Top GRE words "C" & "D" Flashcards
CANDID
Impartial and honest in speech
Ex: the observations of a child can be charming since they are CANDID and unpretentious
CACOPHONY
Harsh, jarring noise
Ex: the junior high orchestra created an almost unbearable CACOPHONY as they tried to tune their instruments
CAPRICIOUS
Changing one’s mind quickly and often
Ex: Queen Elizabeth was quite CAPRICIOUS; her courtiers could never be sure which of their number would catch her fancy
CATALYST
Something that brings about a change in something
Ex: The imposition of harsh taxes was the CATALYST that brought on the revolution
CAUSTIC
Biting in wit
Ex: Dorothy Parker gained her reputation for CAUSTIC wit from her cutting, yet clever, insults
CHAUVINIST
Someone prejudiced in favor of a group to which he or she belongs
Ex: the attitude that men are inherently superior than women and therefore must be obeyed is common among male CHAUVINISTS
CHICANERY
Deception by means of craft or guile
Ex: dishonest used car salespeople often use CHICANERY to sell their beat-up old cars
COGENT
Convincing and well reasoned
Ex: Swayed by the COGENT argument of the defense, the jury had no choice but to acquit the defendant.
CONDONE
To overlook, pardon, or disregard
Ex: Some theorist believe that failing to prosecute minor crimes is the same as CONDONING an air of lawlessness
CONVOLUTED
Intricate and complicated.
Ex: Although many people bought “A brief history or time”, few could follow its CONVULATED ideas and theories
CREDULOUS
Too trusting; gullible
Ex: Although some four-year-old believe in the Easter Bunny, only the most CREDULOUS nine-year-olds still believe in him.
CRESCENDO
Steadily increasing volume or force.
Ex: The CRESCENDO of tension became unbearable as Evil Knievel prepared to jump his motorcycle over the school buses.
DEFERENCE
Respect, courtesy
Ex: The respectful young law clerk treated the Supreme Court Justice with the upmost DEFERENCE.
DERIDE
To speak of or treat with contempt; to mock.
Ex: the awkward child was often DERIDED by his cooler peers.
DESULTORY
Jumping from one thing to another; disconnected
Ex: Diane has a DESULTORY academic record; she had changed majors 12 times in three years.
DIATRIBE
An abusive, condemnatory speech.
Ex: The trucker bellowed a DIATRIBE at the driver who cut him off.
DIFFIDENT
Lacking self-confidence.
Ex: Steve’s DIFFIDENT manner during the job interview stemmed from his nervous nature and lack of experience in the field.
DILATORY
Intended to delay.
Ex: The congressman used DILATORY measures to delays the passage of the bill.
DILETTANTE
Someone with amateurish and superficial interest in a topic.
Ex: Jerry’s friends were such DILETTANTES that they seemed to have new jobs and hobbies every week.
DIRGE
A funeral hymn or mournful speech.
Ex: Melville wrote a poem “A DIRGE for James McPherson” for the funeral of a Union general who was killed in 1864
DISABUSE
To set right; to free from error.
Ex: Galileo’s observations DISABUSE scholar from the notion that the sun revolved around the earth.
DISSEMBLE
To present a false appearance; to disguise one’s real intentions or character.
Ex: The villain could DISSEMBLE to the police no longer- he admitted the deed and tore up the floor to reveal the body of the old man.
DUPE
To deceive; a person who is easily deceived.
Ex: Bugs bunny was able to DUPE Elmer Fudd by dressing up as a lady rabbit.
