GRE Vocab Set 27

Question 1

Antagonize

Answer 1

Cause someone to be become hostile

Question 2

Barren

Answer 2

1. too poor to produce much or any vegetation

2. (of a place/building) bleak and lifeless

Question 3

bombastic

Answer 3

high-sounding but with little meaning; inflated

Question 4

cajole

Answer 4

persuade (someone) to do something through sustained coaxing and flattery

Question 5

chary

Answer 5

cautiously or suspiciously reluctant to do something

Question 6

curmudgeon

Answer 6

a bad-tempered person especially an old one

Question 7

dirge

Answer 7

a lament for the dead, especially one forming part of the funeral rite

Question 8

estimable

Answer 8

worthy of great respect

Question 9

euphesism

Answer 9

a mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarassing

Question 10

excoriate

Answer 10

1. criticize (someone) severely

2. damage or remove part of the surface of (the skin)

Question 11

exigent

Answer 11

pressing; demanding

Question 12

haughty

Answer 12

arrogantly superior and disdainful

Question 13

heady

Answer 13

1. having a strong and exhilarating effect

2. (of an alcholic drink) potent; intoxicating

Question 14

imperturbable

Answer 14

unable to be upset or excited; calm

Question 15

implacable

Answer 15

unable to be appeased or placated

Question 16

lambaste

Answer 16

criticize harshly

Question 17

miscreant

Answer 17

a person who has done something wrong or unlawful

Question 18

peccadillo

Answer 18

a relatively minor fault or sin

Question 19

philistine

Answer 19

someone who is hostile or indifferent to culture or the arts

Question 20

relegate

Answer 20

assign an inferior rank or position to

Question 21

repugnant

Answer 21

1. extremely disdainful; unacceptable

2. in conflict or incompatible with

Question 22

squander

Answer 22

1. waste in a reckless or foolish manner

2. allow an opportunity to pass or be lost

Question 23

swindle

Answer 23

to trick someone into giving money or possessions

Question 24

tangible

Answer 24

perceptible to touch; real; clear definite

Question 25

turpitude

Answer 25

depraved or wicked in behavior or character

Question 26

unalloyed

Answer 26

1. (of a metal) not alloyed; pure | 2. (emotions) complete and unreserved

Question 27

undercut

Answer 27

1. offer goods or services at a lower price than a competitor 2. cut or wear away the part below a cliff 3. weaken; undermine

Question 28

wheedle

Answer 28

use flattery or coaxing in order to persuade someone to do something or give something