GRE Level Words Flashcards
Anomaly
Deviation from the common rule
Homeostasis
A relatively stable state of equilibrium
Homogeneous
ADJECTIVE
- Of the same kind; alike.
- Consisting of parts all of the same kind.
Homonym
One of two or more words spelled and pronounced alike but different in meaning
Homosexual
of, relating to, or exhibiting sexual desire toward a member of one’s own sex
Diagram
A figure made by drawing lines; an illustration
Epigram
A short poem; a pointed statement
Grammar
A system of language and its rules
Graph
A diagram used to convey mathematical information
Graphite
Mineral used for writing, as the “lead” in pencils
Photograph
A picture originally made by exposing chemically treated film to light
Euphony
The quality of sounding good
Megaphone
A device for magnifying the sound of one’s own voice
Phonetics
The study of sounds used in speech
Polyphony
The use of simultaneous melodic lines to produce harmonies in musical compositions
Telephone
A device for transmitting sound at a distance.
Sojourn
Noun: A temporary stay
Verb: Stay somewhere temporarily
Retire
Verb: Leave one’s job and cease to work, typically upon reaching the normal age for leaving employment.
Noun: Withdraw to or from a particular place.
Persevere
Verb:
Continue in a course of action even in the face of difficulty or with little or no prospect of success.
Congruent
Adjective:
In agreement or harmony.
[Geometry] (of figures):
Identical in form; coinciding exactly when superimposed.
Superimposed
Adjective:
Placed or laid over something else, typically so that both things are still evident.
Confiscate
Verb:
Take or seize (someone’s property) with authority
Take (a possession, especially land) as a penalty and give it to the public treasury.
Economize
Verb:
Spend less; reduce one’s expenses
Consummate
Verb:
Make complete by having sexual intercourse.
Adjective:
Showing a high degree of skill and flair; complete or perfect.
Whim
Noun:
A sudden desire or change of mind, especially one that is unusual or unexplained.
Archaic:
A windlass for raising ore or water from a mine.
Dogma
A principle or a set of principles laid down by an authority as incontrovertibly true.
Hypothesis
Noun:
A supposition or proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation.
Philosophy:
A proposition made as a basis for reasoning without any assumption of its truth.
Fancy
Adjective:
Elaborate in structure or decoration.
Archaic:
(Of a drawing, painting, or sculpture) created from the imagination rather than from life.
Verb:
To feel a desire or liking for.
British:
Regard (a horse, team, or player) as a likely winner.
Noun:
- A feeling of liking or attraction, typically one that is superficial or transient.
- The faculty of imagination.
Tenet
Noun:
A principle or belief, especially one of the main principles of a religion or philosophy.
Polity
Noun:
- A form or process of civil government or constitution
- An organized society; a state as a political entity.
Spurious
Adjective:
- Not being what it purports to be; false or fake.
- (Of a line of reasoning) apparently but not actually valid.
Archaic:
(Of offspring) illegitimate.
Terse
Adjective:
Sparing in the use of words; abrupt.
Fallacious
Adjective:
Based on the mistaken belief.
Succinct
Adjective:
(Especially of something written or spoken):
Briefly and clearly expressed.
Bellicose
Adjective:
Demonstrating aggression and willingness to fight.
Blithe
Adjective:
Showing casual and cheerful indifference considered to be callous or improper.
Literary:
Happy or joyous.
Extol
Verb:
Praise enthusiastically.
Deprecate
Verb:
Express disapproval of.
Renounce
Verb:
- Formally declare one’s abandonment of (a claim, a right, a possession)
- Reject and stop using and consuming
Law:
Refuse or resign a right or position, especially one as an heir or a trustee.
Spurn
Verb:
Reject with disdain or contempt
Discountenance
Verb:
- Refuse to approve of (something)
- Disturb the composure of