GRE Vocab 012-30- Ielts Resources

Question 1

fragments

Answer 1

• The word “fragments” refers to small, broken pieces or parts of something larger.
• The archaeologist carefully assembled the ancient pottery fragments to reconstruct the vase.
• The novel’s plot was intentionally left in fragments, allowing readers to piece together the mystery.
• After the explosion, the shattered glass lay in sharp fragments on the pavement.

Question 2

sulphur compound

Answer 2

The term “sulphur compound” refers to chemical compounds containing sulfur ions. Sulfur can exist in various oxidation states, including -2 (as in hydrogen sulfide), +4 (as in sulfur dioxide and sulfites), and +6 (as in sulfuric acid and sulfates

Question 3

stirred up

Answer 3

• To cause or provoke trouble or bad feeling: For instance, the teacher told him to stop stirring up trouble.
• To arouse strong feelings in someone: The photographs stirred up some painful memories.
• To disturb particles in water or air: The helicopter stirred up clouds of dust

Question 4

sulfide layer

Answer 4

• The term “sulfide layer” refers to a layer or coating containing sulfur compounds. These compounds can be found in various contexts, such as geology, chemistry, and environmental science.
• In the geological context, a sulfide layer often forms near hydrothermal vents on the ocean floor.
• Corrosion engineers study the impact of sulfide layers on metal structures exposed to harsh environments.
• The formation of lead sulfide contributes to the dark color of certain minerals and rocks.

Question 5

planet’s stripes

Answer 5

• The term “planet’s stripes” refers to a fascinating visual representation of our planet’s climate. These climate stripes, designed by Professor Ed Hawkins at the University of Reading in 2017, vividly illustrate the rate at which our planet is warming. Thicker bands of deep red stripes indicate the impact of human actions on recent climate change.
• Climate stripes reveal the alarming trend of global warming over the years.
• The planet’s stripes serve as a powerful reminder of our responsibility to protect the environment.
• When you see the climate stripes, it’s hard to ignore the urgent need for sustainable practices.

Question 6

spread around

Answer 6

• To affect more and more places, people, or things, or to make something do this: For instance, discontent among junior ranks was rapidly spreading around.
• To tell something to a lot of people, or to be told to a lot of people: Are you spreading gossip again?
• To put a soft substance on a surface and make it cover it, or to be able to be put on a surface in this way: She spread her toast with a thick layer of butter

Question 7

hints of seismic

Answer 7

• The term “seismic” relates to earthquakes or other vibrations of the earth and its crust. It encompasses geological surveying methods involving artificially produced vibrations from explosions.
• Seismic activity near the fault line raised concerns among residents.
• The seismic waves revealed the deep structure of the tectonic plates.
• The sudden resignation of the CEO sent seismic waves through the company

Question 8

waves ripple

Answer 8

• The term “waves ripple” refers to the gentle undulations or small waves that form on the surface of water. These ripples can be caused by various factors, such as wind or an object dropping into the water
• As she dived into the pool, her graceful movements sent waves rippling across the water.
• The waves rippled under the moonlight, creating a mesmerizing pattern on the lake’s surface.
• A shy smile rippled nervously over his features as he glanced at the crowd.

Question 9

bounced back up

Answer 9

• the phrase “bounced back up” means to recover or return to a previous state after facing difficulties or setbacks.
• Despite the initial setback, her determination helped her bounce back up and achieve her goals.
• The stock market bounced back up after a sharp decline, surprising investors.
• After a period of illness, he bounced back up and resumed his daily activities with renewed energy

Question 10

collision will undoubtedly

Answer 10

• “Collision” refers to an accident that occurs when two vehicles or objects hit each other with force
• “Undoubtedly” is used to emphasize that something is true or very likely
• The head-on collision between the car and the taxi was undoubtedly a tragic event.
• The collision of ideas during the debate will undoubtedly lead to a better solution.
• The collision of particles in the accelerator will undoubtedly yield exciting scientific discoveries.

Question 11

destabilize

Answer 11

• The term “destabilize” means to make something unstable or cause changes that weaken its strength or safety.
• The uncovered plot aimed to destabilize the government.
• The conflict in the region destabilized the entire area.
• Further increases in imports could destabilize the economy

Question 12

permanent cyclone

Answer 12

• The term “permanent cyclone” does not commonly exist in meteorological terminology.
• A “cyclone” is a large air mass that rotates around a strong center of low atmospheric pressure, typically causing violent storms and strong winds. Cyclones can be tropical storms or extratropical systems
• The concept of a “permanent cyclone” contradicts the transient nature of cyclones. They usually form, intensify, and dissipate over specific periods.
• In reality, there are no naturally occurring permanent cyclones on Earth. However, some regions experience frequent cyclonic activity due to their geographical location.

Question 13

lagged behind

Answer 13

• The phrase “lagged behind” means to move more slowly than someone or something else, resulting in being behind them.
• During the race, she lagged behind the leading runners.
• The company’s outdated technology caused it to lag behind its competitors.
• Despite efforts, the country still lags behind in adopting renewable energy sources

Question 14

stagglers

Answer 14

• The term “stragglers” refers to people or animals that are last in a group to do something or the last to get to or leave a place.
• We watched the last of the stragglers come in, three hours after the first runner.
• The caravan leader marked off the paths that stragglers were not to take.
• These small trees are the remnant stragglers of their species

Question 15

smash into

Answer 15

• The phrase “smash into” means to collide into someone or something with great, violent force.
• The poor kid was racing around the house and smashed into the coffee table at full speed.
• A cyclist smashed into me on the way to work this morning. I think I may have a cracked rib
• The driver lost control of the vehicle and smashed it into the side of a building

Question 16

strikes

Answer 16

• As a noun, it refers to a refusal to work organized by employees as a form of protest, often to gain concessions from their employer regarding working conditions, pay
• As a verb, it can mean:

Hitting or attacking someone or something forcefully.

Example: Her car went out of control and struck an oncoming vehicle.

Causing severe suffering or harm suddenly.
Example: Tragedy struck when several people were crushed in the crowd.

Achieving sudden success, such as scoring a goal in football or taking a wicket in cricket.
Example: Arsenal struck first, scoring in the twelfth minute

Question 17

shoemaker-levy

Answer 17

• The term “Shoemaker–Levy 9” refers to a disrupted comet that collided with Jupiter in July 1994. It provided the first direct observation of an extraterrestrial collision in our Solar System.
• Comet Shoemaker–Levy 9 broke apart and impacted Jupiter, leaving prominent scars visible for months.
• Astronomers Carolyn and Eugene M. Shoemaker, along with David Levy, discovered Shoemaker–Levy 9 in 1993.

Question 18

immensely expensive undertaking

Answer 18

• the phrase “immensely expensive undertaking” means that something costs a significant amount of money to accomplish or complete.
• The construction of the new space station was an immensely expensive undertaking for the government.
• The restoration of the historic cathedral proved to be an immensely expensive undertaking due to the intricate details.
• Launching a manned mission to Mars would be an immensely expensive undertaking, requiring substantial resources and planning.

Question 19

comet’s composition

Answer 19

• The term “comet’s composition” refers to the materials that make up a comet, including volatile ices and dust.
• Comet’s composition consists of frozen water, volatile compounds, and dust particles.
• When a comet approaches the Sun, its ices sublimate, forming a bright coma around the nucleus.
• Scientists study comet’s composition to understand the early solar system’s building blocks

Question 20

destabilized atmosphere

Answer 20

• The phrase “destabilized atmosphere” refers to a situation where the normal balance or stability of an environment or system is disrupted, leading to potential chaos or unpredictability.
• The sudden influx of pollutants destabilized the atmosphere, causing irregular weather patterns.
• In regions with frequent earthquakes, the destabilized atmosphere can trigger aftershocks.
• The ongoing conflict has destabilized the political atmosphere, affecting citizens’ daily lives.

Question 21

remembrance

Answer 21

• It refers to the act of remembering and showing respect for someone who has died or a past event. For example, a church service was held in remembrance of the victims.
• It can also denote a memory of something that happened in the past. People often share fond remembrances of significant moments.
• Sometimes, tangible objects serve as remembrances, keeping memories alive.

Question 22

adornment

Answer 22

• The word “adornment” refers to something decorative or the act of decorating something or someone.
• The necktie is no longer a necessary male adornment.
• Precious stones have been used for the purposes of adornment for over 7,000 years.
• She wore no adornments except for a small watch

Question 23

long faces

Answer 23

• the phrase “long faces” refers to an unhappy or disappointed expression.
• When she heard the news, her family wore long faces during dinner.
• The team’s defeat left everyone with long faces in the locker room.
• Despite their efforts, the project’s failure resulted in long faces at the board meeting

Question 24

plucked their hairlines

Answer 24

• In medieval times, “plucking their hairlines” referred to the practice of pulling out hair from the forehead to create a high, round hairline
• Noblewomen plucked their hairlines to achieve the fashionable high foreheads of the era.
• The desire for a prominent forehead led to hairlines being plucked to astonishing heights.
• Despite Church disapproval, ladies continued to pluck their hairlines for beauty’s sake.

Question 25

fragments

Answer 25

• The word “fragments” refers to small, broken pieces or parts of something larger.
• The archaeologist carefully assembled the ancient pottery fragments to reconstruct the vase.
• The novel’s plot was intentionally left in fragments, allowing readers to piece together the mystery.
• After the explosion, the shattered glass lay in sharp fragments on the pavement.

Question 26

sulphur compound

Answer 26

• Sulphur compounds are chemical compounds containing sulfur ions. They can have various oxidation states, including -2 (as in hydrogen sulfide), +4 (as in sulfur dioxide and sulfites), and +6 (as in sulfuric acid and sulfates).
• Hydrogen sulfide is a common sulphur compound found in volcanic regions, known for its strong smell and toxicity.
• Sulfur dioxide, a sulphur compound, is produced during the burning of sulfur and is a major contributor to air pollution.

Question 27

stirred up

Answer 27

• To cause or provoke trouble or bad feeling: For instance, the teacher told him to stop stirring up trouble.
• To arouse strong feelings in someone: The photographs stirred up some painful memories.
• To disturb particles in water or air: The helicopter stirred up clouds of dust

Question 28

adornment

Answer 28

• The word “adornment” refers to something decorative or the act of decorating something or someone.
• The necktie is no longer a necessary male adornment.
• Precious stones have been used for the purposes of adornment for over 7,000 years.