GRE Top 12 Words

Question 1

anomaly

Answer 1

n. something that deviates from what is standard, normal, or expected = oddity
there are a number of anomalies in the present system

Question 2

assuage

Answer 2

v. make (an unpleasant feeling) less intense = relieve
v. satisfy (an appetite or desire)
the letter assuaged the fears of most members.

Question 3

enigma

Answer 3

n. a person or thing that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand = mystery

Question 4

equivocal

Answer 4

adj. open to more than one interpretation; ambiguous
adj. uncertain or questionable in nature
the equivocal nature of her remarks
the results of the investigation were equivocal

Question 5

erudite

Answer 5

adj. having or showing great knowledge or learning =learned

Question 6

fervid

Answer 6

adj. intensely enthusiastic or passionate, esp. to an excessive degree
a letter of fervid thanks

Question 7

lucid

Answer 7

adj. expressed clearly; easy to understand = intelligible, rational
a lucid account
write in a clear and lucid style.

Question 8

opaque

Answer 8

adj. not able to be seen through; not transparent =nontransparent
adj. (esp. of language) hard or impossible to understand; unfathomable =obscure
the windows were opaque with steam
technical jargon that was opaque to her

Question 9

placate

Answer 9

v. make (someone) less angry or hostile =pacify

they attempted to placate the students with promises

Question 10

precipitate

Answer 10

v. cause (an event or situation, typically one that is bad or undesirable) to happen suddenly, unexpectedly, or prematurely = bring about/on

Question 11

prodigal

Answer 11

adj. spending money or resources freely and recklessly; wastefully extravagant =wasteful
adj. having or giving something on a lavish scale =generous
prodigal habits die hard
the dessert was crunchy with brown sugar and prodigal with whipped cream

Question 12

zeal

Answer 12

n. great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or an objective =passion
his zeal for privatization