exaggera-

tions to make it more interesting.

Synonyms: adorn, decorate, enhance

having the power to soothe or make soft and

supple

The midwife’s emollient words encouraged

the woman in labor.

Synonyms: healing, soothing; lotion, salve

based on observation or experience without

resorting to theory

Your arguments are too theoretical; only

empirical evidence will persuade me.

Synonyms: experimental, observed, practical

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 132 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

ENDEMIC

(en-DEM-ik)

ENCOMIUM

(en-KOH-mee-uhm)

EMULATE

(EM-yuh-leyt)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 133 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

to try to equal or excel; to imitate

He had no desire to emulate his novelist father

and instead became an accountant.

Synonyms: compete, follow, rival

praise, an expression of praise

The encomium from all the critics in the world

did not matter so much to her as the praise her

teacher heaped on her little book.

Synonyms: accolade, tribute

characteristic of or prevalent in a group of

people or region

The Joshua tree is endemic to the Mojave

Desert; it grows nowhere else.

Synonyms: aboriginal, local, regional

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 134 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

ENHANCE

(en-HANS)

ENGENDER

(en-JEN-duhr)

ENERVATE

(E-nuhr-veyt)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 135 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

to reduce the strength of

The heat and humidity enervated her so much

that she did not even try to accomplish anything

on that day.

Synonyms: debilitate, enfeeble, weaken

to bring into existence

His unclear directions engendered confusion.

Synonyms: beget, generate, originate, produce

to improve in quality, desirability, or value

Her new hairstyle did much to enhance her

appearance.

Synonyms: augment, embellish, improve,

intensify

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 136 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

ENUNCIATE

(ee-NUHN-see-eyt)

ENNUI

(ahn-WEE)

ENIGMATIC

(e-nig-MA-tik)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 137 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

puzzling, mysterious

He lay in bed that night trying to sort out the

meaning of her enigmatic good-bye.

Synonyms: ambiguous, perplexing

a feeling of weariness

Despite the wealth of opportunities available

to me, I could not shake the feeling of ennui at

the very thought of starting another job.

Synonyms: boredom, dullness, languor

to pronounce clearly; to announce

I will enunciate my intentions only after my

plans are settled.

Synonyms: articulate; declare, proclaim

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 138 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

EQUIVOCATE

(i-KWI-vuh-keyt)

EQUANIMITY

(e-kwuh-NI-muh-tee)

EPHEMERAL

(i-FEM-uh-ruhl)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 139 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

lasting a short time

Pleasure may be ephemeral, but so is pain.

Synonyms: brief, fleeting, momentary, passing

mental stability under stress

The secret to her equanimity was that no mat-

ter how much she had to do, she always got

enough sleep.

Synonyms: calmness, composure, equilibrium,

serenity

to speak without committing oneself

When I ask this next question, don’t equivocate;

just say directly what is on your mind.

Synonyms: dodge, evade, prevaricate

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 140 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

ESCHEW

(e-SHOO)

ERUDITE

(ER-yuh-dahyt)

ERRANT

(EH-ruhnt)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 141 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

given to wandering; tending to err

The errant child soon lost her way.

Synonyms: meandering, rambling, straying;

fallible

learned

The professor was erudite, not only in her

own field of scholarship but also in twentieth-

century poetry.

Synonyms: educated, knowledgeable, studious

to avoid, especially for ethical or practical

reasons

A strict vegetarian, she eschews eggs and

dairy products in addition to meat and fish.

Synonyms: abstain, renounce, shun

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 142 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

ESTIMABLE

(ES-tuh-muh-buhl)

ESOTERIC

(e-suh-TEH-rik)

ESSAY

(e-SEY)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 143 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

to attempt, to try

I have essayed neither rock climbing nor sky

diving, and probably never will try either activity.

Synonyms: test, undertake

known only by the initiated

The symbolism of the Tarot is hardly as esoteric

as you might think.

Synonyms: arcane, hidden, occult

capable of being estimated; worthy of respect

We practiced hard that week to prepare to

face an estimable opponent.

Synonyms: admirable, reputable, respectable

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 144 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

EVANESCENT

(e-vuh-NEH-suhnt)

EUPHEMISM

(YOO-fuh-mi-zuhm)

EULOGY

(YOO-luh-jee)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 145 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

a speech or piece of writing given in honor of

someone who has died

Each of his five sons gave a brief and moving

eulogy at his funeral.

Synonyms: tribute

the use of a neutral or vague word or phrase to

replace a word or phrase that might offend or

seem harsh or unpleasant

“To pass away” is a common euphemism for

“to die.”

Synonyms: circumlocution, delicacy, pretense

like vapor, tending to fade or vanish

Young people do not know just how evanescent

youth is.

Synonyms: fleeting, passing, temporary, transient

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 146 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

EXACERBATE

(ig-ZA-suhr-beyt)

EVOCATIVE

(i-VO-kuh-tiv)

EVINCE

(i-VINS)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 147 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

to give evidence of, reveal

That he was able to read when he was only

three years old evinced his intelligence and

eagerness to learn.

Synonyms: demonstrate, display, indicate,

manifest, show

tending to call forth or suggest emotion or

ideas

Though the paintings were abstract, they were

evocative of desert landscapes.

Synonyms: expressive, suggestive

to make worse

The couple was deep in debt, and so the loss

of her job only exacerbated their problems.

Synonyms: aggravate, infuriate, intensify

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 148 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

EXCULPATE

(EK-skuhl-peyt)

EXECRABLE

(EK-si-kruh-buhl)

EXACT

(ig-ZAKT)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 149 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

to call for and obtain, demand

The coach was so successful because she

exacted the best effort from her teams.

Synonyms: compel, require

detestable, very bad

He was sentenced to a life in prison for his

execrable crimes.

Synonyms: abominable, disgusting, horrible,

loathsome

to clear from guilt or blame

Not only was she exculpated of the charge

that she had cheated on the test, but her

teacher apologized profusely.

Synonyms: absolve, exonerate, vindicate

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 150 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

EXIGENCY

(EK-suh-juhn-see)

EXISTENTIAL

(eg-zi-STEN-shuhl)

EXHORT

(ig-ZORT)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 151 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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to advise or urge strongly

Though he exhorted his students to attend his

evening study sessions, they were poorly

attended.

Synonyms: admonish, beseech, encourage,

recommend

having to do with being and existence

The philosopher’s concerns were existential;

she questioned how and why human life came

to be.

that which is necessary in a given situation; an

urgent situation

He was ill prepared for the exigencies of life

abroad.

Synonyms: necessity, requirement; crisis,

emergency

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 152 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

EXPLICATE

(EKS-pli-keyt)

EXPIATE

(EK-spee-eyt)

EXONERATE

(ig-ZO-nuh-reyt)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 153 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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to clear from blame; to relieve of a responsibility

We were relieved to be exonerated of our

cleaning duties that weekend.

Synonyms: absolve, exonerate, vindicate;

discharge, liberate

to make amends

To expiate for their vandalism, they painted a

beautiful mural over the graffiti.

Synonyms: atone, compensate, rectify

to explain in detail

In her term paper, she explicated the meaning

of The Rime of the Ancient Mariner by Samuel

Taylor Coleridge.

Synonyms: analyze, clarify, interpret

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 154 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

EXTIRPATE

(EK-stuhr-peyt)

EXTEMPORANEOUS

(ek-stem-puh-REY-nee-uhs)

EXPOSITORY

(ik-SPO-zuh-taw-ree)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 155 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

conveying information or explanations

She enjoyed expository writing so much that

she decided to pursue a career as a journalist.

Synonyms: explanatory, informative

made, done, or said at the spur of the moment

His extemporaneous speech was both funnier

and more moving than his colleague’s carefully

planned one.

Synonyms: impromptu, improvised, unre-

hearsed

to destroy at the roots

The new police chief was determined to

extirpate crime from the city.

Synonyms: annihilate, demolish, eradicate,

exterminate, extinguish

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 156 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

EXTRINSIC

(ek-STRIN-zik)

EXTRAPOLATE

(ik-STRA-puh-leyt)

EXTRANEOUS

(ek-STREY-nee-uhs)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 157 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

coming from without, extra

Address the main topic only; leave out any

extraneous details, however entertaining they

might be.

Synonyms: additional, external, foreign, super-

fluous, unessential

to infer, predict, or project based on given

information

Be careful not to extrapolate too wildly from

the survey results; stick close to the data.

Synonyms: conclude, envision

originating from without

The movie reminded the critic of his child-

hood, but he recognized that these memories

were extrinsic to the quality of the film itself.

Synonyms: external, extraneous, unessential

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 158 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

FALLACY

(FA-luh-see)

FACILITATE

(fuh-SI-luh-teyt)

FACETIOUS

(fuh-SEE-shuhs)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 159 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

not serious, inappropriately jokey

The facetious tone of the guide regarding first

aid was at odds with the serious of its purpose.

Synonyms: amusing, frivolous, humorous

to make easier

To facilitate the discussion, please raise your

hand if you wish to speak.

Synonyms: aid, assist, expedite, promote

a deceptive or mistaken idea or belief

It is a fallacy to believe that humans evolved

from chimpanzees; we do share a common

ancestor, however.

Synonyms: delusion, error, misconception

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 160 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

FAWNING

(FAW-ning)

FATUOUS

(FA-choo-uhs)

FALLOW

(FA-loh)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 161 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

left uncultivated, inactive

The farmer let that field lie fallow this year so

that it would not be depleted.

Synonyms: dormant, idle, resting

foolish

His fatuous comments during the interview

made him seem untrustworthy, and so he was

not hired.

Synonyms: idiotic, mindless, ridiculous, silly

showing affection or seeking favor through

flattery

Unable to trust the fawning attitudes of those

around her, the celebrity relied on her family

and oldest friends.

Synonyms: flattering, ingratiating, pandering

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 162 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

FILIBUSTER

(FI-luh-buh-stuhr)

FERVENT

(FUHR-vuhnt)

FELICITOUS

(fi-LI-suh-tuhs)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 163 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

well expressed or well suited

Her felicitous remarks put the students at ease

before the test.

Synonyms: apt, appropriate

intense

His fervent admiration of her went unreturned;

she found him uninteresting.

Synonyms: ardent, heartfelt, passionate

the use of obstruction to prevent action, espe-

cially the passage of a law

Due to the filibuster by just one senator, there

was no vote on the bill.

Synonyms: delay, hindrance, interference,

opposition

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 164 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 165 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

FLOUT

(flout)

FLEDGLING

(FLEJ-ling)

FLAG

(flag)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 165 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

to lose interest or spirit

Seeing that their enthusiasm for the hike was

flagging, the guide decided that it was time to

take a break.

Synonyms: dwindle, slump, wane

a beginner

I am learning Chinese, but I’m just a fledgling

speaker, having studied the language for only

six months.

Synonyms: novice, rookie

to neglect or treat with scorn

She showed her disrespect for her teachers by

flouting their rules.

Synonyms: distain, disregard, insult

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 166 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

FORTUITOUS

(fawr-TOO-uh-tuhs)

FORESTALL

(fohr-STAWL)

FOMENT

(foh-MENT)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 167 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

to promote the growth of

The newspaper editor was accused of fomenting

rebellion by publishing stories that were highly

critical of the government.

Synonyms: agitate, cultivate, encourage, foster

to hinder or delay

The actions that the police took to forestall a

riot might actually have caused it to occur.

Synonyms: prevent, thwart

lucky, happening by a lucky chance

The weather on the day of the marathon could

not have been more fortuitous: partly cloudy

and cool but not humid.

Synonyms: accidental, fortunate

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 168 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

FULMINATE

(fuhl-muh-NEYT)

FRUGALITY

(froo-GA-luh-tee)

FRACTIOUS

(FRAK-shuhs)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 169 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

tending to be quarrelsome or troublesome

The boys had a reputation for being fractious,

but I never saw them be anything other than

polite and well behaved.

Synonyms: unruly, rebellious, wayward, wild

the tendency to be sparing with money and

other resources, not wasteful

Her tendency to indulge in expensive shoes

contrasted with her frugality in all other matters.

Synonyms: conservation, economy, prudence

to denounce strongly

The preacher fulminated against gambling

and other forms of idleness and waste.

Synonyms: attack, condemn, criticize

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 170 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

FUTILE

(FYOO-tuhl or FYOO-tahyl)

FURTIVE

(FUHR-tiv)

FULSOME

(FUHL-sum)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 171 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

characterized by excess

The fulsome celebration disgusted her; she

would have preferred to enjoy her birthday

quietly with family.

Synonyms: excessive, extravagant,

grandiloquent

done secretly or in an underhanded way

They stole many furtive glances into the

guarded room but saw nothing.

Synonyms: cunning, sly, stealthy

useless

Their efforts to build a dam were futile, and

their home was completely flooded.

Synonyms: hopeless, ineffective, pointless

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 172 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

GAUCHE

(gohsh)

GARRULOUS

(GAR-uh-luhs)

GAINSAY

(GEYN-sey)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 173 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

to declare to be untrue

You cannot gainsay the fact that though he

has much more to learn, he has improved a

great deal.

Synonyms: contradict, deny, dispute, oppose

talkative, generally in a rambling or annoying

way

I was hoping to rest during the flight, but

unfortunately I was seated next to a garrulous

young man.

Synonyms: diffuse, verbose, wordy

lacking good manners or tact, especially due

to a lack of experience

I am embarrassed to think how gauche it was

for me to have brought up that sensitive topic

in the middle of the dinner party.

Synonyms: awkward, crude, insensitive,

maladroit

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 174 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

GLIB

(glib)

GERMANE

(juhr-MEYN)

GENIAL

(JEE-nyuhl)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 175 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

friendly, sympathetic

His genial manners were the result of great

effort, as he actually tended to be rather

grouchy.

Synonyms: cheerful, cordial, easygoing,

gracious, kind

relevant, appropriate

Because your concerns are germane to the

topic of the meeting, I would like to ask you to

speak first.

Synonyms: applicable, connected, fitting,

informal, without thought or sincerity

His glib comment might have been insulting,

except that everyone knew that he generally

did not mean what he said.

Synonyms: flip, offhand, slick

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 176 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

GREGARIOUS

(gri-GAR-ee-uhs)

GRANDILOQUENCE

(gran-DI-luh-kwuhns)

GOAD

(gohd)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 177 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

to urge

He might have quit years ago if his brother had

not goaded him on.

Synonyms: encourage, incite, stimulate

lofty or extravagant manner, especially in

speech

The children giggled at the grandiloquence

of the principal’s speech on the first day of

school; it would have been better for him to

speak more simply.

Synonyms: bombast, grandiosity, pomposity

tending to be social

A gregarious young woman, she held dinner

parties at her home every Friday.

Synonyms: convivial, friendly, outgoing

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 178 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

GULLIBLE

(GUH-luh-buhl)

GUISE

(gahyz)

GUILELESS

(GAHYL-uhs)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 179 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

innocent, without deceit

His phone call to his ex-girlfriend was truly

guileless; he simply wanted to know whether

or not she was well.

Synonyms: honest, frank, sincere, straightforward

appearance; style of dress

The spy gained entry to the office in the guise

of a job applicant.

Synonyms: facade, posture, pretense

easily duped

I hope that you are not so gullible as to believe

a single word of his tall tales.

Synonyms: naive, trusting

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 180 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

HALLOWED

(HA-lohd)

HALCYON

(HAL-see-uhn)

HACKNEYED

(HAK-need)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 181 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

lacking originality

The critics panned the film because of its

hackneyed boy-meets-girl plot.

Synonyms: banal, cliche, stale, trite

calm, peaceful

I love the halcyon days of mid-August, while

we are still on vacation and before the mad

rush of preparations for school begins.

Synonyms: soothing, tranquil

holy, sacred

The cemetery grounds are hallowed by those

who are buried there.

Synonyms: blessed, venerated

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 182 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

HEDONISM

(HEE-duh-ni-zuhm)

HARROWING

(HAR-oh-ing)

HARANGUE

(huh-RANG)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 183 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

a rant

We were taken aback by his bitter harangue

against youth.

Synonyms: diatribe, jeremiad, tirade

extremely distressing or difficult

Watching the horror movie was harrowing to

her; she had no idea how her boyfriend could

have enjoyed it.

Synonyms: distressing, excruciating, grievous,

terrifying

devotion to pleasure, the doctrine that pleasure

is the greatest good

The hedonism of fraternity life enticed him.

Synonyms: debauchery, indulgence

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 184 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

HETERODOX

(HE-tuh-ruh-doks)

HERETICAL

(huh-RE-ti-kuhl)

HEGEMONY

(hi-JE-muh-nee)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 185 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

pervasive influence or authority

The cultural hegemony of the United States

reaches every corner of the world.

Synonyms: command, domination, power

departing from accepted beliefs, characterized

by heresy

In the Middle Ages, it was dangerous to pro-

fess heretical beliefs.

Synonyms: dissident, unorthodox

contrary to an accepted standard, tradition, or

belief, especially in religion

She holds the heterodox view that the

capacity for empathy evolved in humans

before language did.

Synonyms: dissident, unconventional, unorthodox

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 186 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

HYPERBOLE

(hahy-PUHR-buh-lee)

HUBRIS

(HYOO-bris)

HOMOGENEOUS

(hoh-muh-JEE-nee-uhs or

hoh-muh-JEE-nyuhs)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 187 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

It took some time for him to get used to the

homogeneous population of his new home;

he was accustomed to the diversity of the city.

Synonyms: alike, consistent, uniform

arrogance, pride

It takes a certain amount of hubris to run for

the office of the president of the United States.

Synonyms: audacity, presumption, vanity

composed of parts that are all alike;

extravagant and intentional exaggeration

His claim that it took him years to read the

book was hyperbole; it actually took him only

two weeks to finish.

Synonyms: embellishment, hype, overstatement

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 188 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

IMBROGLIO

(im-BROHL-yoh)

IDOLATRY

(ahy-DO-luh-tree)

ICONOCLAST

(ahy-KO-nuh-klast)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 189 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

one who attacks accepted beliefs or

institutions

Charles Darwin delayed publication of the

work introducing his theory of evolution for

years, perhaps anticipating that he would be

seen as an iconoclast.

Synonyms: dissident, heretic, radical, rebel

excessive or blind devotion

Her devotion to the pop star bordered on

idolatry; her bedroom was covered with

images of him cut from magazines.

Synonyms: adoration, adulation, fervor

a complicated situation or painful misunderstand-

ing, scandal

The election devolved into an imbroglio, in

which each side accused the other of fraud.

Synonyms: brouhaha, dispute, quandary

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 190 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

IMPAIR

(im-PAIR)

IMMUTABLE

(i-MYOO-tuh-buhl)

IMMINENT

(I-muh-nuhnt)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 191 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

ready or about to occur

Her departure is imminent—ask her now!

Synonyms: approaching, forthcoming, impending

not subject to change

They proclaimed their immutable devotion to

each other in their wedding vows.

Synonyms: constant, enduring, permanent,

perpetual, unchangeable

to damage

Better to wear the ugly safety goggles than to

suffer an injury that could impair your vision.

Synonyms: diminish, harm, hurt, injure

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 192 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

IMPEDE

(im-PEED)

IMPECUNIOUS

(im-pi-KYU-nee-uhs)

IMPASSIVE

(im-PA-siv)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 193 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

not subject to pain, without feeling or emotion

Though he seemed impassive at the collapse

of his company, his wife could see that he was

in despair.

Synonyms: apathetic, dispassionate, stoic,

unmoved

having little or no money

The impecunious poet believed he was far

happier than the wealthiest businessperson.

Synonyms: destitute, impoverished, penniless,

poor

to hinder, get in the way of

An unexpected visit from friends from out of

town impeded on her plan to paint the living

room.

Synonyms: hamper, interfere, obstruct

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 194 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

IMPERVIOUS

(im-PUHR-vee-uhs)

IMPERTURBABLE

(im-puhr-TUHR-buh-buhl)

IMPERMEABLE

(im-PUHR-mee-uh-buhl)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 195 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

incapable of being penetrated or passed

through

The jacket is coated with a substance that

renders it impermeable by water.

Synonyms: impassable, impervious

incapable of being disturbed

By maintaining an imperturbable air through-

out the crisis, she emerged as a steady and

trustworthy leader.

Synonyms: calm, composed, immovable,

unexcited

not allowing entrance, incapable of being

harmed or disturbed

He was impervious to criticism, which enabled

him to experiment freely in his artwork.

Synonyms: immune, resistant, unaffected

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 196 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

IMPLAUSIBLE

(im-PLAW-zi-buhl)

IMPLACABLE

(im-PLA-kuh-buhl)

IMPETUOUS

(im-PE-chuh-wuhs)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 197 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

passionately impulsive

Her impetuous decision to go to Brazil took

a moment to make, and transformed her life

forever.

Synonyms: impassionate, spontaneous,

unexpected

impossible to appease

Although the team had been eliminated from

contention in the playoffs, it proved to be an

implacable opponent.

Synonyms: inflexible, merciless, relentless,

uncompromising, unyielding

unbelievable

He might have gotten away with the prank if

his cover story had not been so implausible.

Synonyms: improbable, inconceivable,

incredible, unreasonable

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 198 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

IMPUNITY

(im-PYOO-nuh-tee)

IMPLODE

(im-PLOHD)

IMPLICIT

(im-PLI-suht)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 199 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

implied, existing as a potential within

Implicit in the many warnings that preceded

their trip was the fact that their destination was

a dangerous place.

Synonyms: understood, latent

to violently collapse inward

The building suddenly imploded under the

weight of the snow.

Synonyms: cave in, fold

freedom from punishment or harm

Because his father was the headmaster, he

thought he could break the rules with impunity.

Synonyms: freedom, license, privilege

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 200 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

INCIPIENT

(in-SI-pee-uhnt)

INCHOATE

(in-KOH-uht)

INADVERTENT

(in-uhd-VUHR-tuhnt)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 201 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

unintentional, characterized by lack of thought

or attention

The error was both inadvertent and catastrophic.

Synonyms: careless, negligent, thoughtless

not yet developed, incompletely formed

The first draft of her novel was an inchoate

mess; with two years of revision she trans-

formed it into a masterpiece.

Synonyms: amorphous, formless, incoherent,

rudimentary

coming into being

At this time, our travel plans are only incipient;

check with us again next week and we will be

able to tell you exactly where we are going

and when.

Synonyms: developing, inchoate, nascent

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 202 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

INCORPORATE

(in-KOR-puh-reyt)

INCONSEQUENTIAL

(in-kon-suh-KWEN-shuhl)

INCONGRUOUS

(in-KON-gruh-wuhs)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 203 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

out of place, lacking harmony, inconsistent

Her genius was such that she could compose

a work for such incongruous instruments as a

banjo and saxophone and have it sound not

just beautiful, but inspired.

Synonyms: conflicting, discordant, incompatible

unimportant

The paper was so brilliant that the few lapses in

spelling and punctuation were inconsequential.

Synonyms: insignificant, irrelevant, negligible,

trivial

to include, to unite in one body; to embody

I will incorporate your ideas into the next draft

of the plan.

Synonyms: assimilate, combine, integrate

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 204 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 205 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

INDIGENCE

(IN-di-juhnts)

INDIFFERENT

(in-DI-fruhnt)

INDETERMINATE

(in-di-TUHR-muh-nuht)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 205 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

not fixed or defined, vague

The CEO was of an indeterminate age: she

had gray hair and a lined face but spoke and

moved with the energy of a teenager.

Synonyms: indefinite, uncertain, undeter-

mined, unsettled

unbiased; not interested or concerned

Indifferent to the results of the election, many

voters stayed home.

Synonyms: detached, disinterested, uncon-

cerned; apathetic

complete poverty

After losing what little they had in the earth-

quake, the villagers were left in a state of

indigence.

Synonyms: destitution, need, privation, want

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 206 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

INFELICITOUS

(in-fi-LI-suh-tuhs)

INERT

(i-NUHRT)

INDOLENT

(IN-duh-luhnt)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 207 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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lazy

He was accused of being indolent when in

truth he lacked energy because of illness.

Synonyms: idle, inactive, slothful, sluggish

having no power to act or move

Inert and silent as rocks, the children sat and

watched TV.

Synonyms: dormant, inactive, motionless

not appropriate, awkward

Your joke about divorce was especially

infelicitous, considering that our hostess

and her husband have just separated.

Synonyms: inapt, inappropriate, unfortunate,

unsuitable

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GRE VOCABULARY

INIMICAL

(i-NI-mi-kuhl)

INHERENT

(in-HEHR-uhnt)

INGENUOUS

(in-JEN-yuh-wuhs)

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

characterized by childlike innocence or sincerity

When she brought a bouquet of wildflowers to

thank him, the ingenuous gesture won her his

devotion.

Synonyms: artless, candid, naive

essential to the character or nature of

Human babies have inherent needs to suckle

and be held.

Synonyms: characteristic, fundamental, intrinsic,

innate

hostile, like an enemy

Poor hygiene is inimical to good health.

Synonyms: adverse, opposed, unfriendly,

unwelcoming

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GRE VOCABULARY

INSINUATE

(in-SIN-yuh-weyt)

INSENSIBLE

(in-SEN-suh-buhl)

INNOCUOUS

(i-NO–kyuh-wuhs)

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

harmless, unlikely to offend

The dog looked fierce, but she was as

innocuous as a gerbil.

Synonyms: innocent, inoffensive, unobjectionable

not able to feel or perceive; unaware

Insensible to the boredom of his students,

the professor droned on and on.

Synonyms: indifferent, oblivious, unconscious,

unfeeling

to introduce in a subtle or gradual way; to

imply

Do you mean to insinuate that it was I who

took the cookies from the kitchen?

Synonyms: allude, intimate, mention

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GRE VOCABULARY

INTANGIBLE

(in-TAN-juh-buhl)

INSULARITY

(in-syuh-LA-ruh-tee)

INSIPID

(in-SI-puhd)

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

lacking taste, dull

He may have been a charming performer, but

the music he played was insipid and full of

clichés.

Synonyms: banal, inane, vapid

isolation; narrow-mindedness

The insularity of her views was understand-

able—if you considered just how little of the

world she had seen.

Synonyms: bigotry, parochialism, provinciality

not tangible, incapable of being touched

The things she loved best were intangible:

sunny mornings and moonlit nights.

Synonyms: immaterial, impalpable, incorporeal

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 214 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 215 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

INTRACTABLE

(in-TRAK-tuh-buhl)

INTIMATE

(IN-tuh-meyt)

INTERPOLATE

(in-TUHR-puh-leyt)

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

to add words into a conversation or text

While listening to them discuss the movie, he

couldn’t help but interpolate with his enthusiasm

for the acting.

Synonyms: inject, insert, interject

to communicate indirectly

Did you mean to intimate that I do not

deserve the job?

Synonyms: hint, imply, suggest

not easily managed, manipulated, or cured

The child’s difficulties in school had grown to

seem intractable, but all it took to help her

was a new teacher who encouraged her to

read about topics that interested her.

Synonyms: obstinate, stubborn

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GRE VOCABULARY

INTREPID

(in-TRE-puhd)

INTROSPECTION

(in-truh-SPEK-shuhn)

INTRANSIGENT

(in-TRAN-si-juhnt)

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

refusing to compromise

The congressman made a big show of being

intransigent on the issue of budget cuts, but

quickly changed his position after seeing the

results of the poll.

Synonyms: inflexible, obstinate, resolute,

stubborn, tenacious

looking inward at one’s own thoughts and

feelings

Arlo generally spent the last hour of each day

in quiet introspection, sometimes listening to

music and sometimes writing in his journal.

Synonyms: contemplation, reflection

courageous

The men who attempted to be the first to the

South Pole were all intrepid explorers, but not

all of them were fortunate, and some died in

the attempt.

Synonyms: bold, brave, fearless

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GRE VOCABULARY

INVECTIVE

(in-VEK-tiv)

INURED

(i-NYOORD)

INUNDATE

(I-nuhn-deyt)

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

to flood or overwhelm

After her controversial speech, the mayor’s of-

fice was inundated with letters, both pro and

con.

Synonyms: bury, drown, engulf, immerse,

overflow, submerge

accustomed to difficulty or pain

By the middle of January, we were inured to

the darkness and cold of the northern winter.

Synonyms: hardened, toughened

abusive language

The invective she heaped on her colleague

was completely out of proportion with the

small error she had made.

Synonyms: berating, diatribe, tirade

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GRE VOCABULARY

INVETERATE

(in-VEH-tuh-ruht)

INVEIGLE

(in-VEY-guhl)

INVEIGH

(in-VEY)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 221 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

to protest or complain

Several teachers wrote letters to the editor to

inveigh against the proposed school budget

cuts.

Synonyms: admonish, denounce

to win over or obtain

The twins tried every trick in the book to

inveigle permission from their parents to go to

bed later.

Synonyms: beguile, entice, manipulate, wheedle

firmly established as a habit, practice, or feeling

An inveterate gambler, he gradually lost every-

thing he owned over the course of a decade.

Synonyms: chronic, confirmed, entrenched,

habitual

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[ 223 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

ITINERANT

(ahy-TI-nuh-ruhnt)

IRRESOLUTE

(i-RE-zuh-loot)

IRASCIBLE

(i-RA-suh-buhl)

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[ 224 ]

GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

having a hot temper, easily angered

To our surprise, our irascible neighbor light-

ened up after he adopted a stray dog.

Synonyms: cranky, fractious, grouchy, irritable,

touchy

not sure how to act

Herman was irresolute in all things, from

deciding what to eat for breakfast to choosing

which college to attend.

Synonyms: doubtful, hesitant, indecisive,

tentative, uncertain, vacillating

going from place to place

The itinerant preacher usually passed through

our town in August.

Synonyms: nomadic, unsettled, vagrant,

wandering

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 224 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 225 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

JUGGERNAUT

(juh-guhr-NAWT)

JOCOSE

(juh-KOHS)

JAUNDICED

(JAWN-duhsd)

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

showing or feeling resentment or hostility

She walked around the gallery with a jaun-

diced air, bitter that her paintings were not

among the work selected to be shown.

Synonyms: bitter, envious

tending to joke, characterized by joking

Your jocose spirits have certainly brightened

my day!

Synonyms: humorous, jesting, merry, playful,

witty

a large and powerful movement or object that

destroys anything in its path

The radio personality became a political

juggernaut that those in office had to

reckon with.

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 226 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 227 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

JUXTAPOSE

(juhk-stuh-POHZ)

JUNTA

(HOON-tuh)

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[ 228 ]

GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

a group ruling a country after having seized

power, a council

He was the only member of the junta who had

not participated directly in the coup.

Synonyms: assembly, faction

to place together, side by side

She liked to juxtapose contrasting images in

her poems.

Synonym: connect

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 228 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 229 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

KUDOS

(KOO-dohs)

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

fame earned or praise given for an accomplishment

Her colleagues gave her kudos for the well-

deserved promotion.

Synonyms: credit, esteem

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[ 231 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

LASCIVIOUS

(luh-SI-vee-uhs)

LAMBASTE

(lam-BAST)

LACONIC

(luh-KO-nik)

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

using few words

His laconic replies of a sentence or two unfairly

earned him a reputation for being rude.

Synonyms: brusque, concise, succinct

to attack violently or verbally

In the days leading up to the game, she

lambasted her opponent with a series of

insults and threats.

Synonyms: berate, censure

given to lust; arousing desire

Though they show nudes, these paintings are

not intended to be lascivious.

Synonyms: lewd, lustful, wanton

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 232 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

LETHARGIC

(luh-THAHR-jik)

LAUD

(lawd)

LASSITUDE

(LA-suh-tood)

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

a lack of energy, weariness

Her lassitude during the winter contrasted

greatly with her energy and high spirits during

the spring and summer.

Synonyms: fatigue, languor, lethargy,

listlessness

to praise

At the award ceremony, the philanthropist was

lauded for her generosity.

Synonyms: acclaim, celebrate, extol

drowsy, sluggish

We could not help but feel lethargic on that

hot, humid, August afternoon.

Synonyms: indolent, lazy, listless

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 234 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 235 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

LIBERAL

(LI-buh-ruhl)

LEVITY

(LEH-vi-tee)

LEVEE

(LEH-vee)

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

an embankment designed to prevent flooding

The levee held back the river, even through

the record-breaking rainfall.

Synonyms: bank, dam

a lightness of character, attitude, or behavior

The professor’s jokes brought some levity to

his discussion of the otherwise dull topic.

Synonyms: buoyancy, frivolity

characterized by generosity; not strict; tending

to support political liberalism

As a philanthropist, he was liberal, often giving

large gifts to his favorite causes.

Synonyms: altruistic, benevolent; progressive

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 236 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 237 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

LITANY

(LI-tuh-nee)

LIBIDO

(luh-BEE-doh)

LIBERTINE

(LI-buhr-teen)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 237 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 238 ]

GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

a free thinker, one who is unbound by conven-

tion or morality

Though she was a serious student, she was a

libertine when it came to food and wine.

Synonym: debauchee

sexual drive

He claimed that he had an uncontrollable

libido, and could not therefore be expected to

be faithful to just one girlfriend.

Synonyms: lust, passion

a lengthy account or recitation

To visit Mrs. Earnshaw was to subject oneself

to a litany of complaints about everything—

from her long-dead husband to the neighbor’s

dog.

Synonyms: catalogue, petition

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 238 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 239 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

LUCID

(LOO-suhd)

LOQUACIOUS

(loh-KWEY-shuhs)

LOG

(lawg)

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[ 240 ]

GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

the record of a voyage or of other events or

activities

They studied the captain’s log in the hopes

of discovering when and how the ship went

astray.

Synonyms: account, journal, register

tending to or characterized by excessive talk

Emily’s loquacious roommate constantly dis-

tracted her from her studies.

Synonyms: talkative, verbose, wordy

full of light; clear to the understanding

We were confident in our ability to complete

the task after her lucid explanation of what

needed to be done.

Synonyms: bright, brilliant, radiant, shining;

evident, intelligible, obvious

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[ 241 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

LUSTROUS

(LUHS-truhs)

LUMINOUS

(LOO-muh-nuhs)

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

illuminated in or shining with light

The full moon cast a luminous path of light

across the ocean to the horizon.

Synonyms: bright, brilliant, glowing, radiant,

shining

radiantly glowing

We polished the floors until they took on a

lustrous sheen.

Synonyms: luminous, polished, shining

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 242 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 243 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

MAGNANIMITY

(mag-nuh-NI-mi-tee)

MACHINATION

(ma-kuh-NEY-shun)

MACHIAVELLIAN

(ma-kee-uh-VEH-lee-uhn)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 243 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 244 ]

GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

characterized by cunning and duplicity

Her plan to win the election was truly Machia-

vellian: she made many promises that she had

no intention of keeping once she was in office.

Synonyms: deceitful, devious, unscrupulous

an artful or scheming act or design, which is

aimed at an evil purpose

All his machinations were aimed at framing her

for the crime that he himself had committed.

Synonyms: conspiracy, intrigue, strategem

the possession of a courageous spirit and

noble mind

Her magnanimity was such that she never

gossiped or even worried what others said

about her.

Synonyms: chivalry, generosity, philanthropy

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 244 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

MALINGER

(muh-LING-guhr)

MALIGN

(muh-LAHYN)

MALEVOLENT

(muh-LE-vuh-luhnt)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 245 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 246 ]

GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

characterized by ill will or hatred

His angry glare gave away his malevolent

intentions.

Synonyms: evil, hateful, vicious, vindictive

to speak ill of, often falsely

They maligned her academic record with false

reports of her cheating.

Synonyms: defame, misrepresent, slander

to pretend illness in order to avoid an obliga-

tion or work

His malingering cost him the friendships of

many whom he had let down.

Synonyms: dodge, evade, shirk

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 246 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 247 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

MAVERICK

(MAV-rik)

MARTIAL

(MAHR-shuhl)

MALLEABLE

(MA-lee-uh-buhl)

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[ 248 ]

GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

capable of being shaped or influenced

Her opinions were so malleable that she tend-

ed to agree with whomever she had spoken to

most recently.

Synonyms: adaptable, pliable, supple, yielding

having to do with war or military life

His years in the Marines were apparent in his

martial bearing.

Synonyms: military, soldierly, warlike

an independent or dissenting individual

The senator’s reputation for being a maverick

was unearned; he tended to vote with his

party.

Synonyms: dissenter, nonconformist

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 248 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 249 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

MERCURIAL

(muhr-KYOOR-ee-uhl)

MENDACIOUS

(men-DEY-shuhs)

MENAGERIE

(muh-NA-juh-ree)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 249 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 250 ]

GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

a collection of animals or the place where they

are exhibited; a varied group of people

Over the past century, this zoo has grown from

the menagerie of its original benefactor to a

great research institution.

Synonyms: collection, exhibition

dishonest

Though the widely spread rumor of his affair

was proven to be mendacious, it ruined his

political career.

Synonyms: deceitful, false, insincere

characterized by quickly changing moods

The toddler’s mercurial temperament improved

when he began to nap more regularly.

Synonyms: changeable, erratic, fickle, flighty,

unpredictable, volatile

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GRE VOCABULARY

METICULOUS

(muh-TI-kyuh-luhs)

METAMORPHOSIS

(me-tuh-MAWR-fuh-suhs)

MESMERIZE

(MEZ-muh-rahyz)

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[ 252 ]

GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

to hypnotize

The music mesmerized us with its repetitive,

pulsing sounds.

Synonym: spellbind

a change in physical form, substance, or char-

acter, often through supernatural means

The summertime seemed to work a metamor-

phosis on her, as all her anxiety about her

schoolwork was lifted.

Synonyms: mutation, rebirth, transformation

taking care of details

Her meticulous approach to language served

her well in her work as an editor.

Synonyms: exacting, finicky, fussy, painstaking,

scrupulous, thorough

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 252 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 253 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

MINUSCULE

(mi-nuh-SKYOOL)

MILITATE

(MI-luh-teyt)

METTLE

(ME-tuhl)

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[ 254 ]

GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

strength of spirit or temperament

She showed her mettle by completing the

marathon.

Synonyms: courage, fortitude, stamina

to work against or fight

Though the issue was settled, they continued

to militate against the mayor’s choice for a

deputy.

tiny

The type was so miniscule that she needed a

magnifying glass to read it.

Synonyms: little, miniature, minute

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 254 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 255 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

MISOGYNIST

(mi-SO-juh-nist)

MISCELLANY

(mi-suh-LEY-nee)

MISANTHROPE

(MI-suhn-throhp)

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[ 256 ]

GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

one who tends to dislike or distrust humanity

The hermit was a misanthrope who preferred

the company of trees to that of humans.

Synonyms: cynic, skeptic

a collection of different writings; a varied

group

The small volume was a miscellany of journal

entries, haiku, and to-do lists.

Synonyms: assortment, hodgepodge

one who hates women

He was a misogynist who tried to pay female

employees less than their male counterparts.

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 256 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 257 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

MOLLIFY

(MO-luh-fahy)

MNEMONIC

(ni-MO-nik)

MITIGATE

(MI-tuh-geyt)

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[ 258 ]

GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

to make less hostile or severe

Though she knew that her phobia was irrational,

little could be done to mitigate her fear of even

the most harmless snakes.

Synonyms: allay, alleviate, assuage, ease,

moderate, mollify

(adj.) helping the memory, related to memory

Acronyms like PEMDAS can be useful

mnemonic devices.

(n.) something that aids the memory

I use the mnemonic PEMDAS to help me

remember the order of operations: parentheses,

exponents, multiplication and division, and

addition and subtraction.

Synonyms: cue, hint, prompt, reminder

to soften the temper or feeling

The children’s sincere apology mollified their

offended neighbor.

Synonyms: appease, mellow, mitigate, pacify,

placate

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 258 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 259 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

MUNDANE

(muhn-DEYN)

MOROSE

(muh-ROHS)

MONOLITHIC

(mo-nuh-LI-thik)

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[ 260 ]

GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

huge, forming one giant whole

The monolithic statues on Easter Island are

haunting and mysterious.

Synonyms: colossal, enormous, massive

gloomy or sullen in mood or temperament

Hating the fact that he was only getting older,

he was especially morose on his birthday.

Synonyms: dour, melancholy, pessimistic

earthly, practical, ordinary

The philosopher could speak brilliantly and at

length about the most abstract ideas, but had

trouble taking care of such mundane matters

as washing the dishes and paying the bills.

Synonyms: banal, common, everyday, prosaic,

unimaginative

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[ 261 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

NEGATE

(ni-GEYT)

NEBULOUS

(NE-byuh-luhs)

NASCENT

(NEY-suhnt)

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[ 262 ]

GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

just coming into existence

The crocuses were the first sign of the nascent

spring.

Synonyms: burgeoning, fledgling, incipient

vague

He had only nebulous ideas of what type of

profession he might like to pursue.

Synonyms: confused, hazy, indefinite,

indistinct, unclear

to deny the truth or existence of; to make

ineffective

The teacher’s feedback is intended to help you

improve your writing, and should not be seen

as negating your effort or accomplishments.

Synonyms: annul, cancel, contradict, invalidate,

nullify, refute

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[ 263 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

NOSTALGIA

(nuh-STAL-juh)

NEOPHYTE

(NEE-uh-fahyt)

NEOLOGISM

(nee-O-luh-ji-zuhm)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 263 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 264 ]

GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

a new word

The rapid development of technology in

recent years has required the creation of many

neologisms.

Synonym: coinage

a beginner or new convert

Though he claimed to be an expert, he made

the mistakes of a neophyte.

Synonyms: novice, recruit, rookie

a state of longing for the past

I always feel such nostalgia for my childhood

home when I smell the scent of baking bread.

Synonyms: homesickness, longing, yearning

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 264 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 265 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

NOXIOUS

(NOK-shuhs)

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[ 266 ]

GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

poisonous or corrupting

The burning garbage emitted noxious fumes.

Synonyms: deadly, injurious, harmful,

pernicious, toxic

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 266 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 267 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

OBSEQUIOUS

(uhb-SEE-kwee-uhs)

OBFUSCATE

(OB-fuh-skeyt)

OBDURATE

(OB-duh-ruht)

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[ 268 ]

GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

unyielding to persuasion or softening feelings;

persistent in doing wrong

Though the evidence showed otherwise, he

was obdurate in his belief that his employees

were stealing from the till.

Synonyms: implacable, inflexible, obstinate,

stubborn

to confuse or make obscure

The more information he gave us in an attempt

to clarify what he was saying, the more he

actually obfuscated his meaning.

Synonyms: baffle, bewilder, conceal, perplex

characterized by fawning or servile attentiveness

Your obsequious behavior is not going to earn

you any favors from the teacher; it would be

better simply to attend to your studies.

Synonyms: deferential, groveling, submissive,

subservient

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GRE VOCABULARY

OBVIATE

(OB-vee-eyt)

OBTUSE

(ob-TOOS)

OBSTINATE

(OB-stuh-nuht)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 269 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

persistent in a belief or behavior; not easily

remedied, changed, or controlled

The obstinate toddler refused to wear shoes.

Synonyms: determined, dogged, stubborn,

unyielding

lacking quickness or insight in perception or

intelligence

I apologize for being so obtuse, but could you

please explain the procedure one more time?

Synonyms: dense, dull, imperceptive, stupid

to prevent or make unnecessary through

anticipation

Our careful preparations for the move obviated

the expense of having the movers help us pack.

Synonyms: avert, hinder, preclude

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 270 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

OFFICIOUS

(uh-FI-shuhs)

ODIOUS

(OH-dee-uhs)

OCCLUDE

(uh-KLOOD)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 271 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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to block off or conceal

A lunar eclipse results when the Moon

occludes the light from the Sun.

Synonyms: hinder, impede, obstruct

causing or deserving of hatred

After they were found guilty of vandalism, the

teens were punished for their odious behavior.

Synonyms: detestable, disgusting, loathsome,

offensive, repugnant

giving service where none was asked for

Her officious contributions to the project were

more a hindrance than a help, and we ended

up having to redo much of what she had done.

Synonyms: intrusive, meddlesome, pushy

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 272 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

OPPROBRIUM

(uh-PRO-bree-uhm)

OPAQUE

(oh-PEYK)

ONEROUS

(OH-nuhr-uhs)

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

burdensome

The homework proved to be far less onerous

than we had expected, and we finished it all in

less than an hour.

Synonyms: arduous, oppressive, troublesome

blocking light, dark; difficult to understand

The reading assignment was only eight pages

long, but the text was so opaque that it took

me two hours to read it.

Synonyms: cloudy, impenetrable, murky; con-

cealed, incomprehensible, obscure, unclear

public disgrace or something that causes

disgrace

Fearing the opprobrium that would result if

his secrets were revealed, he quietly left town,

never to return.

Synonyms: dishonor, disrepute, infamy

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 274 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

OSTENTATIOUS

(os-tuhn-TEY-shuhs)

OSCILLATE

(O-suh-leyt)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 275 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

to swing back and forth; to vary in opinions,

beliefs, or conditions

After her busy week was over, she found

herself oscillating between a fierce desire to

go out dancing and a just as fierce desire to

snuggle up in bed.

Synonyms: fluctuate, vacillate

characterized by showy or pretentious display

Her philanthropy always struck me as

ostentatious: done to impress others

rather than for the purpose of giving itself.

Synonyms: conspicuous, extravagant,

flamboyant, flashy

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 276 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

PARAGON

(PAR-uh-gon)

PALLID

(PA-luhd)

PAEAN

(PEE-uhn)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 277 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

a song of praise, thanksgiving, or triumph

Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” is a paean to the

kinship of all humanity.

Synonyms: anthem, hymn, laud, ode

lacking color or energy

Brad claimed that he felt just fine, but his

pallid skin indicated otherwise.

Synonyms: dull, pale, wan

an example of excellence

As a student, Gina was thought to be a paragon,

but her English teacher noticed that she excelled

only because she refused to take any risks.

Synonyms: epitome, exemplar, nonpareil,

standard

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 278 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

PATHOLOGICAL

(pa-thuh-LO-ji-kuhl)

PARTISAN

(PAHR-tuh-zuhn)

PARODY

(PAR-roh-dee)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 279 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

a work of literature, music, theater, or film that

imitates the style of another, for humorous or

satirical effect

The seniors performed a parody of Hamlet

that had us all in stiches.

Synonyms: caricature, spoof

committed to or biased toward a party, cause,

or person

It seems that partisan politics are getting in

the way of the ability of Congress to get any-

thing done.

Synonyms: factional, partial, prejudiced

caused by or symptomatic of disease or

mental disturbance

His dread of travel was so extreme as to seem

pathological.

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 280 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

PEDANTIC

(pi-DAN-tik)

PEDAGOGY

(PEH-duh-goh-jee)

PAUCITY

(PAW-suh-tee)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 281 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

scarcity

The paucity of information about the region

has led many myths to take hold about it and

those who live there.

Synonyms: dearth, deficiency, lack

the art or science of teaching

A successful teacher needs both a thorough

grounding in his or her subject area and a solid

understanding of pedagogy.

Synonyms: education, study

ostentatious and unimaginative in one’s learning

You might excite more of your students if your

approach to your subject were less pedantic.

Synonyms: academic, didactic, scholastic

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 282 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

PEREMPTORY

(puh-REMP-tuh-ree)

PENURY

(PEN-yuh-ree)

PENCHANT

(PEN-chuhnt)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 283 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

a strong inclination

With her penchant for working with her hands,

she is likely to enjoy her new job at the botanic

garden.

Synonyms: fondness, liking, tendency

extreme poverty

He spent his childhood in a state of such

penury that it affected his health for the rest of

his life.

Synonyms: dearth, destitution, indigence,

scarcity

allowing of no contradiction; characterized

by arrogance

After his promotion, his peremptory attitude

toward his former colleagues alienated them

from him.

Synonyms: imperative, unconditional;

dictatorial, imperious

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 284 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

PERFUNCTORY

(puhr-FUHNGK-tuh-ree)

PERFIDY

(PUHR-fuh-dee)

PERENNIAL

(puh-RE-nee-uhl)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 285 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

lasting a long time, persistent, constant

Their perennial complaint was that manage-

ment did not budget sufficient resources for

them to do their work properly.

Synonyms: continuing, everlasting, perpetual,

recurrent

an act of disloyalty, treachery

His scoring a touchdown for the opposing

team was not an act of perfidy so much as a

stupid mistake.

Synonyms: betrayal, duplicity, infidelity

done in a routine, superficial, or indifferent way

Maggie’s perfunctory greeting indicated that

we were not the visitors she was hoping to see.

Synonyms: automatic, mechanical, offhand,

unthinking

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 286 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

PERSPICACIOUS

(puhr-spuh-KAY-shuhs)

PERNICIOUS

(puhr-NI-shuhs)

PERMEABLE

(PUHR-mee-uh-buhl)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 287 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

able to be permeated or penetrated

We cannot use this fabric to make a tent

because it is permeable to water.

Synonyms: absorbent, penetrable, porous

destructive or deadly

These pernicious lies could ruin more than just

your career.

Synonyms: detrimental, harmful, injurious,

noxious, ruinous

extremely perceptive

The perspicacious child knew long before he

was told that his mother was pregnant again.

Synonyms: discerning, intelligent, keen,

shrewd

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 288 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

PERVADE

(puhr-VEYD)

PERUSE

(puh-ROOZ)

PERTURB

(puhr-TUHRB)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 289 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

to disturb mentally

I was so perturbed by that movie that I had

nightmares every night for more than a week

afterward.

Synonyms: agitate, derange, trouble, unsettle,

upset

to study with attention to detail; to look over

casually

Please peruse the report carefully before the

meeting.

Synonyms: analyze, examine, inspect; browse,

scan, skim

to become spread throughout

The scent of his heavy cologne pervaded

every corner of the office.

Synonyms: diffuse, infuse, permeate

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 290 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

PIOUS

(PAHY-uhs)

PHLEGMATIC

(fleg-MA-tik)

PETULANT

(PE-chuh-luhnt)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 291 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

characterized by rudeness or ill humor

The petulant child just needed some rest;

after her nap, she was perfectly cheerful.

Synonyms: crabby, fractious, grouchy, irritable,

moody

having an unexcitable or sluggish temperament

The brothers could not have been any more

different: whereas Tom was loud and quick

tempered, Tim was phlegmatic.

Synonyms: apathetic, dispassionate, indifferent,

lethargic, unemotional

characterized by religious devotion or by

conspicuous and hypocritical virtue

Our pious neighbor goes to church every day.

Synonyms: devout, religious, reverent,

righteous, sanctimonious, scrupulous

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 292 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

PITHY

(PI-thee)

PIRATE

(PAHY-ruht)

PINE

(payhn)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 293 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

to long painfully, often for something unattain-

able; to waste away from grief

The new father pined for his family through

his first day back to work after the birth of his

child.

Synonyms: grieve, yearn

to take or reproduce without the right to do so

We did not pirate the recordings; the band

gave us permission to distribute their work.

Synonyms: copy, plagiarize, steal

brief and meaningful

Benjamin Franklin’s proverbs are pithy

statements about living well.

Synonyms: cogent, expressive, pointed,

succinct, terse

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 294 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

PLASTICITY

(pla-STI-suh-tee)

PLAINTIVE

(PLEYN-tiv)

PLACATE

(PLEY-keyt)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 295 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

to calm or pacify, especially by giving

concessions

To placate the disappointed children, the

teacher promised that the outing would be

rescheduled for a time after the rain cleared.

Synonyms: appease, assuage, conciliate,

mollify, soothe

expressing sorrow

The plaintive call of the loon seemed to be

telling of our own sadness on the morning we

left the lake for good.

Synonyms: melancholy, mournful

the capacity to be changed or molded

The play dough lost much of its plasticity after

just one day, and the following day it was as

hard as a rock.

Synonyms: malleability, pliancy

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 296 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

PLUMMET

(PLUH-muht)

PLETHORA

(PLE-thuh-ruh)

PLATITUDE

(PLA-tuh-tood)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 297 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

a banal or trite statement

The fortune teller studied my palm and then

uttered a series of platitudes that could be

true for just about anyone.

Synonym: commonplace

an excess or abundance of

The plethora of fruits and vegetables at the

farmers’ market overwhelmed us; we had no

idea what to choose.

Synonyms: glut, surplus

to fall or drop sharply and suddenly

In her terror of heights, she kept imagining

herself plummeting from the edge of the loft,

even though a barrier made it nearly impossible

to fall off.

Synonyms: collapse, plunge

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 298 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

PRAGMATIC

(prag-MA-tik)

POROUS

(POHR-uhs)

POLEMICAL

(puh-LEM-i-kuhl)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 299 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

controversial; tending toward disputes or

controversy

Though the essay was not intended to be

polemical, it inspired many angry letters to the

editor of the publication.

Synonyms: argumentative, contentious

having pores, permeable to fluids

Some rocks, like pumice, are actually porous

and can absorb water.

Synonyms: absorbent, penetrable

oriented toward the practical

Our pragmatic mother preferred to receive

useful gifts for her birthday.

Synonyms: businesslike, efficient, utilitarian

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 300 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

PRECIPITATE

(pri-SI-puh-teyt)

PRECARIOUS

(pri-KER-ee-uhs)

PRATTLE

(PRA-tuhl)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 301 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

chatter or babble

The prattle and laughter of her students filled

Ms. Shapiro’s classroom.

Synonym: idle talk

dependent on uncertain or chance circumstances

Her position at the company felt increasingly

precarious as more and more of her colleagues

were let go.

Synonyms: contingent, insecure, perilous,

shaky, unreliable

to cause, to bring about in a rushed or sudden

way; to come out of solution

His idle remark precipitated an argument

between his parents

Synonyms: hasten, hurry, speed

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 302 5/10/11 2:55 PM

[ 303 ]

GRE VOCABULARY

PREEN

(preen)

PREDILECTION

(pre-duh-LEK-shuhn)

PRECURSOR

(pri-KUHR-suhr)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 303 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

that which precedes or anticipates another

Athenian democracy is regarded as a precursor

to ours, although it functioned very differently

than any democracy does today.

Synonyms: forerunner, predecessor

a preference for something

The boss’s predilection for loud jazz music was

barely tolerable to anyone he worked with.

Synonyms: bias, inclination, penchant, tendency

to groom, to dress smartly; to congratulate

oneself for an accomplishment

You may preen yourself until you look as glam-

orous as can be, but if you behave rudely, you

will not impress.

Synonym: primp

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 304 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

PRESUMPTUOUS

(pri-ZUHMP-choo-uhs)

PRESCIENCE

(PRE-shuhns)

PREMONITION

(pre-muh-NI-shuhn)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 305 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

a sense of anticipation of a future event

Her premonition of failure had everything to

do with her anxiety and little to do with reason.

Synonyms: forewarning, presintement

foresight, through either divine means or

normal human anticipation

Even though the day began without a cloud

in the sky, he had the prescience to bring rain

gear.

Synonym: foreknowledge

overstepping bounds, such as of courtesy

May I be so presumptuous as to suggest that

you repaint your living room walls?

Synonyms: audacious, bold, overconfident

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 306 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

PROBITY

(PROH-buh-tee)

PRISTINE

(pris-TEEN)

PREVARICATE

(pri-VAR-uh-keyt)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 307 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

to lie

Do not prevaricate about who did what or

why; simply tell me how the vase got broken.

Synonyms: deceive, equivocate, misrepresent

fresh, unspoiled, clean

She gazed at the pristine canvas, enjoying the

possibilities it offered while still untouched by

her paints.

Synonyms: immaculate, pure

maintenance of virtue and honesty

In To Kill a Mockingbird, the probity of Atticus

Finch is such that he is the same man in his

living room as out on the street.

Synonyms: fidelity, integrity, sincerity, uprightness

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 308 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

PRODIGAL

(PRO-di-guhl)

PROCLIVITY

(proh-KLI-vuh-tee)

PROBLEMATIC

(prob-luh-MA-tik)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 309 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

posing a problem, unsettled

Your claim is problematic, insofar as it does

not apply to those who earn below the median

household income.

Synonyms: doubtful, questionable, uncertain

tendency

Her proclivity toward fussy tidiness was

severely challenged when her baby became

a spirited and messy toddler.

Synonyms: inclination, predilection, propensity

characterized by lavish, wasteful, or reckless

expense; abundant

Nature is prodigal in its resources;

unfortunately, humanity is prodigal

in using those resources.

Synonyms: excessive, extravagant; bountiful

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 310 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

PROFUSE

(pruh-FYOOS)

PROFLIGATE

(PRO-fli-guht)

PRODIGIOUS

(pruh-DI-juhs)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 311 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

inspiring wonder; extraordinary in size or

degree

They celebrated the grand wedding with a

prodigious feast.

Synonyms: exceptional, extraordinary,

fabulous, marvelous; huge, enormous

given to dissipation or extravagance

After your profligate behavior all semester

long, how could you expect anything but the

poorest grades?

Synonyms: corrupt, immoral, licentious,

shameless, wanton

abundant without restraint

Their profuse compliments were as unexpected

as they were welcome.

Synonyms: excessive, generous, liberal, plentiful

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 312 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

PROPITIATE

(proh-PI-shee-eyt)

PROPENSITY

(pruh-PEN-suh-tee)

PROLIFIC

(pruh-LI-fik)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 313 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

abundantly productive, fertile

She is not only a talented writer, but prolific,

completing one or two novels every year.

Synonyms: bountiful, fruitful, teeming

a natural tendency or preference

I have a propensity to eat too much when I

am nervous.

Synonyms: inclination, predilection, proclivity

to gain or regain the favor of

To propitiate her boss, she began to bring

him snacks and coffee in the afternoon.

Synonyms: appease, conciliate

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 314 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

PROSCRIBE

(pro-SKRAHYB)

PROSAIC

(proh-ZEY-ik)

PROPRIETY

(pruh-PRAHY-uh-tee)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 315 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

the state of being proper or appropriate

Propriety in speech was so important to him

that even in his most heated moments he

never used harsh language.

Synonyms: appropriateness, correctness,

decorum, respectability

dull, factual

She once had romantic visions of life as the

editor of a literary magazine; the reality was

prosaic, involving demanding production

schedules and temperamental writers.

Synonyms: commonplace, unimaginative

to forbid

After the accident, all alcoholic beverages

were proscribed from the stadium.

Synonyms: banish, condemn, outlaw, prohibit

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 316 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

PUTREFY

(PYOO-truh-fahy)

PURPORT

(puhr-POHRT)

PUNGENT

(PUHN-juhnt)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 317 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

sharp, painful, to the point

The rejection was brief and pungent.

Synonyms: acrid, biting, caustic

to claim or pretend

This manuscript purports to be the original,

but it looks like a copy to me.

Synonyms: allege, assert

to rot

The fruit that fell from the trees began to

putrefy within a day or two.

Synonyms: decay, spoil, stink

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 318 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

QUALIFIED

(KWO-luh-feyd)

QUAGMIRE

(KWAG-mahyr)

QUAFF

(kwof)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 319 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

to drink deeply with great enjoyment

We shall raise our glasses high in a toast and

then quaff our ale in celebration!

Synonyms: down, imbibe

soft land that gives underfoot; a difficult situation

The couple was sinking in a quagmire of debt.

Synonyms: bog; predicament, quandary

to be suitable for a particular purpose;

modified or restricted in some way

Her acceptance of our invitation was qualified:

she could come only if she could find a ride

home.

Synonyms: capable, competent, proper,

skillful; conditional, contingent

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 320 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

QUERULOUS

(KWER-uh-luhs)

QUERY

(KWEER-ee)

QUALM

(kwom)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 321 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

a feeling of apprehension or uneasiness, often

for reasons of conscience or propriety

He had many qualms about living on the other

side of the country from his aging parents.

Synonyms: apprehension, misgiving, uncertainty

question

Your lengthy explanation certainly answered

my query, and more!

Synonym: inquiry

given to complaining

Few of his classmates liked the querulous

child, which only made him more irritable.

Synonyms: dissatisfied, fretful, whining

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 322 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

QUIXOTIC

(kwik-SAH-tik)

QUIESCENT

(kwayh-EH-suhnt)

QUIBBLE

(KWI-buhl)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 323 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

to evade a point through ambiguous or irrel-

evant arguments

They quibbled over the details so long that

they went over budget and failed to meet their

deadline.

Synonyms: bicker, equivocate

at rest, latent

My mind is hardly quiescent in sleep: my

dreams are busy, sometimes even panicked.

Synonyms: dormant, inactive, motionless,

quiet, still

extravagantly foolish or romantic in the pursuit

of ideals

I am not so quixotic to think that my leader-

ship can transform this school in just one year,

but I do believe that I can make a difference.

Synonyms: chivalrous, impractical, visionary

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 324 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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GRE VOCABULARY

QUOTIDIAN

(kwoh-TI-dee-uhn)

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ordinary

After our arduous journey, it was good to

return to our quotidian concerns: getting the

children to school and ourselves to work.

Synonyms: commonplace, daily, everyday,

usual

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GRE VOCABULARY

RATIONALE

(ra-shuh-NAL)

RAREFIED

(RER-uh-fahyd)

RANCOROUS

(RANG-kuh-ruhs)

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characterized by deep ill will

Over the course of a few days, their argument

became so rancorous that reconciliation

seemed impossible.

Synonyms: bitter, virulent

elevated; related to or appealing to a small,

elite group

Vivian does not share her parents’ rarefied

taste for the work of minimalist composers; she

prefers rock ’n’ roll.

Synonyms: esoteric, lofty, select

the basis of an opinion or belief

Her rationale for stealing towels from hotels

was that everyone else does it too.

Synonyms: explanation, justification, reason

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GRE VOCABULARY

RECLUSE

(REH-kloos)

RECANT

(ri-KANT)

RECALCITRANT

(ri-KAL-suh-truhnt)

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

stubbornly defiant, unmanageable, resistant

The class of third-grade students proved to be

recalcitrant to all the demands of the inexpe-

rienced substitute teacher.

Synonyms: disobedient, intractable,

uncontrollable

to openly and formally withdraw or disavow a

statement or belief

Regrettable as they were, she refused to

recant the rash statements she had made the

night before.

Synonyms: nullify, retract, void

one who has withdrawn from society

We rarely see my brother, a recluse who lives

in the woods with only his dog.

Synonym: hermit

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GRE VOCABULARY

REFRACTORY

(ri-FRAK-tuh-ree)

REDOUBTABLE

(ri-DOU-tuh-buhl)

RECONDITE

(RE-kuhn-dahyt)

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hidden, difficult to understand

Her book dealt with such recondite matters as

Kantian ethics.

Synonyms: esoteric, mysterious, obscure,

profound

inspiring fear or respect

He is a redoubtable scholar whose works are

as entertaining as they are impressive.

Synonyms: awesome, eminent, formidable,

illustrious

resistant to authority; resistant to treatment

As refractory as a mule, he never earned his

diploma because he refused to complete the

necessary battery of tests.

Synonyms: disobedient, rebellious, uncontrol-

lable, unyielding

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GRE VOCABULARY

RELEGATE

(RE-luh-geyt)

REFUTE

(ri-FYOOT)

REFULGENT

(ri-FUHL-juhnt)

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

shining brightly

Even from a distance, the refulgent city

seemed to light up the sky.

Synonyms: brilliant, gleaming, radiant

to prove wrong, to deny

He could not refute the evidence against him,

and in the end, he confessed to the crime.

Synonyms: disprove, invalidate, repudiate

to banish, to assign to an insignificant or inferior

place or role

After the offices were renovated, we were

relegated to a central room with no windows.

Synonyms: demote, displace

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GRE VOCABULARY

REPROACH

(ri-PROHCH)

REPARATION

(re-puh-REY-shuhn)

RENEGE

(ri-NEG)

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

to go back on a commitment

Karen reneged on her promise to come out

with us only because of illness.

Synonym: default

making amends for damages or a wrong

In reparation for years of neglect, the town

finally invested an unprecedented amount in

the schools, streets, and park in its poorest

neighborhood.

Synonyms: atonement, compensation, satisfaction

(n.) an expression of disapproval or the act of

expressing disapproval

The teacher’s reproaches fell on deaf ears,

and the students continued to chatter while

working on their writing.

Synonyms: criticism, rebuke

(v.) to express disapproval

Trevor’s mother reproached him for failing to

write a thank-you note to his grandmother.

Synonyms: admonish, criticize, disparage a

depraved person

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GRE VOCABULARY

RESCIND

(ri-SIND)

REPUDIATE

(ri-PYOO-dee-eyt)

REPROBATE

(RE-pruh-beyt)

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

He was a reprobate who occasionally even

stole cash from his elderly mother’s purse.

pariah, fiend, miscreant

to disown or reject

Consider your words carefully before you

decide to publicly repudiate the claims made

by your boss.

Synonyms: condemn, disown, renounce

to take away or cancel

She could not rescind the order she had

mistakenly made for a bridesmaid dress in the

wrong color.

Synonyms: annul, invalidate, retract, revoke

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GRE VOCABULARY

RHETORIC

(RE-tuh-rik)

REVERENCE

(REV-ruhnts)

RETICENT

(RE-tuh-suhnt)

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

tending to be uncommunicative or silent

Thinking her parents would not approve, Han-

nah was reticent about her plans to move to

Brazil.

Synonyms: reserved, restrained

feelings of honor or respect

Bruce treated the baseball with reverence

after his favorite pitcher signed it.

Synonyms: awe, deference, veneration

the study or art of the use of language in

speech or writing

The electorate did not care for his highfalutin

rhetoric and voted him out of office after just

one term.

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GRE VOCABULARY

RUSE

(rooz)

RUE

(roo)

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

discourse

to feel regret or sorrow, to wish that something

had never been

I rue the day that I first took up this game: I’ve

found it to be completely addictive!

Synonyms: deplore, grieve, mourn, regret

a trick

What he could not get directly through hard

work, he decided to acquire indirectly through

a ruse.

Synonyms: artifice, deceit, stratagem, subterfuge

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GRE VOCABULARY

SANCTION

(SANGK-shuhn)

SALUBRIOUS

(suh-LOO-bree-uhs)

SAGE

(seyj)

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

one who is wise

They treated me as a sage simply for having

worked there longer than anyone else.

Synonyms: guru, master

healthful

This purportedly salubrious drink is actually

hardly more than sugar water.

Synonyms: beneficial, wholesome

to approve, give permission

I cannot believe that your parents would

sanction such rude behavior.

Synonyms: allow, authorize, endorse

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GRE VOCABULARY

SATIRE

(SA-tahyr)

SATIATE

(SEY-shee-eyt)

SARDONIC

(sahr-DON-ik)

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

disdainfully or skeptically humorous or mocking

Joseph’s sardonic attitude toward his parents’

interests was somewhat insulting, but also

expected from a teenager.

Synonyms: cynical, scornful, sneering

to satisfy fully or supply to excess

This Thanksgiving dinner will surely satiate

even the hungriest of us all!

Synonyms: fill, gratify, indulge

the use of irony or ridicule to expose human

folly

The novel is meant to be a satire; the author

is ridiculing the views of the characters, not

endorsing them.

Synonyms: irony, mockery, parody

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GRE VOCABULARY

SECRETE

(si-KREET)

SAVOR

(SEY-vuhr)

SATURATE

(SA-chuh-reyt)

7031_ GREVOC_ Flash Review[FIN].indd 347 5/10/11 2:55 PM

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to fill completely or infuse with something until

nothing more can be absorbed

The air in and around the garden was saturated

with the scent of lilacs.

Synonyms: drench, soak

to taste or smell with pleasure, enjoy

I eat lobster once every year, while I’m on

vacation, and I savor it each time.

Synonyms: appreciate, relish

to give off or release a substance or secretion

such as sweat; to hide

The tree secreted a sticky sap from the area of

the trunk that was injured.

Synonyms: discharge, emit; conceal

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GRE VOCABULARY

SENSUOUS

(SEN-shuh-wuhs)

SENSUAL

(SEN-shuh-wuhl)

SEDULOUS

(SE-juh-luhs)

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

characterized or produced by perseverance

Through sedulous effort, Karen mastered

conversational French in just six months.

Synonyms: diligent, industrious, tireless

related to the senses, especially with the

gratification of or indulgence in the senses or

appetites

Their interest in each other was purely sensual,

and so their relationship was passionate but

brief.

Synonyms: carnal, materialistic

affecting the senses, aesthetically gratifying to

the senses

The singer was beloved for her sensuous style.

Synonyms: luxurious, pleasurable

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GRE VOCABULARY

SHARD

(shahrd)

SERVILE

(SUHR-vahyl)

SENTIENT

(SEN-shee-uhnt)

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conscious, able to perceive

The forest seemed to be haunted, as though

the trees were sentient.

Synonym: aware

submissive, like a slave

Though yours is the lowest position in the firm,

there is no need to behave in such a servile

way, especially if you hope to be promoted.

Synonyms: abject, obedient, subservient

a fragment of a hard or brittle substance

After he glued together the shards of the

broken vase, the resulting vessel was off-kilter

and oddly beautiful.

Synonym: scrap

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GRE VOCABULARY

SOLICITOUS

(suh-LI-suh-tuhs)

SKEPTIC

(SKEP-tik)

SINGULAR

(SING-gyuh-luhr)

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

unique, unusual

Leonardo da Vinci’s genius was singular; who

else has been so talented in so many different

disciplines?

Synonyms: exceptional, individual, odd, peculiar

a person who is given to skepticism, who tends

to doubt or disbelieve

When it comes to matters of faith, I tend to be

a skeptic; I prefer to believe only when there is

evidence for belief.

Synonyms: disbeliever, doubter

showing concern or care; eager

I was irritated by their overly solicitous ques-

tions and fussing after my illness.

Synonyms: anxious, attentive, careful, worried

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GRE VOCABULARY

SORDID

(SAWR-did)

SOPORIFIC

(soh-puh-RI-fik)

SOLVENT

(SOL-vuhnt)

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(adj.) able to pay debts; having the power of

dissolving

After two difficult years, business was good

again and at last we were solvent.

stable

(n.) a substance, usually a liquid, in which other

substances can be dissolved

Water is a solvent for a variety of substances,

such as salt.

tending to cause sleep, related to sleep or

sleepiness

While I am energized by the music of Bach, my

husband finds it soporific and often actually

falls asleep while listening to it.

Synonyms: calming, dull, hypnotic, soothing

characterized by baseness, filthy

The story of his ascent to power was a sordid

one of greed, betrayal, and even murder.

Synonyms: degenerate, miserable, squalid, vile

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GRE VOCABULARY

SPECTRUM

(SPEK-truhm)

SPECIOUS

(SPEE-shuhs)

SPARSE

(spahrs)

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thinly settled or grown, meager

After the long, dry summer, the grass was

sparse underfoot.

Synonyms: inadequate, scanty, skimpy

having the appearance of goodness or truth,

attractive in a deceptive way

Despite her specious arguments, the candi-

date attracted an enthusiastic following.

Synonyms: false, illusory, misleading, plausible

a series or range of related things or ideas

Roxanne has a wide spectrum of interests,

including everything from martial arts to bird

watching.

Synonyms: continuum, span

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GRE VOCABULARY

SPURIOUS

(SPYOOR-ee-uhs)

SPORADIC

(spuh-RA-dik)

SPENDTHRIFT

(SPEND-thrift)

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

a person who spends wastefully

One of my uncles is frugal and has accumulated

a staggering fortune, and the other is a spend-

thrift who has accumulated a staggering debt.

Synonyms: spender, squanderer

happening occasionally or irregularly

The children were given to sporadic bursts of

enthusiasm that their teacher was determined

to cultivate.

Synonyms: isolated, occasionally, scattered

not genuine or true

Not wanting to hurt his feelings, she gave a

spurious reason for rejecting his invitation to

the movies.

Synonyms: contrived, counterfeit, deceitful,

deceptive

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GRE VOCABULARY

STATIC

(STA-tik)

SQUANDER

(SKWON-duhr)

SQUALID

(SKWO-lid)

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filthy from neglect or poverty

Once anything makes its way into my little

brother’s squalid bedroom, it rarely makes its

way out.

Synonyms: disgusting, miserable, sordid

to spend or use wastefully, to scatter

You worked hard to earn that money, so don’t

squander it on silly things like video games!

Synonyms: dissipate, misuse, waste

showing a lack of change or movement

In literature, a static character is one who is

the same from the beginning to the end of the

story.

Synonyms: fixed, inactive, unchanging

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GRE VOCABULARY

STIPULATE

(STI-pyuh-leyt)

STINT

(stint)

STIGMA

(STIG-muh)

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

a mark or sign of disgrace

Wendy bore the stigma of having been fired

from three jobs, until she found a suitable

career and thrived.

Synonyms: blemish, brand, scar, stain

a period of time spent doing a specific activity

I had a brief stint in college but dropped out

to start my own business.

Synonym: term

to set conditions of agreement, to make a

specific demand

The printer stipulated that the files should be

ready no later than the last day of June.

Synonyms: contract, designate, require, settle

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GRE VOCABULARY

STRATIFIED

(STRA-tuh-fahyd)

STOLID

(STO-lid)

STOIC

(STOH-ik)

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

not showing feeling

Our mother’s stoic attitude toward her strug-

gle to make a living for our family was an

inspiration to us.

Synonyms: dispassionate, indifferent,

philosophic, self-controlled

having or showing no feelings

Nobody understood what she saw in him, but

she knew that his stolid exterior hid a sensitive

soul.

Synonyms: impassive, indifferent, unemotional

arranged in layers or hierarchical classes

The stratified cliffs of the Grand Canyon

display a record of geological time.

Synonym: ordered

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GRE VOCABULARY

STRUT

(struht)

STRIDENT

(STRAHY-duhnt)

STRIATED

(STRAHY-ey-ted)

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

marked with grooves, scratches, or stripes

The striated rocks give evidence of the gla-

ciers that once covered this region, scraping

and scoring any exposed surfaces as they

moved.

Synonyms: furrowed, streaked, striped

characterized by harsh and insistent sound,

commanding attention

His strident voice could be heard throughout

the entire building.

Synonym: loud

to walk in a proud or pompous way

Now that Henry is the boss of our division, he

struts around as though he owns the place.

Synonyms: flaunt, parade, swagger

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GRE VOCABULARY

SUBPOENA

(suh-PEE-nuh)

STYMIE

(STAHY-mee)

STUPEFY

(STOO-puh-fahy)

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

to make stupid or numb; to astonish

This economics textbook is so dull that it

stupefies more than it instructs.

Synonyms: benumb, daze, deaden; bewilder,

confound, flabbergast

to get in the way of

Our ambitions were stymied by our lack of

funds.

Synonyms: block, hinder, impede, obstruct,

thwart

a written command to appear in court

Unless the judge issues a subpoena, there is

no way I will appear in court.

Synonym: summons

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GRE VOCABULARY

SUBTLE

(SUH-tl)

SUBSTANTIATE

(suhb-STAN-shee-eyt)

SUBSIDE

(suhb-SAHYD)

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to settle down or become quiet

Before long, the storm had subsided and the

sun appeared.

Synonyms: abate, diminish

to give evidence for or prove; to give form to

It took six weeks of research for her to gather

the evidence to substantiate her claims, and

the resulting article won several awards.

Synonyms: demonstrate, establish; embody,

materialize

delicate or elusive, difficult to perceive or

understand; insightful, skillful

The argument was so subtle that I had to

read the essay several times to appreciate its

conclusions.

Synonyms: indistinct, suggestive; penetrating,

perceptive

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GRE VOCABULARY

SUCCOR

(SUH-kuhr)

SUCCINCT

(suhk-SINGKT)

SUBVERSIVE

(suhb-VUHR-siv)

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

tending to undermine, intending to overthrow

Because their aims were subversive, they

distributed the pamphlets quietly, so as not to

call the attention of the authorities.

Synonyms: destructive, rebellious

precise, using few words

His succinct explanation was far more helpful

than anything in our 48-page manual.

Synonyms: blunt, concise, pithy

relief or help; that which gives relief or help

The missionaries vowed to give succor to the

poor.

Synonyms: aid, assistance

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GRE VOCABULARY

SUPPLANT

(suh-PLANT)

SUPERSEDE

(soo-puhr-SEED)

SUPERFLUOUS

(soo-PUHR-floo-uhs)

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more than what is needed, extra, unnecessary

Though I’m certainly grateful, your praise of

my performance was superfluous; being able

to make music is joy enough in itself.

Synonyms: excessive, expendable, gratuitous

to take the place or position of, displace

In the twentieth century, the physics that followed

from Einstein’s theories superseded Newtonian

physics.

Synonyms: replace, succeed, supplant

to take the place of, especially by force,

through treachery, or through superiority

The rebels overthrew the government, only to

supplant one tyranny with another.

Synonyms: overthrow, succeed, supersede,

undermine, uproot

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GRE VOCABULARY

SYNTHESIS

(SIN-thuh-suhs)

SURFEIT

(suhr-feht)

SUPPOSITION

(suh-puh-ZI-shuhn)

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

the act of supposing or something that is

supposed

Your supposition that I am not up to the job

seems to be based more on stereotypes than

on familiarity with my work.

Synonyms: assumption, hyphothesis

an excessive amount or indulgence in

something

December seems to be characterized by a

surfeit in all things: food, drink, and gifts.

Synonyms: glut, overindulgence, satiety,

surplus

the combination of different things or ideas to

form one substance or whole

The show was a remarkable synthesis of

different art forms: drama, music, and dance

combined in one extravagant spectacle.

Synonyms: amalgamation, integration, unification

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GRE VOCABULARY

TAUTOLOGICAL

(taw-tuh-LO-ji-kuhl)

TANGENTIAL

(tan-JENT-shuhl)

TACIT

(TA-suht)

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expressed or done without words, implied

No words on the matter were actually spoken

between our neighbors and us; we simply

came to a tacit agreement that any apples that

fell onto our yard from their tree were ours.

Synonyms: implicit, silent, suggested, unspoken

touching or connected only slightly, as a tan-

gent line

Her paper was marred by the inclusion of too

much information that was only tangential to

her main point.

Synonyms: digressive, divergent, incidental

characterized by unnecessary repetition

Always saying “a variety of different things” is

tautological because the word variety already

implies difference; you can simply say “a variety

of things.”

Synonym: redundant

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GRE VOCABULARY

TENUOUS

(TEN-yuh-wuhs)

TENET

(TE-nuht)

TENACITY

(tuh-NA-suh-tee)

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GRE VOCABULARY GRE VOCABULARY

persistence

Against all odds, with great tenacity, and not a

little luck, she worked her way through college.

Synonyms: determination, resolve

a principle or belief, especially one held by a

particular group of people

The main tenet of attachment theory is that

the healthy development of a child requires the

secure attachment to at least one caregiver.

Synonyms: doctrine, precept

thin in form or density; lacking substance,

strength, clarity, or a sound basis in reasoning

We questioned her tenuous reasons for her

three-day absence, but she refused to clarify

her story.

Synonyms: flimsy, rare; questionable,

unsubstantial, vague, weak

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GRE VOCABULARY

TOME

(tohm)

TIRADE

(TAHY-reyd)

TERSE

(tuhrs)

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concise, sometimes abruptly so

His terse reply hinted at darker reasons for his

condition, and so I did not press him to say

more.

Synonyms: brief, curt, pithy, succinct

a long and angry speech

Our neighbor subjects all visitors to a tirade

on the perceived wrongdoings of his ex-wife.

Synonyms: diatribe, harangue, invective

a large, weighty, or scholarly book; one volume

of a larger work

What she originally envisioned as a brief

novella developed into a 600-page tome,

dramatizing the lives and relationships of

some half-dozen characters.

Synonym: opus

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TORTUOUS

(TAWRCH-wuhs)

TORQUE

(tawrk)

TORPOR

(TAWR-puhr)

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a state of mental and physical inactivity accom-

panied by a loss of feeling; a lack of energy

During my illness, the fever did not trouble me

so much as the torpor—I hate to be slowed

down!

Synonyms: apathy, dullness, lethargy

a force that causes twisting or rotation, or the

measurement of this force

The carpenter’s drill supplied enough torque

to drive screws into the very dense wood.

Synonyms: force, rotation

having many twists or turns; characterized by

indirect methods

We made our way back and forth up the tortuous

path through the woods.

Synonyms: circuitous, crooked, winding;

convoluted, devious

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TRANSGRESSION

(tranz-GREH-shuhn)

TRACTABLE

(TRAK-tuh-buhl)

TOUT

(tout)

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to solicit support for, to promote

Mr. Franklin takes every opportunity to tout the

accomplishments of his three grandchildren.

Synonyms: acclaim, herald, praise

easily led, trained, or controlled; easily handled

He has a tractable dog that learns tricks easily.

Synonyms: docile, submissive, yielding; malleable

an act of violating a command or law or of

going beyond some limit

Although our transgression was unintentional,

we still had to pay a fine for breaking the law.

Synonyms: breach, crime, sin, violation

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GRE VOCABULARY

TRENCHANT

(TREN-chuhnt)

TRANSLUCENT

(tranz-LOO-suhnt)

TRANSIENT

(TRAN-shuhnt)

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passing swiftly in and out of existence, lasting

or staying only a short time

Though they seem long, the days of summer

are transient, and before you know it, winter

has come again.

Synonyms: ephemeral, fleeting, temporary,

transitory

allowing the passage of light but diffusing it so

that objects on the other side are not clearly

visible; clearly understandable; clear

Translucent panels were set into the wall,

so that you could see blurry figures passing

through the hallway on the other side.

Synonyms: semitransparent; lucid

keen, articulate, or perceptive (describing

language or a person); energetic, effective;

sharply defined

His trenchant criticism could be hard to take,

but the students who listened were better

writers for it.

Synonyms: caustic, cutting; vigorous; clear-cut,

distinct

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TRYST

(trist)

TRUCULENT

(truh-kyuh-luhnt)

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feeling or showing ferocity; deadly, harsh, or

aggressive

The discipline of playing football transformed

the truculent boy into a mild young man; he

reserved his aggression for the field.

Synonyms: brutal, cruel, fierce, savage;

belligerent, hostile

an appointment to meet, especially one made

secretly between lovers

In the myth of Pyramus and Thisbe, a tryst

between the two lovers ends in tragedy

when Pyramus believes that Thisbe has

been devoured by a lioness.

Synonyms: date, engagement, rendezvous

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UNFEIGNED

(uhn-FEYND)

UNCANNY

(uhn-KA-nee)

UBIQUITOUS

(yoo-BI-kwi-tuhs)

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existing everywhere at once

That hit song was ubiquitous all summer long:

I heard it at the beach, at the grocery store,

waiting on line at the deli, and on the radio

just about every time I turned it on.

Synonyms: omnipresent, pervasive, widespread

seeming to be supernatural in nature,

extraordinary

She had an uncanny way of knowing that

someone was seriously ill, sometimes even

before the person knew of the illness him or

herself.

Synonyms: eerie, mysterious, spooky, weird

genuine, sincere

I love to be with children, because their delight

is always unfeigned and spontaneous.

Synonyms: honest, real, true, unaffected

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GRE VOCABULARY

URBANE

(uhr-BEYN)

UNTENABLE

(uhn-TEN-uh-buhl)

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incapable of being defended (describing an

argument or belief); unsuitable for occupation

The more evidence we gathered, the more

clearly we saw how untenable our original

hypothesis was, and it took us several months

to devise another one.

Synonyms: illogical, indefensible, unsound

polite, polished, or elegant in manner

When I was new to the city and unaccustomed

to sophisticated conversation, I was thoroughly

intimidated by his urbane wit.

Synonyms: civilized, cultured, elegant, refined,

sophisticated

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VAPID

(VA-puhd)

VACUOUS

(VA-kyuh-wuhs)

VACILLATE

(VA-suh-leyt)

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to sway or fluctuate; to waver in feeling or

hesitate in making a decision

Roberta vacillated for so long that by the time

she decided to go to the show, the tickets

were all sold out.

Synonyms: oscillate, stagger, swing; alternate,

hedge, pause

empty, lacking ideas or seriousness, idle

I’ve been known on occasion to indulge in

those ridiculous paperback romances—the

more vacuous, the better.

Synonyms: foolish, inane, purposeless, silly,

stupid

lacking energy or flavor

The conversation at the dinner party that night

was as vapid as the tasteless meal.

Synonyms: dull, flat, insipid, tedious

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GRE VOCABULARY

VERACITY

(vuh-RA-suh-tee)

VENERATE

(VE-nuh-reyt)

VARIEGATED

(VER-ee-uh-gey-tuhd)

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marked by a variety of colors; varied

I love the variegated landscape in autumn.

Synonyms: kaleidoscopic, motley, mottled;

assorted, diverse, mixed

to regard with reverence, to honor

The basketball star was venerated by the citi-

zens of the small town where he grew up.

Synonyms: revere, worship

truthfulness or accuracy

She was a scrupulous journalist, and when she

could not check the veracity of the claim, she

struck all mentions of it from her article.

Synonyms: authenticity, credibility, honesty

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GRE VOCABULARY

VIABLE

(VAHY-uh-buhl)

VEXATION

(vek-SEY-shuhn)

VERBOSE

(vuhr-BOHS)

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tending to use more words than necessary,

wordy

Warren tends to write verbose e-mails that

nobody in the company has the time to read.

Synonyms: garrulous, long-winded, loquacious

the act of troubling or agitating; the state of

being troubled or agitated

To be alive is to experience vexation; you will

be happier if you accept that you will encounter

annoyances.

Synonyms: annoyance, irritation, nuisance

capable of living, growing, and developing;

able to function properly

Though the idea was brilliant, it also involved

a greater expense than was viable, given our

budget at the time.

Synonyms: functioning; feasible, possible,

practicable, reasonable, workable

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VIRTUOSO

(vir-choo-OH-soh)

VILIFY

(VI-luh-fahy)

VIGILANT

(VI-juh-luhnt)

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alert, watchful

Tourists must be vigilant when walking

through that part of town, as the locals there

tend to be especially hostile toward foreigners.

Synonyms: attentive, guarded, wary

to slander

How dare you vilify my name in the news-

paper when you are the one who has been

squandering city funds.

Synonyms: attack, censure, defame, denigrate,

disparage

(n.) one who excels at an art

Picasso was a virtuoso who continuously ex-

plored different styles, materials, and themes.

Synonyms: genius, master, prodigy

(adj.) displaying excellence

The audience erupted in applause for the pian-

ist’s virtuoso performance of the Liszt étude.

Synonyms: masterful, skilled

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VITUPERATIVE

(vi-TOO-puh-ruh-tiv)

VISCOUS

(VIS-kuhs)

VIRULENT

(VIR-uh-lunt)

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poisonous, highly infective, or deadly;

malicious or harsh

The 1918 influenza virus was especially virulent,

resulting in a pandemic that killed some 50 million

people.

Synonyms: destructive, noxious; hostile, spiteful

adhesive, sticky, thick (describing a liquid)

This varnish is viscous when applied and dries

to a hard gloss in just a few hours.

Synonyms: gelatinous, gummy

characterized by harsh or abusive language

The vituperative editorial put the mayor on

the defensive.

Synonyms: abusive, derisive, scolding

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VORACIOUS

(vaw-REY-shuhs)

VOLATILE

(VO-luh-tl)

VOGUE

(vohg)

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something that is in fashion, currently popular,

or favored

If there was ever a time when Mrs. Henderson’s

hairstyle was in vogue, it was long before any

of us was born.

Synonyms: fashion, mode, popularity

evaporating easily; explosive, changeable

Fearing the substitute teacher’s volatile tem-

per, the children were quiet and obedient.

Synonyms: gaseous; capricious, unstable

having a large appetite, insatiable

The film festival briefly satisfied their voracious

appetite for new movies.

Synonyms: avid, gluttonous, ravenous

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WAVER

(WEY-vuhr)

WARY

(WER-ee)

WARRANTED

(WAW-ruhn-tuhd)

[ 409 ]

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justified

Your angry outburst at the child was simply not

warranted; he is only two years old and simply

does not know any better.

Synonyms: authorized, sanctioned

cautious, watchful, on guard

Our cat is wary of visitors, often hiding when

they first arrive.

Synonyms: attentive, vigilant

to sway back and forth; to become unsteady,

shake, or tremble; to vacillate in making a

decision or in opinion

In the twenty-first mile of the marathon, she

wavered in her determination to complete the

race, but the spectators cheered her on.

Synonyms: flutter, wobble; alternate, fluctuate

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ZEALOUS

(ZE-luhs)

WHIMSICAL

(HWIM-zi-kuhl)

WELTER

(WEL-tuhr)

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(v.) to roll or toss, as in waves; to wallow or

become immersed or involved

The children weltered about in the piles of

fallen leaves.

Synonyms: heave, tumble

(n.) a state of disorder, a jumble

The check was lost in the welter of books and

papers that cluttered her desk.

Synonyms: confusion, tormoil

full of whims, characterized by sudden and

eccentric ideas

She designs fabrics with whimsical patterns

that are suitable for children’s clothing.

Synonyms: fanciful, playful, wayward

characterized by passionate loyalty and zeal

for a person or idea

A zealous fan of the handsome young rock

star, she traveled from city to city to see him

perform.

Synonyms: ardent, dedicated, devoted,

impassioned

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