GRE Words Definitions and Context Flashcards
To reduce in amount, degree, or severity
ABATE - As the hurricane’s force ABATED the winds dropped and the sea became calm.
To leave secretly
ABSCOND - The patron ABSCONDED from the restaurant without paying his bill by sneaking out the back door.
To choose not to do something
ABSTAIN - she ABSTAINED from choosing a mouthwatering dessert from the tray.
To make impure
ADULTERATE - the chef made his ketchup last longer by ADULTERATING it with water.
To speak in favor of
ADVOCATE - the vegetarian ADVOCATED a diet containing no meat
Concerning the appreciation of beauty
AESTHETIC - followers of the AESTHETIC Movement regarded the pursuit of beauty as the only true purpose of art
To increase in power, influence, and reputation
AGGRANDIZE - the supervisor sought to AGGRANDIZE herself by claiming that the achievements of her staff were actually her own.
To make more bearable
ALLEVIATE - Taking aspirin helps to ALLEVIATE a headache.
To combine, or mix together
AMALGAMATE - giant industries AMALGAMATE with mega products to form Giant-mega Products incorporated.
To combine; to mix together
AMBIGUOUS - The directions she gave were so AMBIGUOUS that we disagreed on which way to turn.
To make better; to improve
AMELIORATE - The doctor was able to AMELIORATE the patient’s suffering using painkillers.
Something out of place in time
ANACHRONISM - The aged hippie used anachronistic phrases like groovy and far out that had not been popular for years.
Similar or alike in some way; equivalent to
ANALOGOUS
A deviation from what is normal
ANOMALY
to annoy or provoke to anger
ANTAGONIZE
extreme dislike
ANTIPATHY
Lack of emotion or interest
APATHY
To judge a dispute between two opposing parties.
ARBITRATE
Ancient, old fashion
ARCHAIC
Intense and passionate feeling
ARDOR
Able to speak clearly and expressively
ARTICULATE
To make something unpleasant less severe
ASSUAGE
To reduce in force or degree; to weaken
ATTENUATED - the bill of rights ATTENUATED the traditional power of governments to change laws at will.
fearless and daring
AUDACIOUS
