GRE Vocab 004-30- Ielts Resources

Question 1

cinders

Answer 1

• A modicum refers to a small amount or limited quantity of something. It implies just enough to meet a minimum requirement.
• She had only a modicum of patience left after waiting for hours.
• The chef added a modicum of spice to enhance the flavor without overpowering it.
• Despite his modicum of experience, he tackled the challenging task with determination.

Question 2

regaled

Answer 2

• To regale someone means to entertain, delight, or amuse them, often by sharing interesting stories, anecdotes, or experiences.
• The elderly storyteller regaled the children with tales of magical creatures.
• During the dinner party, she regaled everyone with her hilarious travel adventures.
• His witty jokes and lively personality always regaled the audience.

Question 3

tantamount

Answer 3

• Tantamount signifies that something is equivalent or essentially the same as something else. It implies a close correspondence or similarity.
• His silence was tantamount to agreement with the proposal.
• The CEO’s decision to cut bonuses was tantamount to a pay reduction for employees.
• Trust is tantamount in any healthy relationship.

Question 4

skirmishes

Answer 4

• Skirmishes refer to small-scale battles or conflicts, often characterized by brief and intense engagements between opposing forces. These encounters may occur during war, military exercises, or territorial disputes.
• The border region witnessed frequent skirmishes between the neighboring countries’ troops.
• During the civil war, skirmishes erupted in remote villages, causing civilian casualties.
• The historical reenactment included staged skirmishes to depict medieval combat.

Question 5

rattlesnake

Answer 5

• A rattlesnake is a venomous snake characterized by a unique feature: a rattle at the end of its tail. When threatened, it vibrates its tail, creating a distinctive rattling sound as a warning.
• Hikers in the desert encountered a rattlesnake sunning itself on a rock.
• The rattlesnake’s venom can be dangerous, causing swelling and tissue damage.
• Local folklore often includes tales of brave individuals surviving encounters with rattlesnakes.

Question 6

trace

Answer 6

• A trace can refer to several related concepts :

> A faint mark or impression left behind by something.

> A small amount or vestige of something.

> In computer science, a record of execution or path followed by a program during runtime.

• The detective found a trace of blood near the crime scene.
• His memory held only a trace of the old melody.
• The programmer used debugging tools to analyze the trace of code execution.

Question 7

faraway

Answer 7

• Faraway describes something that is distant, remote, or removed from the current location or context.
• The faraway mountains were shrouded in mist, creating an otherworldly scene.
• Her eyes held a faraway look, as if lost in memories of a different time.
• The explorer ventured into the faraway jungle, seeking hidden treasures.

Question 8

potent

Answer 8

• Potent describes something that is powerful, strong, or capable of having a significant impact. It often implies effectiveness or intensity.
• The potent medicine quickly relieved her pain.
• His potent arguments swayed the jury during the trial.
• The potent aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the room.

Question 9

heavily glaciated regions

Answer 9

• Heavily glaciated regions refer to areas where a significant portion of the landscape is covered by glaciers—massive sheets of ice that slowly flow over the land. These regions are characterized by icy expanses, crevasses, and frozen landscapes.
• Antarctica is one of the most heavily glaciated regions on Earth, with ice sheets several kilometers thick.
• The Alps in Europe contain numerous glaciers, creating breathtaking vistas in heavily glaciated regions.
• Explorers and scientists study these heavily glaciated regions to understand climate change and glacial dynamics.

Question 10

has been depressed below sea level

Answer 10

• When an area has been depressed below sea level, it means that its elevation or height is lower than the level of the surrounding ocean or sea. Essentially, it lies beneath the water surface.
• The Dead Sea in the Middle East has been depressed below sea level by geological processes, resulting in its high salt concentration.
• The Netherlands has extensive land that has been depressed below sea level, protected by intricate dikes and water management systems.
• Some coastal cities face the risk of flooding due to land that has been depressed below sea level over time.

Question 11

ablation

Answer 11

• Ablation refers to the removal, erosion, or wearing away of material, especially from a surface due to various processes such as melting, evaporation, or mechanical forces.
• Glacial ablation occurs when ice melts or breaks off from a glacier.
• The ablation of volcanic rock by flowing lava shapes the landscape.
• Medical procedures like laser ablation remove tissue or tumors.

Question 12

firn

Answer 12

• Firn refers to a granular, partially compacted type of snow found in glacier regions. It lies between fresh snow and fully formed glacial ice.
• The firn zone is where snow accumulates and begins to transform into ice.
• Scientists study firn to understand glacial dynamics and climate change.
• The firn layer retains valuable information about past environmental conditions.

Question 13

evaporation exceeds

Answer 13

• When evaporation exceeds, it means that the rate of vaporization or conversion of liquid to vapor is greater than other processes (such as condensation or precipitation). Essentially, more water is escaping into the atmosphere through evaporation.
• In arid regions, evaporation exceeds rainfall, leading to water scarcity.
• During a heatwave, swimming pools lose water as evaporation exceeds refilling.
• Climate change can alter ecosystems when evaporation exceeds natural replenishment.

Question 14

average precipitation

Answer 14

• Average precipitation refers to the typical amount of rainfall or snowfall received in a specific area over a given period.
• In a rainforest, the average precipitation is high, with frequent and heavy rainfall.
• The desert experiences low average precipitation, leading to arid conditions.
• Climate scientists analyze historical data to determine the region’s average precipitation patterns.

Question 15

surging glaciers

Answer 15

• Surging glaciers are a fascinating phenomenon in glaciology. These glaciers exhibit rapid and episodic advances, moving much faster than typical glaciers. During a surge, they can advance several kilometers in just a few months.
• The Bering Glacier in Alaska experienced a significant surge in the 1990s, dramatically altering its landscape.
• Scientists study surging glaciers to understand their dynamics and the factors triggering these sudden movements.
• The surge of the Himalayan glaciers can impact downstream communities by altering river flow and causing floods.

Question 16

fastest glaciers surge

Answer 16

• The phrase “fastest glaciers surge” refers to the remarkable and sudden acceleration of certain glaciers. During a surge, these glaciers move at an exceptionally rapid pace, covering significant distances in a short period.
• The Khumbu Glacier in the Everest region experienced a fastest surge during the 1980s, advancing several meters per day.
• Surging glaciers can pose challenges for mountaineers and researchers due to their unpredictable movements.
• Understanding the triggers behind fastest glacier surges helps us comprehend glacial dynamics and their impact on landscapes.

Question 16

plastic deformation

Answer 16

• Plastic deformation refers to the permanent change in shape or structure of a material when subjected to stress or force beyond its elastic limit. Unlike elastic deformation (which is reversible), plastic deformation results in lasting alterations.
• Bending a metal wire repeatedly causes plastic deformation, eventually leading to breakage.
• The plastic deformation of clay allows potters to shape it into various forms.
• Rocks in mountain ranges experience plastic deformation over geological time scales.

Question 17

basal deformation

Answer 17

• Basal deformation refers to the movement and flow of glacial ice at its base. It occurs due to the pressure and weight of the overlying ice, causing the glacier to slide over the bedrock or sediment.
• Basal deformation contributes to the gradual advancement of glaciers.
• The sliding and grinding of ice against the underlying surface result from basal deformation.
• Scientists study basal deformation to understand glacial dynamics and predict ice flow.

Question 18

basal slippage

Answer 18

• Basal slippage refers to the movement or sliding of a glacier along its base (the bedrock or sediment beneath the ice). It occurs due to the lubrication provided by meltwater at the glacier’s base, reducing friction and allowing the glacier to flow.
• Basal slippage contributes significantly to the overall movement of glaciers.
• The meltwater acts as a lubricant, facilitating basal slippage and enhancing ice flow.
• Scientists study basal slippage to understand glacial dynamics and predict ice behavior.

Question 19

spread outward

Answer 19

• When something spreads outward, it means that it extends or expands away from a central point or origin. It moves outward in all directions.
• The ripples on the water’s surface spread outward from where the stone was thrown.
• The wildfire rapidly spread outward, engulfing nearby forests.
• The news of the discovery began to spread outward, reaching neighboring towns.

Question 20

seasonal thawing

Answer 20

• Seasonal thawing refers to the periodic melting or softening of frozen ground, ice, or snow during specific seasons. It occurs when temperatures rise, causing previously frozen surfaces to transition back to a liquid state.
• In spring, the seasonal thawing of soil allows farmers to begin planting crops.
• The seasonal thawing of mountain snowpack contributes to river flow during warmer months.
• Permafrost experiences seasonal thawing in Arctic regions, affecting ecosystems and infrastructure.

Question 21

facilitate this slippage

Answer 21

• To facilitate this slippage means to assist or enable the movement or sliding of a glacier along its base. Factors such as meltwater, sediment, and pressure contribute to reducing friction and allowing the glacier to flow more freely.
• The meltwater acts as a lubricant, facilitating the basal slippage of the glacier.
• Sediment particles at the glacier’s base can also facilitate slippage by creating a smoother surface.
• Understanding the processes that facilitate glacial slippage is essential for predicting ice flow and behavior.

Question 22

riverbed

Answer 22

• A riverbed refers to the channel or course through which a river flows. It encompasses the bottom and sides of the river, shaping the path of water as it moves downstream.
• The riverbed of the Amazon River is vast and meandering, carrying immense volumes of water.
• Sediments deposited in the riverbed influence water quality and aquatic habitats.
• Engineers study riverbed characteristics when designing bridges and dams.

Question 23

flatter bottom

Answer 23

• A flatter bottom refers to a riverbed or watercourse with a gentler slope or less pronounced elevation change along its width. In other words, the bottom of the river is relatively flat rather than steep.
• The Mississippi River has a flatter bottom in certain stretches, allowing for slower water flow.
• Engineers consider the flatter bottom when designing navigation channels and flood control measures.
• Sediments accumulate more readily in flatter-bottomed lakes and estuaries.

Question 24

glacial erosion

Answer 24

• Glacial erosion refers to the process by which glaciers modify the landscape through mechanical and abrasive actions. As glaciers move, they scrape, carve, and reshape the underlying rock and soil.
• U-shaped valleys are a result of glacial erosion, where ice carves out deep, wide channels.
• Cirques form at the heads of valleys due to glacial erosion.
• The Great Lakes in North America were shaped by glacial erosion during the last ice age.

Question 25

horns

Answer 25

1) Meaning: Horns are hard, pointed, and often curved structures that grow from the heads of certain animals, such as cattle, goats, and rhinoceroses.

• Example Sentence: “The majestic bull proudly displayed its horns during mating season.”

2) Meaning: In a symbolic sense, horns can represent strength, power, or aggression. They are often associated with mythical creatures like unicorns or demons.

• Example Sentence: “The villain in the story wore a crown adorned with twisted horns, emphasizing their malevolence.”

3) Meaning: Horns also refer to musical instruments, such as trumpets, trombones, and French horns.

• Example Sentence: “The orchestra’s brass section included talented players on various horns.”

Question 26

fjords

Answer 26

• Fjords are long, deep, and narrow bodies of water that extend far inland. They typically form in U-shaped valleys with steep rock walls on either side. Fjords are often found in countries like Norway, Chile, New Zealand, Canada, Greenland, and the U.S. state of Alaska.
• “We took a breathtaking cruise through the fjords along the coast of Norway.”

Question 27

cirques

Answer 27

• Cirques are amphitheater-like valleys formed by glacial erosion. They are typically found at the upper end of mountain valleys and are characterized by steep slopes almost surrounding a hollow area. These formations often mark the head of a glacier or stream.
• “From the col, you can see the rim of the mountains enclosing the cirque.”
• The map revealed a glacier nestled within a gigantic spoon-shaped cirque on the north-facing side of the mountain
• At the head of the gulch lies a tight cirque, facing east, north, and west, rimmed with rock slabs pitched at 45 degrees
• As cirques form due to glaciation in alpine environments, the headwalls and ridges between parallel glaciers (called artes) become more steep and defined

Question 28

morains

Answer 28

• Moraines are accumulations of rock debris (till) carried or deposited by a glacier. They can take various forms, including ridges, mounds, and hills. Moraines are created as glaciers move and transport material, which is then left behind when the glacier melts.
• The landscape around the glacier was dotted with moraines, evidence of past glacial activity.
• The moraines in this region vary in size and shape, reflecting the different stages of glacial retreat
• Scientists study the composition and distribution of moraines to understand past climate changes and ice sheet dynamics
• The terminal moraine marks the farthest extent of the glacier’s advance during the last ice age.”

Question 29

retreating

Answer 29

1) Retreating refers to moving back or away from a place or person, especially to escape from fighting or danger.

• When she came towards me shouting, I retreated behind my desk.
• The sound of retreating footsteps echoed down the empty hallway.
• Under heavy fire, the soldiers were forced to retreat from their position

2) Seeking Solitude or Safety

• Retreating can also mean going to a quiet and safe place to avoid a difficult situation.
• When he’s done something wrong, he often retreats to his bedroom.”