Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

My GRE > Advanced Vocab Words - Set 1 > Flashcards

Advanced Vocab Words - Set 1 Flashcards

You may prefer our related Brainscape-certified flashcards:
GRE® Vocabulary flashcards GRE® Psychology flashcards
1
Q

factitious

fak-tish-uhs

A

adj. produced artificially; not natural
adj. fake

The factitious laughter of insincere talk show hosts makes my skin crawl.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

cozen

kuhz-uhn

A

v. to cheat, beguile, or deceive

The corrupt televangelist cozened money from viewers by lying about charitable intentions.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

supercilious

soo-per-sill-ee-uhs

A

adj. arrogant, overbearing; displaying condescending superiority over someone else

His supercilious behavior drove away many of his peers.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

callous

kal-uhs

A

adj. insensitive; having no feeling

The callous remark upset the entire family.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

pied

pahyd

A

adj. containing patches of two or more colors, usually in blotches

The jester’s pied coat was stitched together from scraps of blue and red fabric.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

limpid

lim-pid

A

adj. calm, untroubled, serene
adj. transparent, clear (as of water, air, or crystal)

The family flew a kite down by the limpid blue pond.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

militate

mill-ih-teyt

A

v. to have substantial weight or bearing on; to argue for or against

The volatility of the situation militated against any rash action.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Stygian

stidj-ee-uhn

A

adj. dark, gloomy, dismal
adj. infernal, hellish

The Stygian murk of the cave made it difficult to navigate.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

gainsay

geyn-sey

A

v. to declare false
v. to deny
v. to contradict or claim exception to

Evidence and witness testimony all gainsaid the defendant’s claims.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

palliate

pal-ee-eyt

A

v. to make something appear less serious; to mitigate; to alleviate

The student tried to palliate the significance of his plagiarism.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

phlegmatic

fleg-mat-ik

A

adj. hard to excite, calm, sluggish
adj. unemotional, stoic

Pete’s phlegmatic response was difficult for his friends to read.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

purloin

per-loin

A

v. to steal

The manipulative thief purloined the diamonds after gaining the confidence of their location.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

nostrum

nos-truhm

A

n. cure-all, questionable remedy, or a placebo

An ad on television depicted a nostrum that claims to cure hangovers.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

obstreperous

uhb-strep-er-uhs

A

adj. unruly, noisy, loudly stubborn

The obstreperous two-year-old cried the entire train ride.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

precocious

prih-koh-shuhs

A

adj. unusually quick development or maturation, especially in intelligence

The child’s precocious understanding of calculus stunned his teachers.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

regale

rih-geyl

A

v. to entertain; to feast

Steve regaled his guests with exciting tales.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

adj. hermaphroditic

adj. not distinguishable between male and female

A

androgynous
(an-drodj-uh-nuhs)

synonyms: cross-sexual, unisexual, trans-sexual

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

n. a family of partridges

n. a small group

A

covey
(kuhv-ee)

synonyms: a small group, a small flock of birds

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

protean

proh-tee-uhn

A

adj. readily assuming different forms or characters

Fans regarded the protean actress as capable of playing any role.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

adj. inactive, lying on one’s back apathetically

adj. morally slack

A

supine
(adj. soo-pahyn)

synonyms: lying down, flat; apathetic, lazy

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

proscribe

proh-skrahyb

A

v. to prohibit or forbid as harmful or unlawful

Citizens pushed to proscribe swimming in the polluted lake.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

v. to cheat, beguile, or deceive

A

cozen
(kuhz-uhn)

synonyms: hoodwink, swindle, dupe

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

adj. calm, untroubled, serene

adj. transparent, clear (as of water, air, or crystal)

A

limpid
(lim-pid)

synonyms: tranquil, peaceful; glassy, translucent

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

adj. shining radiantly; brilliant

A

refulgent
(rih-fuhl-juhnt)

synonyms: glowing, luminous, gleaming

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

denouement

dey-noo-mahn

A

n. an outcome or solution to a complex series of events

Though public interest slackened after the arsonist was caught, the denouement of the case was just as interesting as the manhunt that had preceded it.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

n. recklessness

A

temerity
(tuh-mer-i-tee)

synonyms: arrogance, brashness

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

adj. hard to excite, calm, sluggish

adj. unemotional, stoic

A

phlegmatic
(fleg-mat-ik)

synonyms: apathetic, dispassionate, lethargic

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

apoplectic

ap-uh-plek-tik

A

adj. furious; enraged; overcome with anger
adj. relating to a stroke

When Jim found out he was fired, he apoplectically stormed out of the office.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

v. to weaken or reduce in force or value

v. to make small or fine

A

attenuate
(uh-ten-yoo-eyt)

synonyms: deflate, cripple, lessen

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

adj. lacking in sincerity or candor

A

disingenuous
(diss-in-djen-yoo-uhs)

synonyms: dishonest, crooked

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

n. a written message, usually a formal letter

A

epistle
(uh-piss-uhl)

synonyms: card, letter, memo

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

depredate

dep-rih-deyt

A

v. to plunder, pillage, destroy
v. to exploit

The Vikings depredated the whole valley.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

adj. produced artificially; not natural

adj. fake

A

factitious
(fak-tish-uhs)

synonyms: artificial, false, sham

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
34
Q

adj. containing patches of two or more colors, usually in blotches

A

pied
(pahyd)

synonyms: patches of color, uneven coloring

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
35
Q

v. to have substantial weight or bearing on; to argue for or against

A

militate
(mill-ih-teyt)

synonyms: weigh, important, influential

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
36
Q

adj. dark, gloomy, dismal

adj. infernal, hellish

A

Stygian
(stidj-ee-uhn)

synonyms: inky, sombre

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
37
Q

v. to declare false
v. to deny
v. to contradict or claim exception to

A

gainsay
(geyn-sey)

synonyms: deny, disaffirm, disprove

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
38
Q

v. to make something appear less serious; to mitigate; to alleviate

A

palliate
(pal-ee-eyt)

synonyms: gloss over, condone, lessen

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
39
Q

n. cure-all, questionable remedy, or a placebo

A

nostrum
(nos-truhm)

synonyms: elixir, quick fix, aid

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
40
Q

adj. unruly, noisy, loudly stubborn

A

obstreperous
(uhb-strep-er-uhs)

synonyms: boisterous, loud, riotous

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
41
Q

adj. unusually quick development or maturation, especially in intellignece

A

precocious
(prih-koh-shuhs)

synonyms: advanced, developed, quick, intelligent

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
42
Q

v. to entertain; to feast

A

regale
(rih-geyl)

synonyms: delight, amuse; treat

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
43
Q

ambit

am-bit

A

n. the extent, boundary or scope of something

Though I find her actions reprehensible, she was acting within the ambit of the law and so my hands are tied.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
44
Q

apostate

uh-poss-teyt

A

n. one who abandons a belief, cause, party or religion

The apostate is dealt with very harshly in many religious traditions.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
45
Q

sophistry

sof-uh-stree

A

n. fallacious reasoning; fault, although plausible, logic

The students were quickly convinced by the professor’s sophistry and did not inquire further.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
46
Q

perspicuity

purr-spih-kyoo-ih-tee

A

n. clarity or perceptiveness in speech, thought, or writing

The perspicuity of the writing made a complicated topic easy for all to understand.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
47
Q

enjoin

en-join

A

v. to command or direct an action with authority
v. to prohibit or forbid an action

The captain enjoined his men to respect the local laws while on shore leave.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
48
Q

punctilious

puhngk-til-ee-uhs

A

adj. precise, paying attention to trivialities of etiquette

A secretary who punctiliously records every detail.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
49
Q

fulsome

fool-suhm

A

adj. offensively flattering or insincere
adj. offensive to the taste
adj. generous or abundant

I prefer Sara’s sincere criticism to all the fulsome praise I receive from Deb.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
50
Q

imprecation

im-prih-key-shuhn

A

n. a curse

The witch cast an imprecation on the villagers.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
51
Q

temerity

tuh-mer-i-tee

A

n. reckless boldness

The temerity of the pirate crew cost them their ship.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
52
Q

extenuate

ik-sten-yoo-eyt

A

v. to lessen the magnitude or seriousness of; to mitigate

The prisoner’s illness may extenuate the conditions of his captivity, but it shall not lead me to order his early release.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
53
Q

ineluctable

in-ih-luhk-tuh-buhl

A

adj. certain, inevitable, unavoidable

a hectic lifestyle seems to be the ineluctable product of modernity.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
54
Q

vitiate

vish-ee-eyt

A

v. to reduce the quality of
v. to corrupt

The tear in the painting vitiated its overall appeal and halved its appraisal cost.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
55
Q

v. to plunder, pillage, destroy

v. to exploit

A

depredate
(dep-rih-deyt)

synonyms: despoil, ravish, defile

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
56
Q

turpitude

tur-pih-tood

A

n. depravity, baseness
n. a vile act

Because of stealing, he was dismissed on grounds of moral turpitude.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
57
Q

plaintive

pleyn-tiv

A

adj. mournful, sorrowful, melancholy

The procession was led by the plaintive strains of the bagpipe.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
58
Q

pertinacious

purt-n-ey-shuhs

A

adj. holding tenaciously to a belief
adj. stubbornly unyielding

Her pertinacious devotion to the debunked theory led her to be marginalized in the scientific community.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
59
Q

parley

pahr-lee

A

n. discussion between enemies, often to prepare terms of surrender

The longtime enemies held a parley to work on peace negotiations.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
60
Q

recreant

rek-ree-uhnt

A

adj. unfaithful, disloyal to belief or principle
adj. cowardly or craven
n. one who is a coward, unfaithful, or disloyal

The recreant knight ran from the battle.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
61
Q

adduce

uh-doos

A

v. to offer as proof in an argument

Seth adduced several recent studies in support of his hypothesis.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
62
Q

traduce

truh-doos

A

v. to slander or speak maliciously of

As a “green energy” campaigner, I distrust politicians who habitually traduce the motivations of environmentalists.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
63
Q

v. to bend knee to ground (as in worship)

v. to grovel

A

genuflect
(djen-yoo-flekt)

synonyms: kneel, beg

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
64
Q

apposite

app-uh-zit

A

adj. relevant, suitable, or fitting

Though clever, Dmitry’s pun was not apposite to the solemn occasion.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
65
Q

discursive

diss-kurr-siv

A

adj. rambling aimlessly through a wide range of subjects.
adj. drawing conclusions based on reason (as opposed to intuition)

The poor speaker gave a rambling, discursive speech.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
66
Q

avocation

av-uh-key-shuhn

A

n. an extracurricular activity; a hobby

My favorite avocation is playing baseball in the summertime.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
67
Q

adumbrate

uh-duhm-breyt

A

v. to foreshadow vaguely
v. to produce a faint outline or resemblance of something

The first volume merely adumbrates the basics of the story to be developed in the next two books.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
68
Q

adj. the extent, boundary or scope of something

A

ambit
(am-bit)

synonyms: compass, extension, range

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
69
Q

n. one who abandons a belief, cause, party or religion

A

apostate
(uh-poss-teyt)

synonyms: traitor, defector, unfaithful

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
70
Q

n. fallacious reasoning; faulty, although plausible, logic

A

sophistry
(sof-uh-stree)

synonyms: fallacy, inconsistency

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
71
Q

n. clarity or perceptiveness in speech, thought, or writing

A

perspicuity
(purr-spih-kyoo-ih-tee)

synonyms: comprehensibility, articulateness

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
72
Q

v. to command or direct an action with authority

v. to prohibit or forbid an action

A

enjoin
(en-join)

synonyms: order, command; disallow, outlaw

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
73
Q

adj. offensively flattering or insincere

adj. offensive to the taste

A

fulsome
(fool-suhm)

synonyms: overdone, copious, distasteful

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
74
Q

n. a curse

A

imprecation
(im-prih-key-shuhn)

synonyms: spell, hex

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
75
Q

v. to lessen the magnitude or seriousness of; to mitigate

A

extenuate
(ik-sten-yoo-eyt)

synonyms: mitigate, lessen, lighten

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
76
Q

adj. certain, inevitable, unavoidable

A

ineluctable
(in-ih-luhk-tuh-buhl)

synonyms: inescapable, destined

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
77
Q

v. to reduce the quality of

v. to corrupt

A

vitiate
(vish-ee-eyt)

synonyms: cheapen, deteriorate; blemish, debase

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
78
Q

n. depravity, baseness

n. a vile act

A

turpitude
(tur-pih-tood)

synonyms: debasement, immorality

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
79
Q

genuflect

djen-yoo-flekt

A

v. to bend knee to ground (as in worship)
v. to grovel

The king’s subjects genuflected when he entered the room.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
80
Q

v. to go, proceed, walk

A

wend
(wend)

synonyms: go, journey, travel

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
81
Q

adj. relating to open seas rather than waters adjacent to land

A

pelagic
(puh-ladj-ik)

synonyms: aquatic, oceanic

82
Q

adj. mournful, sorrowful, melancholy

A

plaintive
(pleyn-tiv)

synonyms: afflicted, distressing

83
Q

adj. holding tenaciously to a belief

adj. stubbornly unyielding

A

pertinacious
(purt-n-ey-shuhs)

synonyms: determined, tenacious, stubborn

84
Q

adj. unfaithful, disloyal to belief or principle
adj. cowardly or craven
n. one who is a coward, unfaithful, or disloyal

A

recreant
(rek-ree-uhnt)

synonyms: cowardly, unfaithful, deserter

85
Q

pelagic

puh-ladj-ik

A

adj. relating to open seas rather than waters adjacent to land

The pelagic organism was only found in the deepest part of the ocean.

86
Q

v. to offer as proof in an argument

A

adduce
(uh-doos)

synonyms: introduce, exhibit

87
Q

adj. intractable, stubbornly disobedient, difficult to manage

A

froward
(froh-werd)

synonyms: antagonistic, confliciting

88
Q

v. to slander or speak maliciously of

A

traduce
(truh-doos)

synonyms: defame, slander

89
Q

adj. relevant, suitable, or fitting

A

apposite
(app-uh-zit)

synonyms: pertinent, timely, appropriate

90
Q

adj. rambling aimlessly through a wide range of subjects

adj. drawing conclusions based on reason (as opposed to intuition)

A

discursive
(diss-kurr-siv)

synonyms: digressive, erratic; inclusive, absolute

91
Q

v. to steal

A

purloin
(per-loin)

synonyms: burglarize, cheat, swindle

92
Q

n. an extracurricular activity; a hobby

A

avocation
(av-uh-key-shuhn)

synonyms: hobby, recreation

93
Q

v. to foreshadow vaguely

v. to produce a faint outline or resemblance of something

A

adumbrate
(uh-duhm-breyt)

synonyms: bode, suggest, indicate, outline

94
Q

simper

sim-per

A

v. to say with a coy smile; to smirk

Dave simpered a feeble attempt at an apology.

95
Q

alchemy

al-kuh-me

A

n. the medieval study of transforming lead into gold

Although it was never proven possible, alchemy is in many ways related to the chemistry we study today.

96
Q

n. a tersely phrased truth or opinion; adage; epigram

n. a brief statement of principle; or general truth

A

aphorism
(af-uh-riz-uhm)

synonyms: axiom, precept; principle, truth

97
Q

allege

uh-ledge

A

v. to state that something is true without providing proof

The neighbors alleged that it was the store owner who started the fire, but it turned out that he had been out of town after speaking with him.

98
Q

allude

uh-lewd

A

v. to refer to another concept indirectly

She would occasionally allude to a summer house, though nobody knew exactly where it was.

99
Q

altruism

al-true-iz-um

A

n. selfless concern for others

Many charities were formed thanks to Rajiv’s altruism and generosity.

100
Q

ambivalence

am-biv-uh-lunce

A

n. indifference or confused feelings

The bride’s ambivalence towards the color of the roses meant the groom had to decide.

101
Q

amble

am-bul

A

v. to walk slowly

The old man ambled over to our table and started up a conversation.

102
Q

ameliorate

uh-meal-yuh-rate

A

v. to make better

The new medicine ameliorated her condition rather quickly.

103
Q

amenable

uh-men-ih-bull

A

adj. open to suggestion or criticism
adj. accountable

A good manager is amenable to his employee’s new ideas.

104
Q

analgesic

ann-ul-djee-zick

A

n. pain reliever

After the surgery, the doctor prescribed an analgesic for her patient’s leg.

105
Q

anecdote

ann-ik-dote

A

n. a story of a specific incident, used as an example or for entertainment

The actor’s acceptance speech included an anecdote about his first audition.

106
Q

adj. insensitive; having no feeling

A

callous
(kal-uhs)

synonyms: soulless, cruel

107
Q

annul

uh-null

A

v. to declare invalid

The couple had their marriage annulled when it was revealed that the groom was still married to another woman.

108
Q

didactic

die-dak-tick

A

adj. overly instructive or preachy

He may mean well, but Pat’s efforts to help come across as fussy and didactic.

109
Q

diffident

diff-ih-dunt

A

adj. lacking confidence; restrained or reserved

Since it was her first day, Lucy ventured only diffident answers to her superiors’s requests for input.

110
Q

diffuse

v. dih-fewz; adj. dih-fewss

A

v. to spread out
adj. widely spread, scattered
adj. wordy and rambling

Such a diffuse network of law enforcement will not be able to eliminate all instances of crime.

111
Q

dilapidated

dih-lap-ih-date-id

A

adj. ruined, worn down

The abandoned house was dilapidated from years of neglect.

112
Q

n. an outcome or solution to a complex series of events

A

denouement
(dey-noo-mahn)

synonyms: finale, final achievement

113
Q

dilate

die-late

A

v. to widen or enlarge
v. to give a long speech on a subject

The eye drops dilated his pupils so the eye doctor could better examine them.

114
Q

dilettante

dill-ih-tont

A

n. an amateur
n. a patron of the arts

The dance school accepted dilettantes as well as trained professionals.

115
Q

dirge

durge

A

n. a mournful song

We heard a chorus singing a dirge as the funeral procession began.

116
Q

disabuse

diss-uh-bewz

A

v. to free from a misconception or error in thought

Luke made it his goal to disabuse his students of the notion that they didn’t need to work hard to do well.

117
Q

disaffect

diss-uh-fect

A

v. to make someone lose loyalty or affection

Her attention-seeking behavior disaffected many of her classmates.

118
Q

n. the medieval study of transforming lead into gold

A

alchemy
(al-kuh-me)

synonyms: sorcery, wizardry, medieval science

119
Q

v. to state that something is true without providing proof

A

allege
(uh-ledge)

synonyms: assert, claim

120
Q

v. to refer to another concept indirectly

A

allude
(uh-lewd)

synonyms: bring up, imply, mention

121
Q

n. selfless concern for others

A

altruism
(al-true-iz-um)

synonyms: charity, kindness

122
Q

adj. indifference or confused feelings

A

ambivalence
(am-biv-uh-lunce)

synonyms: confusion, dilemma, hesitation

123
Q

v. to walk slowly

A

amble
(am-bul)

synonyms: saunter, drag

124
Q

v. to make better

A

ameliorate
(uh-meal-yuh-rate)

synonyms: amend, help

125
Q

adj. open to suggestion or criticism

adj. accountable

A

amenable
(uh-men-ih-bull)

synonyms: willing, cooperative; chargeable, liable

126
Q

n. pain reliever

A

analgesic
(ann-ul-djee-zick)

synonyms: painkiller, soother

127
Q

adj. arrogant, overbearing; displaying condescending superiority over someone else

A

supercilious
(soo-per-sill-ee-uhs)

synonyms: bossy, condescending

128
Q

n. a story of a specific incident, used as an example or for entertainment

A

anecdote
(ann-ik-dote)

synonyms: episode, account, chronicle

129
Q

adj. readily assuming different forms or characters

A

protean
(proh-tee-uhn)

synonyms: versatile, adaptable, dexterous

130
Q

wend

wend

A

v. to go, proceed, walk

We wended our way through the market.

131
Q

v. to declare invalid

A

annul
(uh-null)

synonyms: void, abolish, cancel

132
Q

adj. overly instructive or preachy

A

didactic
(die-dak-tick)

synonyms: advisory, sermonic, bookish

133
Q

adj. lacking confidence, restrained or reserved

A

diffident
(diff-ih-dunt)

synonyms: hesitant, unconfident

134
Q

v. to spread out
adj. widely spread, scattered
adj. wordy and rambling

A

diffuse
(v. dih-fewz; adj. dih-fewss)

synonyms: delocalized, verbose, prolix

135
Q

adj. ruined, worn down

A

dilapidated
(dih-lap-ih-date-id)

synonyms: ramshackle, wasted, decayed

136
Q

v. to widen or enlarge

v. to give a long speech on a subject

A

dilate
(die-late)

synonyms: stretch, amplify; hold forth

137
Q

n. an amateur

n. a patron of the arts

A

dilettante
(dill-ih-tont)

synonyms: green, unskilled; artist, connoisseur

138
Q

n. a mournful song

A

dirge
(durge)

synonyms: death song, lament, funeral hymn

139
Q

v. to free from a misconception or error in thought

A

disabuse
(diss-uh-bewz)

synonyms: correct, debunk

140
Q

v. to make someone lose loyalty or affection

A

disaffect
(diss-uh-fect)

synonyms: alienate, antagonize

141
Q

discern

dih-surn

A

v. to see clearly

From a distance, it was difficult for Josh to discern who was waving at him.

142
Q

discomfit

A

v. to unsettle
v. to upset or prevent from succeeding

The presence of the victim’s family at the trial discomfited the accused.

143
Q

froward

froh-werd

A

adj. intractable, stubbornly disobedient, difficult to manage

The froward mule sat down and refused to move all afternoon.

144
Q

hackneyed

hack-need

A

adj. overdone or cliche

The student’s poem contained the hackneyed expressions that typically fill teenage diaries.

145
Q

hallmark

hall-mark

A

n. a unique, identifying trait
n. a mark used to indicate the purity of certain metals

Complete obedience is the hallmark of a good soldier.

146
Q

harangue

huh-rang

A

v. to speak with intense emotions
n. a rant

The lobbyists arrived at the senator’s office expecting to make a deal, but instead they received a 45-minute harangue from the angry politician.

147
Q

hedonism

heed-in-iz-um

A

n. dedication to pursuing pleasure

Jake’s hedonism became apparent when he quit his job rather than cancel his trip to the Bahamas.

148
Q

tan

tan

A

v. to whip
v. to make leather out of animal hide

He spent days tanning the leather properly.

149
Q

heretical

huh-ret-ih-kull

A

adj. differing from official beliefs

Galileo’s discoveries of the nature of Earth’s place in the universe were considered heretical at the time.

150
Q

hieroglyphic

high-ruh-glif-ik

A

adj. difficult to understand, mysterious

The students could not read the teacher’s hieroglyphic writing on the board.

151
Q

homogenous

hoe-modj-ih-nus

A

adj. composed of similar or identical parts

The audience was mostly a homogenous group of fashion design students, though one or two engineering students also attended.

152
Q

hone

hone

A

v. to perfect
v. to sharpen

The swimmers spent all day in the water trying to hone their skills before the meet.

153
Q

husband

huz-bund

A

v. to conserve

The campers knew they would have to husband their supplies on their trip.

154
Q

nonplussed

non-plust

A

adj. confused

She was nonplussed when her mother scolded her for no apparent reason.

155
Q

noxious

knock-shuss

A

adj. harmful in a physical or moral way

Unfortunately, the group did not notice the noxious gas until it had claimed several victims.

156
Q

nuance

new-awnss

A

n. a small difference

A trained scientist is sensitive to the nuances between these two seemingly identical procedures.

157
Q

obdurate

ob-duh-ritt

A

adj. stubborn; inflexible and unyielding
adj. emotionally cold; not compassionate

Even when the witness began to cry, the accused remained obdurate and detached.

158
Q

obsequious

ob-see-kwee-us

A

adj. very submissive and flattering

In industries where obsequious service is expected, one generally leaves a tip.

159
Q

obstinate

ob-stuh-nitt

A

adj. stubborn

The obstinate woman refused to move out of the other customers’s way.

160
Q

obviate

ob-vee-ehyt

A

v. to anticipate and prevent
v. to make obsolete

The Internet has all but obviated the need for radio stations.

161
Q

occlude

uh-clued

A

v. to close or block off
v. to combine opposite surfaces

The only way out of the cabin was occluded by a mound of fresh snow.

162
Q

v. to see clearly

A

discern
(dih-surn)

synonyms: note, notice, focus

163
Q

v. to prohibit or forbid as harmful or unlawful

A

proscribe
(proh-skrahyb)

synonyms: condemn, banish

164
Q

v. to unsettle

v. to upset or prevent from succeeding

A

discomfit
(diss-kum-fit)

synonyms: frustrate, annoy

165
Q

adj. overdone or cliche

A

hackneyed
(hack-need)

synonyms: tired, common

166
Q

n. a unique, identifying trait

n. a mark used to indicate the purity of certain metals

A

hallmark
(hall-mark)

synonyms: authentication, emblem, brand

167
Q

adj. furious; enraged; overcome with anger

adj. relating to a stroke

A

apoplectic
(ap-uh-plek-tik)

synonyms: angry; wrathful

168
Q

v. to speak with intense emotions

n. a rant

A

harangue
(huh-rang)

synonyms: diatribe, tirade, speech

169
Q

n. dedication to pursuing pleasure

A

hedonism
(heed-in-iz-um)

synonyms: seeking pleasure and happiness

170
Q

v. to whip

v. to make leather out of animal hide

A

tan
(tan)

synonyms: flog, beat

171
Q

adj. differing from official beliefs

A

heretical
(huh-ret-ih-kull)

synonyms: unorthodox, disagreeing, dissenting

172
Q

adj. difficult to understand, mysterious

A

hieroglyphic
(high-ruh-glif-ik)

synonyms: unclear, unreadable, cryptic

173
Q

adj. composed of similar or identical parts

A

homogenous
(hoe-modj-ih-nuss)

synonyms: same, of like parts, uniform

174
Q

v. to perfect

v. to sharpen

A

hone
(hone)

synonyms: train, discipline; whet, grind

175
Q

v. to say with a coy smile; to smirk

A

simper
(sim-per)

synonyms: grin, leer, sneer

176
Q

v. to conserve

A

husband
(huz-bund)

synonyms: retain, preserve

177
Q

adj. confused

A

nonplussed
(non-plust)

synonyms: perplexed, baffled, puzzled

178
Q

adj. harmful in a physical or moral way

A

noxious
(knock-shuss)

synonyms: dangerous, corrupt

179
Q

n. a small difference

A

nuance
(new-awnss)

synonyms: degree, subtlety

180
Q

adj. emotionally cold; not compassionate

A

obdurate
(ob-duh-ritt)

synonyms: insensitive, apathetic

181
Q

adj. very submissive and flattering

A

obsequious
(ob-see-kwee-us)

synonyms: flattering, sycophantic

182
Q

adj. stubborn

A

obstinate
(ob-stuh-nitt)

synonyms: stubborn, determined

183
Q

v. to anticipate and prevent

v. to make obsolete

A

obviate
(ob-vee-ehyt)

synonyms: anticipate, counteract; inhibit, stymie

184
Q

v. to close or block off

v. to combine opposite surfaces

A

occlude
(uh-clued)

synonyms: clog, prevent, choke, congest, smother

185
Q

attenuate

uh-ten-yoo-eyt

A

v. to weaken or reduce in force or value
v. to make small or fine

The medicine attenuated the fever’s effect.

186
Q

n. the interbreeding of different races

n. any mixture or hybrid

A

miscegenation
(mih-sedj-uh-ney-shuhn)

synonyms: interbreeding, mixing races

187
Q

supine

adj. soo-pahyn

A

adj. inactive, lying on one’s back apathetically
adj. morally slack

The officials exhibited a supine acceptance of corruption.

188
Q

refulgent

rih-fuhl-juhnt

A

adj. shining radiantly; brilliant

The refulgent palace seemed out of place amid the poverty of the villages surrounding it.

189
Q

miscegenation

mih-sedj-uh-ney-shuhn

A

n. the interbreeding of different races
n. any mixture or hybrid

the school cafeteria served an obscure miscegenation of ingredients as meatloaf.

190
Q

aphorism

af-uh-riz-uhm

A

n. a tersely phrased truth or opinion; adage; epigram
n. a brief statement of principle; or general truth

The children had finally learned the meaning of the aphorism “You can’t have your cake and eat it too.”

191
Q

adj. precise, paying attention to trivialities of etiquette

A

punctilious
(puhngk-til-ee-uhs)

synonyms: meticulous, careful, finicky

192
Q

succor

suhk-er

A

n. relief during a time of struggle

The Red Cross provides succor to refugees in emergency shelters.

193
Q

covey

kuhv-ee

A

n. a family of partridges
n. a small group

Outside the classroom was a covey of giggling schoolgirls.

194
Q

esoteric

es-uh-ter-ik

A

adj. intended for or understood only by a particular group
adj. not publicly disclosed; confidential

The esoteric ideas of the cult failed to enlighten many outsiders.

195
Q

adj. intended for or understood only by a particular group

adj. not publicly disclosed; confidential

A

esoteric
(es-uh-ter-ik)

synonyms: obscure, secret, cryptic

196
Q

n. relief during a time of struggle

A

succor
(suhk-er)

synonyms: aid, comfort, refuge

197
Q

n. discussion between enemies, often to prepare terms of surrender

A

parley
(pahr-lee)

synonyms: conference, mediation

198
Q

androgynous

an-drodj-uh-nuhs

A

adj. hermaphroditic
adj. not distinguishable between male and female

The androgynous baby was only identifiable as a boy by its blue clothing.

199
Q

disingenuous

diss-in-djen-yoo-uhs

A

adj. lacking in sincerity or candor

When the oil prospector’s promises were discovered to be disingenuous, he was run out of town.

200
Q

epistle

uh-piss-uhl

A

n. a written message, usually a formal letter

The epistle was hand-delivered by a confidant in order to avoid interception.

My GRE (1 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions