GRE Cards Deck Q Flashcards
qualified
adj
Definition: Modified, limited, conditional on something else
Usage: The scientist gave her qualified endorsement to the book, pointing out that, while it posed a credible theory, more research was still needed before the theory could be applied.
Related Words: Tentative (done in order to test; uncertain), Temper (moderate, soften, tone down)
More Info: Of course, everyone knows qualified in the sense of qualified for the job. Use context to determine which meaning is intended. A qualified person is suitable or well-prepared for the job; a qualified statement or feeling is held back or limited.
quandary
noun
Definition: Uncertainty or confusion about what to do, dilemma
Usage: I’ve had two job offers, and I’m in a real quandary about/over which one to accept.
Related Words: Mired (stuck, entangled in a swamp or muddy area or a problem that is hard to get out of).
quibble
verb
Definition: Make trivial arguments or criticisms, find faults in a petty way, esp. to evade something more important
Usage: Look, I am telling you some of the serious consequences of global warming, as predicted by the scientific establishment—I think you’re just quibbling to complain that I said “carbon monoxide” when I meant “carbon dioxide.”
Related Words: Cavil (synonym), Carp (constantly complain, fret, and find fault), Peevish (annoyed, in a bad mood, stubborn)
More Info: This word is often associated with lawyers.
quotidian
adj
Definition: Daily; everyday, ordinary
Usage: He was so involved in his quest for spiritual enlightenment that he regularly forgot more quotidian concerns—sure, he meditated for six hours today, but he hasn’t done laundry in weeks.
Related Words: Mundane is a synonym. Pedestrian and prosaic mean commonplace, dull, or lacking imagination. Diurnal means occurring every day or happening in the daytime.
querulous
adj
Definition: Given to complaining, grumbling
Usage: Norma had been happy to be a grandmother, but was somewhat less happy when a querulous child was dropped off on her doorstep—“I don’t want to come inside,” “I don’t like sandwiches,” “It’s too cold in the bathroom.” Would the whining and moaning ever stop?
Related Words: Carp (constantly complain, fret, and find fault), Petulant (unreasonably irritable or sullen), Peevish (annoyed, in a bad mood, stubborn), Cross (angry, ill-humored)
More Info: Querulous shares a root with quarrel.
quiescent
adj
Definition: Quiet, still
Usage: After hours of moaning and shaking from his illness, the child finally exhausted himself and grew quiescent.
Related Words: Placid or pacific (peaceful, calm, tranquil)
quixotic
adj
Definition: Extremely impractical but very romantic, chivalrous, or idealistic; impulsive
Usage: Prompted by a lesson their teacher devised for election year, the children shared what they would do if elected President. The plans were adorably quixotic, involving housing all the homeless in floating homes on the ocean, or teaching everyone to be nice to each other.
Related Words: Rash (too hasty, acting without considering the consequences)
More Info: From Cervantes’ 1791 novel Don Quixote, about a romantic, impractical hero who becomes obsessed with books about chivalry (believing even the most ridiculous tales within the books) and famously attacks windmills he believes to be giants—hence the expression “tilting at windmills,” meaning fighting unwinnable battles or battles against imaginary foes.
