Magoosh, urch, and NYTIMES vocab Flashcards
Maintain
v
The second definition of this word – and one the new GRE favors – is to assert. One can maintain their innocence. A scientist can maintain that a recent finding support her theory. The latter context is the one you’ll encounter on the GRE.
Egregious
adj
‘Greg’ is the Latin root for flock. At one point egregious meant standing out of the flock a positive way. This definition went out of vogue sometime in the 16th century, after which time egregious was used ironically.
Thus for the last five hundred years, ‘egregious’ meant standing out in a bad way. In sports, an egregious foul would be called on a player who slugged another player (not including hockey, of course).
فاضح , flagrant…. Glaring
erratic
adj
having no fixed course or purpose; irregular; random; wandering
deviating from the normal, conventional, or customary course; eccentric; queer
bleak
adj
Something that is bleak is gloomy and depressing. If it’s raining and dark, you might describe the night as bleak. If you have looked for work and no one will hire you, you could describe your prospects as bleak.
Profuse
adj
Profuse describes a generous person or something that gives freely or in large amounts. (adjective)
An example of profuse used as an adjective is the phrase he is profuse in advice, someone who gives advice to all of their friends.
Plentiful; copious.
Giving or given freely and abundantly; extravagant:
Contentious
adj
This GRE word does not mean content, as you could have probably guessed. It comes from the word contend, which means to argue. If you are contentious, you like to argue.
Contentious is a very common GRE word, so unless you want me to become contentious, memorize it now!
Sedulous
adj
Sedulous describes someone who is diligent, hard working and persistent. (adjective)
I am not quite sure why students can never seem to remember the definition for this word. Perhaps the sed- reminds them of sitting and being idle. To be sedulous, however, is to be anything but idle. If you are sedulously studying for the GRE, you are studying diligently and carefully—making flashcards, writing down important words and formulas, and, of course, checking out the Magoosh blog every day.
stem
v
To stem means to hold back or limit the flow or growth of something. You can stem bleeding, you (can attempt to) stem the tide. Do not stem the flow of vocabulary coursing through your brains. Make sure to use these words whenever you can.
To stem the tide of applications, the prestigious Ivy requires that each applicant score at least 330 on the Revised GRE.
Blinkered
adj
If you blink a lot you are likely to miss something. Indeed, your view would be very limited. Extending this meaning, we get the definition of blinkered: means to have a limited outlook or understanding.
In gambling, the addict is easily blinkered by past successes and/or past failures, forgetting that the outcome of any one game is independent of the games that preceded it.
Check
v
To check something is to stop its growth (similar to stem but with more of a focus on growth than flow). If something is left unchecked, then it grows freely.
Deserted for six months, the property began to look more like a jungle and less like a residence –weeds grew unchecked in the front yard.
Checkered
adj
The meaning of checkered is completely unrelated to the meaning of check above– very tricky, so be sure to know the difference between the two. A checkered past is one that is marked by disreputable happenings.
One by one, the presidential candidates dropped out of the race, their respective checkered pasts – from embezzlement to infidelity – sabotaging their campaigns.
raft
n
A raft is an inflatable boat. It can also mean a large number of something. I know – it doesn’t really make much sense. But a good mnemonic – imagine a large number of rafts and you have a raft of rafts.
Despite a raft of city ordinances passed by an overzealous council, noise pollution continued unabated in the megalopolis.
Involved
adj
We are involved in many things, from studying to socializing. For something to be involved, in terms of the GRE definition, means it is complicated, and difficult to comprehend.
The physics lecture became so involved that the undergraduate’s eyes glazed over.
Expansive
adj
Expansive is all about being able to grow or get larger. An expansive piece of land is large, an expansive mind is one that is always thinking of the big picture, an expansive vocabulary is one that holds lots of words.
Moment
adj
A moment is a point in time. We all know that definition. If something is of moment, it is significant and important (think of the word momentous).
Despite the initial hullabaloo, the play was of no great moment in Hampton’s writing career, and, within a few years, the public quickly forgot his foray into theater arts.
imbibe
v
To imbibe is to take in with the senses or the mind, or to consume something, especially alcohol. (verb)
When you learn something through listening to it and absorbing the information, this is an example of imbibe. When you drink alcohol, this is an example of imbibe.
Inundate
v
Speaking of floods, inundate is a synonym for deluge. Figuratively, to be inundated means to be overwhelmed by too many people or things.
Once inundated with 5,000 vocabulary words, GRE students now have to contend with somewhat fewer words.
The newsroom was inundated with false reports that only made it more difficult for the newscasters to provide an objective account of the bank robbery.
Scintillating
adj
Scintillating describes something fascinating or brilliantly clever. (adjective)
Fast-paced, witty and clever dialogue on a favored TV show is an example of something that would be described as scintillating.
Perpetual
adj
Perpetual describes something that goes on or lasts forever or an extremely long time. (adjective)
An example of perpetual is love between a mother and child.
Contiguous
adj
Contiguous describes two things that are connected or touching along one side. (adjective)
An example of contiguous is how Chile shares a border with Argentina.
Sanctimonious
adj
Sanctimonious involves making a big show about how you are better or morally superior to others. (adjective)
An example of sanctimonious is someone who always goes on and on about how he does tons of charity work and is such a great person.
unanimity
n
The condition of being unanimous.
بالإجماع, متفق عليه بالإجماع
Stifled
v
Stifled means constrained, or smothered or made to be unable to breath, either literally or figuratively. (verb)
When high taxes prevent hiring of new employees, this is an example of when the tax policy stifled the job market. When your significant other is too obsessed with you, calling you and constantly showing up at your house and never letting you pause to take a breath or have any space, this is an example of when you are stifled.
thwart
v
To thwart is to hinder or stop something from happening. (verb)
An example of thwart is when you catch your kids in the process of sneaking out.
benighted
adj
Being called benighted is much like being called naive. It means lacking in knowledge or understanding—the kind you might have if you were older or more sophisticated.
galvanize
v
To galvanize is to inspire or stimulate someone to act, or to apply an electric current. (verb)
When you propose a change to a neighborhood’s bylaws that really angers someone and he begins to protest as a result, this is an example of a situation where you galvanize someone to act.
glutton
n
A glutton is someone who is very eager for something, or who cannot get enough of something, or who eats an excessive amount. (noun)
An example of a glutton is a person who keeps going back for second, third and fourth helpings and who eats way more than his share.
graciousness
n
having or showing kindness, courtesy, charm, etc.
merciful; compassionate
indulgent or polite to those held to be inferiors
characterized by the taste, luxury, and social ease associated with prosperity, education, etc.: gracious living
sui generis
without a counterpart or equal; unique
stratagem
n
A stratagem is a scheme or a clever plot. You can have a stratagem for winning a chess game, getting the girl (or boy), and avoiding a punishment. However, your opponents, crushes, and parents may have a trick or two of their own.
an elaborate or deceitful scheme contrived to deceive or evade
a maneuver in a game or conversation
Raison d’être
n
Raison d’être means your reason for living. (noun)
An example of a raison d’être is what cooking is to you as a professional chef.
cause celebre
n
n an incident that attracts great public attention
clashing
adj
adj sharply and harshly discordant
apt
adj
Something apt is perfectly appropriate, clever and well-suited to the matter at hand. A “Cinderella story” might be an apt metaphor for an underdog team that makes it to the championships.
quirk
n
A quirk is an odd occurrence or a unique and peculiar behavior or characteristic. (noun)
When a strange twist of fate leads you to bump into your old high school sweetheart and you end up getting married, this is an example of a quirk of fate. When you have to do something sort of odd, like spin around twice before sitting in your chair, this is an example of a behavioral quirk.
mooch
n
n someone who mooches or cadges (tries to get something free)
Lofty
adj
Lofty is a good word for describing something that’s high above the ground, or someone who acts like she’s high above everyone else.
Embellishment
n
Embellishment describes fancy details added on to make something look better or nicer, the act of adding such details or the act of stretching the truth of a story to make it sound more exciting. (noun)
An example of embellishment is fringe added to a skirt. An example of embellishment is the act of adding fringe to a skirt. An example of embellishment is a detail added to a story to make it more exciting.
s: hyperbole
Retribution
n
Retribution refers to something done to get back at someone or the act of punishing someone for their actions. (noun)
An example of retribution is when someone gets the death penalty for committing murder.
Something justly deserved; recompense
Opulent
adj
Opulent means displaying or having a lot of wealth. (adjective)
An example of opulent is a stunning castle.
very wealthy or rich
characterized by abundance or profusion; luxuriant
Precious
Adj
Precious means something of great value or that is greatly loved. (adjective)
An example of precious is priceless jewelry.
An example of precious is your spouse.
dear, beloved
Booming
adj
Improving, growing, or succeeding steadily
Inexorable
adj
Inexorable describes a stubborn or inflexible person or a situation that cannot be changed. (adjective)
An example of inexorable is someone who won’t change their opinion even after their opinion has been proven wrong.
Amused
adj, v
Amused describes something or someone who is watching or hearing something that makes them happy. (adjective)
Someone who is laughing out loud is an example of someone who is amused.
Amused means you made someone cheerful or joyful. (verb)
A clown that made children squeal with delight is an example of a clown that amused children.
parody
n
A parody is an imitation of something, particularly literature or a film, that is meant to make fun of it. (noun)
An example of parody is the film Scary Movie.
Traipse
v
Traipse is to walk about without purpose or to walk about in a tired and reluctant way. (verb)
When people are wandering in and out of a room without any real reason to do so, this is an example of a time when theytraipse around.
When you are on a hike and are tired and have a heavy backpack to carry and you walk without much energy or desire to go any further, this is an example of a time when youtraipse on.
adjournment
n
adjournment
n the termination of a meeting Synonyms: dissolution Type of: conclusion, ending, termination the act of ending something n the act of postponing to another time or place
ponder
v
The definition of ponder is to carefully think about something. (verb)
An example of to ponder is the action shown by the statue, The Thinker, by Rodin.
Anonymity
n
Anonymity is the quality of being unknown. (noun)
An author who is not releasing his name is an example of maintaining of someone maintaining anonymity.
stopgap
n
A stopgap is a temporary substitute. (noun) An example of a stopgap is a person teaching a class for a few weeks while the regular teacher is absent.
Stopgap means used as a substitute. (adjective)
An example of stopgap used as an adjective is in the phrase “stopgap gas supply,” which means a temporary gas supply.
Anonymous
n
Anonymous means of unknown name or origin. (adjective)
An author who does not put his name on his books is an example of someone who is anonymous.
Espionage
v
Espionage is the act of spying or the use of spies by a government or a company. (verb)
An example of espionage is when a spy infiltrates the government of another country to learn valuable state secrets.
Sabotage
n
Sabotage means an intentional destruction of something. (noun)
An example of sabotage is the ruining of another student’s science fair project so that they cannot win.
Sabotage means to intentionally destroy something. (verb)
An example of sabotage is to ruin a relationship by falsely telling the girl that her boyfriend is cheating.
proselytizer
v
proselytizer
to try to convert (a person), especially to one’s religion, verb
to persuade to do or join something, especially by offering an inducement
emeritus
adj
An emeritus is a retired college professor or minister. When a professor stops teaching, she might be given the title of emeritus, which basically means she can still be remembered as a successful professor
crusade
n, v
If you go on a crusade against vegetables, you are waging a long-term battle against leafy greens. A crusade is a passionate struggle against something or someone.
gist
n
The gist if the main point. (noun)
An example of gist is when you sum up in one sentence what someone has just said to you. An example of gist is the legal grounds for a lawsuit.
liaison
n
The definition of liaison is a meeting in secret. (noun)
An example of liaison is a couple secretly meeting at a hotel.
Liaison means someone who links people. (noun)
An example of a liaison is an ambassador who communicates between two countries politically.
Jaded
adj
Jaded means worn out or dulled over time or by experience. (adjective)
An example of jaded is a student who has failed so many tests that he no longer cares about school at a
Solace
n
If something eases your disappointment or grief, consider it a solace. If you’re sad, you might find solace in music or in talking to your friends.
Palimpsest
n
Palimpsest refers to a parchment manuscript that has been modified or changed but that still has traces of its original writing. (noun)
A heavily-edited version of an old manuscript is an example of palimpsest
defenestrate
v
The verb defenestrate describes throwing someone or something out of a window. People who defenestrate gum wrappers and other small things out of car windows may not think they are littering, but they are.
scrupulous
adj
extremely careful to do the precisely right, proper, or correct thing in every last detail; most punctilious
showing extreme care, precision, and punctiliousness
extremely conscientious
full of scruples; hesitant, doubtful, or uneasy, esp. constantly and obsessively, in deciding what is morally right or wrong
Unsound
adj
Sorry to have to disabuse you, but the meaning of this word is not a deafening silence. Unsound relates to the adjective sound, which means reasonable, based on solid judgment. Thus, unsound means not using good sense/judgment. Running across thin ice in nothing but socks is clearly unsound. As is taking the GRE without any prep.
Opulent
adj
Opulent means displaying or having a lot of wealth. (adjective)
An example of opulent is a stunning castle.
gobsmacked
adj
adj utterly astounded
Synonyms
surprised
Choleric
adj
Choleric means easily becoming angry. (adjective)
An example of someone choleric is a teacher who becomes enraged over tiny mistakes.
Dogged
adj
Dogged means stubborn, persistent and not giving up easily. (adjective)
An example of a dogged person is someone who will never even listen to the other side of the story in a debat
Unsound
adj
Sorry to have to disabuse you, but the meaning of this word is not a deafening silence. Unsound relates to the adjective sound, which means reasonable, based on solid judgment. Thus, unsound means not using good sense/judgment. Running across thin ice in nothing but socks is clearly unsound. As is taking the GRE without any prep.
Opulent
adj
Opulent means displaying or having a lot of wealth. (adjective)
An example of opulent is a stunning castle.
gobsmacked
adj
adj utterly astounded
Synonyms
surprised
Choleric
adj
Choleric means easily becoming angry. (adjective)
An example of someone choleric is a teacher who becomes enraged over tiny mistakes.
Dogged
adj
Dogged means stubborn, persistent and not giving up easily. (adjective)
An example of a dogged person is someone who will never even listen to the other side of the story in a debat
squirm
v
To squirm is to wiggle or fidget, especially when you do so because you are nervous or uncomfortable. (verb)
When you wiggle around in your seat because you are anxious about what is coming next, this is an example of squirm.
Zing
n, v
Zing is vigor or vitality, or a humming or buzzing that passes by quickly and is high-pitched. (noun)
An example of zing is a senior who gets up at 5 a.m. everyday and takes a walk; he has zing.
An example of a zing is a quick and shrill cry of a bird.
Zing means to move swiftly, particularly if making a high-pitched buzzing sound, or to criticize someone. (verb)
An example of to zing is to race by someone really quickly.
An example of to zing is to make fun of someone’s personality.
prestidigitation
Prestidigitation is the process of doing a magic trick by hand, also called “sleight of hand.”
Performance of or skill in performing magic or conjuring tricks with the hands; sleight of hand.
A show of skill or deceitful cleverness.
touché
Used to acknowledge a hit in fencing or a successful criticism or an effective point in argument.
bona fide
adj
Bona fide means real or done honestly. (adjective)
An example of bona fide used as an adjective is in the phrase “a bona fide artifact from the Civil War,” which means a real artifact from the Civil Wa
disposition
n
Disposition is an arrangement of people or things or putting something in order. (noun)
An example of disposition is a row of plants.
Disposition is a tendency. (noun)
An example of disposition is someone who leans toward being happy.
bigot
N
a person who holds blindly and intolerantly to a particular creed, opinion, etc.
a narrow-minded, prejudiced person
pretentious
ADJ
Pretentious describes someone or something that claims to be very important or grand. (adjective)
An example of pretentious is someone saying they deserve a table in a crowded restaurant because of who they are.
tergiversate
V
To tergiversate is to often change your mind about a subject or cause, or to change your alliances. (verb)
An example of to tergiversate is for a politician to change political parties and denounce a bill that they once helped to pass.
to desert a cause, party, etc.; become a renegade مرتد; apostatize خائن to use evasions or subterfuge; equivocate
rhyming slang
ناظم العامية
fiancé
N
A fiance is a male who is engaged to be wed. (noun)
An example of a fiance is a man whose girlfriend just said “yes” to a marriage proposal.
rhetoric
n
Rhetoric is the art of using words well when speaking or writing. (noun)
An example of rhetoric is when a politician can describe a problem and make it sound like it is not a problem. An example of rhetoric is a insincere offer by someone to do something.
n using language effectively to please or persuade
hegemony
n
Hegemony is political or cultural dominance or authority over others. The hegemony of the popular kids over the other students means that they determine what is and is not cool.
milieu
n
Milieu is a French word that means a social environment or setting. (noun)
An example of milieu is the Champs-Elysees in Paris.
dudgeon
n
anger or resentment: now chiefly in the phrase , very angry, offended, or resentful
ratiocination
n
Take your time and think things through logically. That’s what it means to use ratiocination to solve a problem.
ratiocinate, the verb:
v reason methodologically and logically
to think or argue logically; reason
Prominence
n
Prominence describes the state of being important, being famous or being obvious. (noun)
When an artist becomes famous and well-known, this is an example of prominence. When a mountain is higher than the mountains around it, this is an example of prominen
Legerdemain
n
Legerdemain refers to trickery or magic, or using your hands skillfully to perform tricks. (noun)
When a magician is quick with his hands and is able to deceive you into believing he is making magic, this is an example of legerdemain.
pry
v
To pry is to try and find something out that is none of your business. We all hate people who pry, sticking their nose into our personal affairs, and it is an annoying and disrespectful habit.
be nosey, فضولي
stymied
The verb stymie means to obstruct or hinder. Constantly texting with your friends will stymie your effort to finish your homework.
n a thwarting and distressing situation
foreclose
v
keep from happening or arising; make impossible
to shut out; exclude; bar
to extinguish the right to redeem (a mortgage) by foreclosure
to deprive (a mortgagor) of this right by foreclosure
to hinder or prevent
to claim exclusively
Disburse
v
Disburse means to pay or give out. (verb)
An example of disburse is for a company to send out paychecks at the end of the month.
Ecstatic
adj
Ecstatic means in a state of great delight or joy. (adjective)
An example of ecstatic is the feeling a couple has when their first child is born.
eyesore
a thing that is unpleasant to look at
Affront
n, v
An affront is an action that causes offense. If someone blows smoke in your face after you’ve asked him to put out his cigarette, you would consider it an affront.
unconventional
adj
Unconventional describes someone or something that deviates from the norm or accepted standard. (adjective)
Choosing to home school your child instead of sending him or her to school is an example of an unconventional schooling choice that is different from the norm.
jumbled
مضطرب, مختلط, مخلبط
Effusive
n
Effusive describes something or someone showing unrestrained emotion or thankfulness. (noun)
An example of effusive is when you are so grateful and happy that you hug someone and thank them many times.
Foster
v
Foster means to promote or encourage or to raise a child who is not one’s biological or adoptive child. (verb)
An example of foster is to help a new company campaign grow. An example of foster is to take in a child from an orphanage until permanent parents adopt him
Incessant
adj
Incessant means continuing without stopping. (adjective)
An example of incessant is the chirping of birds that lasts all morning., Constant.
factotum
n
A factotum is a person hired to perform an assortment of jobs. (noun)
An example of a factotum is a personal assistant.
Pandemonium
n
Pandemonium means a place with chaos, noise and confusion. (noun), Uproar
An example of pandemonium is the arena full of the fans whose team has just won the Superbowl for the first time in 12 years.
indemnify
v
To indemnify is to protect against loss, injury or damage or to pay someone for a loss they suffered. (verb)
An example of indemnify is when your insurance provider pays you for the repair of damage to your car.
Halcyon
adj
Halcyon describes an idealized, idyllic or peaceful time. (adjective)
An example of something you would describe as halcyon is the long, lazy and peaceful days of summer vacation.
Calm and peaceful; tranquil.
Prosperous
adj
Prosperous describes someone or something exhibiting financial success. (adjective)
An example of someone who would be described as prosperous is a millionaire.
gasconade
boastful or blustering talk
bravado
n
pretended courage or defiant confidence when one is really afraid
An example of bravado is showing false confidence while interviewing for a job for which you are unqualified.
Macabre
adj
Macabre describes something gruesome, shocking or horrifying. (adjective)
motif
n
A motif is a primary or recurring theme. (noun)
An example of a motif is a house decorated with the theme of horses.
Comradery
n
Comradery is a caring and cheerful way that friends treat each other. Commonly spelled camaraderie. (noun)
An example of comradery is a group of men getting together to play cards and drink beer together
Bureaucracy
n
Bureaucracy means government workers, or a group that makes official decisions following an established process. (noun)
An example of a bureaucracy is the staff that runs a city hall.
Bureaucracy means working in a way that has many steps to complete a task and very strict order and rules. (noun)
An example of a bureaucracy is the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Fascism
n
Fascism is a system of government where a dictator has complete control, violence is used, and racism is involved. (noun)
An example of fascism is the government led by Benito Mussolini in Italy.
Illicit
adj
Illicit describes something illegal, forbidden or culturally taboo. (adjective)
An example of illicit is the use of illegal drugs.
err
v
To err is to make a mistake or to do something wrong. (verb)
When you add 2+2 and get 5, this is an example of a situation where you err.
Immaculate
adj R
Immaculate describes someone or something that is free from mistakes, absolutely clean and without sin. (adjective)
An example of immaculate is a test where a person got every answer correct. An example of immaculate is a house that has been cleaned so it is spic and span with no dirt anywhere. An example oif immaculate is the conception that resulted in the birth of Jesus Christ.
tantrum
n
A tantrum is a fit of anger or frustration. (noun)
An example of a tantrum is a child throwing themselves on the floor when they don’t get what they want.
osculate
v
To osculate is to kiss or touch with your lips. If you osculate your dog on the mouth, some of your family members will laugh while others will be disgusted.
transcend
v
v be greater in scope or size than some standard
v be superior or better than some standard
Overcome
Tantamount
adj
Tantamount describes something akin to or virtually the same as. (adjective)
An example of tantamount is when an omission is viewed as the same thing as a lie.
threshold
n
A threshold is the entrance or start of something. (noun)
An example of threshold is the doorway of a house. An example of threshold is the transition from high school to college.
whim
n
A whim is a sudden desire to do something that wasn’t planned. (noun)
An example of a whim is when you suddenly decide to go to Atlantic City on the spur of the moment because you feel like gambling.
caprice
Superb
adj
Superb means excellent or splendid رائع .(adjective)
A really beautiful painting is an example of something that would be described as superb.
Bucolic
adj
Bucolic describes people or things related to the country or to the country life. (adjective)
An example of something that would be described as bucolic is a farmhouse in the country.