Galvanize Test Prep's GRE Word List #2

VOCABULARY LISTS
Galvanize Test Prep's GRE Word List #1

May 11, 2015 By Galvanize Test Prep (India)
The rst set of VERY EASY words to boost your con dence when you begin your GRE prep.
stance
a rationalized mental attitude
malice
feeling a need to see others su er
unruly
unable to be governed or controlled
moot
of no legal signi cance, as having been previously decided
spate
a sudden forceful ow
exhort
spur on or encourage especially by cheers and shouts
evince
give expression to
daunt
cause to lose courage
lament
a cry of sorrow and grief
naive
marked by or showing una ected simplicity
jargon
technical terminology characteristic of a particular subject
sullen
showing a brooding ill humor
elated
exultantly proud and joyful; in high spirits
ckle
liable to sudden unpredictable change
snub
refuse to acknowledge
opine
express one's view openly and without fear or hesitation
dearth
an insu cient quantity or number
legacy
a gift of personal property by will
voiced
produced with vibration of the vocal cords
serene
not agitated
avid
marked by active interest and enthusiasm
smug
marked by excessive complacency or self-satisfaction
putt
strike a golf ball lightly
diva
a distinguished female operatic singer
bungle
make a mess of, destroy, or ruin
defy
resist or confront with resistance
locale
the scene of any event or action
elicit
call forth, as an emotion, feeling, or response
meager
de cient in amount or quality or extent
censor
a person authorized to suppress unacceptable material
malady
impairment of normal physiological function
waver
pause or hold back in uncertainty or unwillingness
accede
yield to another's wish or opinion
ornate
marked by complexity and richness of detail
demure
shy or modest, often in a playful or provocative way
lowly
low or inferior in station or quality
fauna
all the animal life in a particular region or period
muted
in a softened tone
rebuke
an act or expression of criticism and censure
errant
straying from the right course or from accepted standards
anemic
relating to or having a de ciency of red blood cells
dupe
fool or hoax
peruse
examine or consider with attention and in detail
derive
come from
lull
make calm or still
futile
producing no result or e ect
entail
have as a logical consequence
shun
avoid and stay away from deliberately
entice
provoke someone to do something through persuasion
pique
a sudden outburst of anger
zealot
a fervent and even militant proponent of something
banish
expel, as if by o cial decree
taxing
not easily borne; wearing
lure
provoke someone to do something through persuasion
inert
unable to move or resist motion
aloof
remote in manner
hamper
prevent the progress or free movement of
ample
more than enough in size or scope or capacity
melee
a noisy riotous ght
spurn
reject with contempt
benign
kind in disposition or manner
terse
brief and to the point
feeble
pathetically lacking in force or e ectiveness
zenith
the point above the observer directly opposite the nadir
murky
clouded as with sediment
forego
do without or cease to hold or adhere to
morose
detest
dislike intensely
bereft
sorrowful through loss or deprivation
thwart
hinder or prevent, as an e ort, plan, or desire
guise
an artful or simulated semblance
avert
turn away or aside
sordid
foul and run-down and repulsive
brazen
unrestrained by convention or propriety
goad
stab or urge on as if with a pointed stick
out
treat with contemptuous disregard
robust
sturdy and strong in form, constitution, or construction
impede
be a hindrance or obstacle to
bleak
unpleasantly cold and damp
enmity
a state of deep-seated ill-will
docile
easily handled or managed
onus
a burdensome or di cult concern
glib
artfully persuasive in speech
sooth
truth or reality
savvy
the ability to shrewdly understand or judge things
jovial
full of or showing high-spirited merriment
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VOCABULARY LISTS

The second set of VERY EASY words to boost your con dence when you begin your GRE prep
radical
far beyond the norm
coherent
marked by an orderly and consistent relation of parts
dubious
fraught with uncertainty or doubt
eeting
lasting for a markedly brief time
prowess
a superior skill learned by study and practice
reliant
depending on another for support
purport
have the often specious appearance of being or intending
irritant
something that causes discomfort and annoyance
intrepid
invulnerable to fear or intimidation
meander
move or cause to move in a sinuous or circular course
supplant
take the place or move into the position of
paucity
an insu cient quantity or number
laudable
worthy of high praise
chronic
long-lasting or characterized by long su ering
optimum
most desirable possible under a restriction
invasive
gradually intrusive without right or permission
contend
compete for something
respite
a pause from doing something
ssure
a long narrow depression in a surface
unravel
become or cause to become undone by separating the bers of
callous
emotionally hardened
inequity
injustice by virtue of not conforming with standards
a able
di using warmth and friendliness
espouse
choose and follow a theory, idea, policy, etc.
perturb
disturb in mind or make uneasy or cause to be worried
debacle
a sudden and complete disaster
inherent
existing as an essential constituent or characteristic
obscure
not clearly understood or expressed
anomaly
deviation from the normal or common order or form or rule
dormant
inactive but capable of becoming active
blatant
without any attempt at concealment; completely obvious
menacing
threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments
indigent
poor enough to need help from others
applaud
clap one's hands or shout to indicate approval
opulent
rich and superior in quality
preempt
acquire for oneself before others can do so
squander
spend thoughtlessly; throw away
belittle
cause to seem less serious
decorum
propriety in manners and conduct
adverse
in an opposing direction
catalyst
substance that initiates or accelerates a chemical reaction
a uent
having an abundant supply of money or possessions of value
erratic
uncanny
surpassing the ordinary or normal
replete
lled to satisfaction with food or drink
succinct
brie y giving the gist of something
buttress
a support usually of stone or brick
retract
formally reject or disavow
sonorous
full and loud and deep
condone
excuse, overlook, or make allowances for
besiege
surround so as to force to give up
de ect
turn from a straight course or xed direction
secular
someone who is not a clergyman or a professional person
infusion
the act of introducing a modifying element or quality
simulate
reproduce someone's behavior or looks
discreet
marked by prudence or modesty and wise self-restraint
dynamism
any of the various theories or doctrines or philosophical systems that attempt to
explain the phenomena of the universe in terms of some immanent force or
energy
nascent
being born or beginning
evasive
avoiding or escaping from di culty or danger
confound
be confusing or perplexing to
skeptic
someone who habitually doubts accepted beliefs
reinvent
bring back into existence
vanquish
defeat in a competition, race, or con ict
ruinous
extremely harmful; bringing catastrophe
degrade
reduce in worth or character, usually verbally
implicit
suggested though not directly expressed
martial
suggesting war or military life
mundane
found in the ordinary course of events
discord
lack of agreement or harmony
austere
of a stern or strict bearing or demeanor
pristine
immaculately clean and unused
forfeit
lose the right to or lose by some error, o ense, or crime
rea rm
assert once again
succumb
consent reluctantly
inimical
not friendly
concoct
make something by mixing
sameness
the quality of being alike
timeless
una ected by the continuum from the past to the future
nominal
relating to or constituting or bearing or giving a name
eminent
standing above others in quality or position
prevail
be larger in number, quantity, power, status or importance
emulate
strive to equal or match, especially by imitating
diligent
quietly and steadily persevering in detail or exactness
abreast
alongside each other, facing in the same direction
vehement
marked by extreme intensity of emotions or convictions
avarice
reprehensible acquisitiveness; insatiable desire for wealth
repress
conceal or hide
dissuade
turn away from by persuasion
unguided
not subject to guidance or control after launching
sanction
o cial permission or approval
tri ing
not worth considering
manifest
clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment
vitality
the property of being able to survive and grow
redress
make reparations or amends for
intrigue
a crafty and involved plot to achieve your ends
bolster
support and strengthen
acclaim
enthusiastic approval
arduous
characterized by e ort to the point of exhaustion
appraise
consider in a comprehensive way
gullible
naive and easily deceived or tricked
abysmal
so deep as to be immeasurable
braggart
a very boastful and talkative person
scathing
marked by harshly abusive criticism
truncate
make shorter as if by cutting o
discrete
constituting a separate entity or part
credible
capable of being believed
sporadic
recurring in scattered or unpredictable instances
elevate
raise from a lower to a higher position
amiable
sojourn
a temporary stay
audacity
aggressive boldness or unmitigated e rontery
insolent
marked by casual disrespect
misnomer
an incorrect or unsuitable name
foretell
foreshadow or presage
agonize
su er anguish
scu e
ght or struggle in a confused way at close quarters
humdrum
tediously repetitious or lacking in variety
advocate
a person who pleads for a person, cause, or idea
elusive
skillful at evading capture
pivotal
being of crucial importance
altruism
the quality of unsel sh concern for the welfare of others
colossal
so great in size or force or extent as to elicit awe
endorse
approve of
sound
mechanical vibrations transmitted by an elastic medium
oblige
force somebody to do something
appease
make peace with
admonish
scold or reprimand; take to task
brandish
move or swing back and forth
secrete
generate and separate from cells or bodily uids
illicit
contrary to accepted morality or convention

VOCABULARY LISTS

The third set of VERY EASY words to boost your con dence when you begin your GRE prep
contemporary
occurring in the same period of time
implication
something that is inferred
authoritarian
characteristic of an absolute ruler or absolute rule
intermittent
stopping and starting at irregular intervals
discriminate
marked by the ability to see or make ne distinctions
visionary
a person with unusual powers of foresight
incessant
uninterrupted in time and inde nitely long continuing
steadfast
marked by rm determination or resolution; not shakable
implausible
highly imaginative but unlikely
malevolent
wishing or appearing to wish evil to others
preemptive
designed to prevent an anticipated situation or occurrence
apolitical
neutral with regards to government policy
repentant
feeling or expressing remorse for misdeeds
supersede
take the place or move into the position of
miscreant
a person without moral scruples
peripheral
on or near an edge or constituting an outer boundary
desensitize
cause to be less responsive to or a ected by something
homogenous
all of the same or similar kind or nature
lethargic
de cient in alertness or activity
consensus
agreement in the judgment reached by a group as a whole
complementary
acting as a part that completes another part
questionable
subject to doubtful speculation
disregard
lack of attention and due care
detrimental
causing harm or injury
corollary
an inference following from the proof of another proposition
destitute
poor enough to need help from others
eradicate
destroy completely, as if down to the roots
unscrupulous
without principles
inadvertent
happening by chance or unexpectedly or unintentionally
implacable
incapable of being appeased or paci ed
malleable
capable of being shaped or bent
dispassionate
una ected by strong emotion or prejudice
chivalrous
attentive and honorable like an ideal knight
understate
represent as less signi cant or important
stingy
unwilling to spend
perpetuate
cause to continue or prevail
sustenance
the act of providing a means of subsistence or survival
humor
a message that has the power to evoke laughter
lucrative
producing a sizeable pro t
aesthetic
characterized by an appreciation of beauty or good taste
ambiguous
having more than one possible meaning
conspicuous
obvious to the eye or mind
melancholy
a constitutional tendency to be gloomy and depressed
stringent
demanding strict attention to rules and procedures
cosmopolitan
composed of people from many parts of the world
extraneous
not belonging to that in which it is contained
inevitability
the quality of being unavoidable
colloquial
characteristic of informal spoken language or conversation
undecided
characterized by indecision
omnipresent
existing everywhere at once
congregate
come together, usually for a purpose
circumvent
surround so as to force to give up
disheartened
made less hopeful or enthusiastic
uncritically
in an uncritical manner
perplexing
lacking clarity of meaning
synchronous
occurring or existing at the same time
hypocrite
a person who professes beliefs that he or she does not hold
arbitrary
based on or subject to individual discretion or preference
pragmatic
concerned with practical matters
susceptibility
the state of being easily a ected
designate
design or destine
exemplary
worthy of imitation
negligent
characterized by undue lack of attention or concern
frivolous
not serious in content or attitude or behavior
impediment
something immaterial that interferes with action or progress
contemptuous
expressing extreme scorn
obsolescence
falling into disuse or becoming out of date
commendable
worthy of high praise
enumerate
specify individually
inarticulate
without or deprived of the use of speech or words
spendthrift
someone who spends money freely or wastefully
un t
below the required standards for a purpose
bene cent
doing or producing good
synonymous
meaning the same or nearly the same
hypothesis
a tentative insight that is not yet veri ed or tested
qualitative
involving distinguishing attributes
valuation
an appraisal of the value of something
adherence
the property or act of sticking together
sentimental
marked by tender, romantic, or nostalgic emotion
eccentric
conspicuously or grossly unconventional or unusual
remuneration
paying for goods or services or to recompense for losses
conducive
tending to bring about; being partly responsible for
inconclusive
not putting an end to doubt or question
obstinate
marked by tenacious unwillingness to yield
indisputable
not open to question; obviously true
forthright
directly and without evasion; not roundabout
egocentric
limited to or caring only about yourself and your own needs
extrapolate
draw from speci c cases for more general cases
embellish
make more attractive, as by adding ornament or color
rejuvenate
make younger or more youthful
orthodoxy
the quality of adhering to what is commonly accepted
bifurcate
split or divide into two
synthesize
combine and form a complex whole
illustrious
widely known and esteemed
seemingly
from appearances alone
indi erent
marked by a lack of interest
presumption
a premise that is taken for granted
materialism
a desire for wealth and possessions
indeterminate
not xed or known in advance
foresight
seeing ahead; knowing in advance; foreseeing
underscore
give extra weight to
impervious
not admitting of passage or capable of being a ected
insolvent
unable to meet or discharge nancial obligations
whimsical
determined by chance or impulse rather than by necessity
implicate
bring into intimate and incriminating connection
jeopardize
pose a threat to; present a danger to
oratorical
characteristic of an orator or oratory
refreshingly
in a pleasantly novel manner
oscillate
move or swing from side to side regularly
retrospect
contemplation of things past
thoroughgoing
performed comprehensively and completely
immaterial
lacking importance; not mattering one way or the other
intrinsic
belonging to a thing by its very nature
equitable
fair to all parties as dictated by reason and conscience
apprehension
fearful expectation or anticipation
stylistic
of or relating to style (especially in the use of language)
stereotype
a conventional or formulaic conception or image
expansive
able or tending to extend in one or more directions
unwitting
not aware or knowing
uncompromising
not making concessions
unmistakable
clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment
omniscient
in nitely wise
antiquated
so extremely old as seeming to belong to an earlier period
impermeable
preventing especially liquids to pass or di use through
credit
an estimate of ability to ful ll nancial commitments
disintegrate
break into parts or components or lose cohesion or unity
undiminished
not lessened
overshadow
cast a shadow upon
reverence
a feeling of profound respect for someone or something
impartial
free from undue bias or preconceived opinions
autonomous
existing as an independent entity
articulate
express or state clearly
discrepancy
a di erence between con icting facts or claims or opinions
redundant
more than is needed, desired, or required
momentary
lasting for a markedly brief time
incompetence
lack of physical or intellectual ability or quali cations
allegation
a formal accusation against somebody
industrious
characterized by hard work and perseverance
mercenary
a person hired to ght for another country than their own
exorbitant
greatly exceeding bounds of reason or moderation
duplicity
the act of deceiving or acting in bad faith
adulation
exaggerated attery or praise
unprincipled
lacking moral scruples
reinterpret
understand from a di erent viewpoint
palatable
acceptable to the taste or mind
scintillate
emit or re ect light in a ickering manner
transcend
go beyond the scope or limits of
impeccable
without fault or error
compatible
able to exist and perform in harmonious combination
indicative
pointing out or revealing clearly
prophetic
foretelling events as if by supernatural intervention
startling
so remarkably di erent or sudden as to cause momentary shock or alarm
predicament
an unpleasant or di cult situation
a liate
join in a social or business relationship
semblance
an outward appearance that is deliberately misleading
animosity
a feeling of ill will arousing active hostility
tyrannical
melodramatic
having excitement and emotional appeal
relinquish
turn away from; give up
chauvinism
fanatical patriotism
foolhardy
marked by de ant disregard for danger or consequences
resurgent
rising again as to new life and vigor
disbelieve
reject as false; refuse to accept
penultimate
next to the last
scrupulous
characterized by extreme care and great e ort
transitory
lasting a very short time
laborious
characterized by e ort to the point of exhaustion
variability
the quality of being subject to change
pervasive
spreading or spread throughout
precursor
something indicating the approach of something or someone
impending
close in time; about to occur
practicable
capable of being done with means at hand
subversion
the act of overthrowing or destroying, as a government
encompass
include in scope
proponent
a person who pleads for a cause or propounds an idea
convoluted
highly complex or intricate
understatement
something said in a restrained way for ironic contrast
discredit
the state of being held in low esteem
diabolical
showing cunning or ingenuity or wickedness
inestimable
beyond calculation or measure
corroborate
give evidence for
unveri able
(of e.g. evidence) not objective or easily veri ed
perennial
lasting an inde nitely long time
scrutinize
examine carefully for accuracy
haphazard
dependent upon or characterized by chance
layperson
someone who is not a clergyman or a professional person

VOCABULARY LISTS

The rst set of EASY words to warm up your GRE prep. This list is a MUST-DO for all GRE test takers.
ux
a state of constant change
axiom
a proposition that is not susceptible of proof or disproof
quail
small gallinaceous game birds
refute
overthrow by argument, evidence, or proof
oust
remove from a position or o ce
knell
the sound of a bell rung slowly to announce a death
renege
fail to ful ll a promise or obligation
demise
the time when something ends
acquit
pronounce not guilty of criminal charges
broach
bring up a topic for discussion
herald
a person who announces important news
apathy
an absence of emotion or enthusiasm
clout
(boxing) a blow with the st
elude
escape, either physically or mentally
hotly
in a heated manner
belie
be in contradiction with
debunk
expose while ridiculing
deter
turn away from by persuasion
acumen
shrewdness shown by keen insight
cache
a hidden storage space
patron
someone who supports or champions something
defer
yield to another's wish or opinion
wanton
a lewd or lascivious person
abate
become less in amount or intensity
tepid
moderately warm
stolid
having or revealing little emotion or sensibility
revile
spread negative information about
veneer
coating consisting of a thin layer of wood
adage
a condensed but memorable saying embodying an important fact
rout
an overwhelming defeat
innate
present at birth but not necessarily hereditary
garner
assemble or get together
heyday
the period of greatest prosperity or productivity
nuance
a subtle di erence in meaning or opinion or attitude
amulet
a trinket thought to be a magical protection against evil
assail
attack someone physically or emotionally
aplomb
great coolness and composure under strain
vexing
extremely annoying or displeasing
adroit
quick or skillful or adept in action or thought
rustic
characteristic of rural life
myriad
a large inde nite number
stoic
seeming una ected by pleasure or pain; impassive
inept
generally incompetent and ine ectual
arcane
requiring secret or mysterious knowledge
glean
gather, as of natural products
ogle
stare or look at, especially with amorous intentions
ga e
a socially awkward or tactless act
vie
compete for something
aghast
struck with fear, dread, or consternation
scathe
the act of damaging something or someone
maxim
a saying that is widely accepted on its own merits
astute
marked by practical hardheaded intelligence
genial
deft
skillful in physical movements; especially of the hands
de le
make dirty or spotty
penury
a state of extreme poverty or destitution
gawk
look with amazement
latent
potentially existing but not presently evident or realized
pious
having or showing or expressing reverence for a deity
shirk
avoid one's assigned duties
tacit
implied by or inferred from actions or statements
opus
a musical work that has been created
expend
use up, consume fully
awry
turned or twisted to one side
fester
ripen and generate pus
bemuse
cause to be confused emotionally
laud
praise, glorify, or honor
placid
calm and free from disturbance
snide
expressive of contempt
hinder
be an obstacle to
thrift
extreme care in spending money
cogent
powerfully persuasive
frugal
avoiding waste
pariah
a person who is rejected from society or home
quip
a witty saying
abash
cause to be embarrassed
lax
without rigor or strictness
ploy
a maneuver in a game or conversation
homage
respectful deference
wont
an established custom
gamut
a complete extent or range
glut
supply with an excess of
hoary
having gray or white hair as with age
abet
assist or encourage, usually in some wrongdoing
deign
do something that one considers to be below one's dignity
loath
strongly opposed
blanch
turn pale, as if in fear
rift
a narrow ssure in rock
curt
rife
excessively abundant
eschew
avoid and stay away from deliberately
facade
the front of a building
delude
be dishonest with
abrupt
exceedingly sudden and unexpected
botch
make a mess of, destroy, or ruin

VOCABULARY LISTS

The second set of EASY words to warm up your GRE prep. This list is a MUST-DO for all GRE test
takers.
critique
appraise or judge in an analytical way
qualify
prove capable or t; meet requirements
proli c
intellectually productive
malaise
a general feeling of discomfort, uneasiness, or depression
amenable
disposed or willing to comply
synergy
the working together of two things to produce an e ect
nesse
subtly skillful handling of a situation
quandary
state of uncertainty in a choice between unfavorable options
rhapsody
an epic poem adapted for recitation
languish
become feeble
relegate
assign to a lower position
untoward
not in keeping with accepted standards of what is proper
a nity
a natural attraction or feeling of kinship
censure
harsh criticism or disapproval
paradox
a statement that contradicts itself
aversion
a feeling of intense dislike
reproach
express criticism towards
fanciful
indulging in or in uenced by the imagination
cryptic
having a secret or hidden meaning
undoing
an act that makes a previous act of no e ect
emissary
someone sent on a mission to represent another's interests
opulence
wealth as evidenced by sumptuous living
ravenous
extremely hungry
expound
add details, as to an account or idea
redouble
double again
vacuous
devoid of matter
pinnacle
a slender upright spire at the top of a buttress of tower
chagrin
strong feelings of embarrassment
partisan
a fervent and even militant proponent of something
restrain
hold back
mitigate
lessen or to try to lessen the seriousness or extent of
subtlety
the quality of being di cult to detect or analyze
concede
give over
strident
unpleasantly loud and harsh
reticent
reluctant to draw attention to yourself
enamored
marked by foolish or unreasoning fondness
probity
complete and con rmed integrity
ippant
showing an inappropriate lack of seriousness
digress
wander from a direct or straight course
verbose
using or containing too many words
pittance
an inadequate payment
chastise
censure severely
imminent
close in time; about to occur
allusion
passing reference or indirect mention
ascetic
someone who practices self denial as a spiritual discipline
noxious
injurious to physical or mental health
epitome
a standard or typical example
ethereal
characterized by lightness and insubstantiality
penitent
feeling or expressing remorse for misdeeds
alacrity
liveliness and eagerness
taciturn
habitually reserved and uncommunicative
assuage
provide physical relief, as from pain
entrench
x rmly or securely
volatile
liable to lead to sudden change or violence
placate
cause to be more favorably inclined
skittish
unpredictably excitable, especially of horses
impetus
a force that makes something happen
cohesive
well integrated
eclectic
selecting what seems best of various styles or ideas
exacting
severe and unremitting in making demands
curtail
terminate or abbreviate before its intended or proper end
expedite
process fast and e ciently
distaste
thrifty
mindful of the future in spending money
contrite
feeling or expressing pain or sorrow for sins or o enses
nullify
declare invalid
cloying
overly sweet
luminous
softly bright or radiant
plod
walk heavily and rmly, as when weary, or through mud
spartan
unsparing and uncompromising in discipline or judgment
delity
the quality of being faithful
fallacy
a misconception resulting from incorrect reasoning
augment
enlarge or increase
credence
the mental attitude that something is believable
haughty
having or showing arrogant superiority
panacea
hypothetical remedy for all ills or diseases
inkling
a slight suggestion or vague understanding
impudent
improperly forward or bold
ungainly
lacking grace in movement or posture
abridge
lessen, diminish, or curtail
enshroud
cover as if with a shroud
abscond
run away, often taking something or somebody along
poignant
keenly distressing to the mind or feelings
spurious
plausible but false
empathy
understanding and entering into another's feelings
esoteric
understandable only by an enlightened inner circle
kindred
group of people related by blood or marriage
euphoria
a feeling of great elation
underlie
be underneath
incisive
demonstrating ability to recognize or draw ne distinctions
grimace
contort the face to indicate a certain mental state
travesty
a composition that imitates or misrepresents a style
quixotic
not sensible about practical matters
panache
distinctive and stylish elegance
outmode
make unfashionable, outdated, or obsolete
absolve
grant remission of a sin to
bereave
deprive through death
squelch
suppress or crush completely
faction
a dissenting clique
amnesty
a warrant granting release from punishment for an o ense
synopsis
a sketchy summary of the main points of an argument
alchemy
a pseudoscienti c forerunner of chemistry in medieval times
headlong
with the upper or anterior part of the body foremost
coalesce
fuse or cause to come together
stalwart
having rugged physical strength
laconic
disallow
command against
collude
act in unison and in secret towards a deceitful purpose
derisive
expressing contempt or ridicule
abstain
refrain from doing, consuming, or partaking in something
boorish
ill-mannered and coarse in behavior or appearance
prudent
marked by sound judgment
dogmatic
pertaining to a code of beliefs accepted as authoritative
ori ce
an opening, especially one that opens into a bodily cavity
copious
large in number or quantity
mainstay
a prominent supporter
heretic
a person whose religious beliefs con ict with church dogma
penchant
a strong liking
banality
a trite or obvious remark
retro t
provide with parts not in use in the original manufacture
connote
express or state indirectly
devolve
pass on or delegate to another
accolade
a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction
brusque
rudely abrupt or blunt in speech or manner
aperture
a natural opening in something
nomadic
migratory
travail
use of physical or mental energy; hard work
abortive
failing to accomplish an intended result
forlorn
marked by or showing hopelessness
ascribe
attribute or credit to
jubilant
full of high-spirited delight
rare ed
of high moral or intellectual value
gratify
make happy or satis ed
subsume
contain or include
diatribe
thunderous verbal attack
activism
a policy of action to achieve a political or social goal
bumble
walk unsteadily

VOCABULARY LISTS
Galvanize Test Prep's Easy GRE Word List #6

The third set of EASY words to warm up your GRE prep. This list is a MUST-DO for all GRE test
takers.
empirical
derived from experiment and observation rather than theory
pertinent
being of striking appropriateness
ambivalent
uncertain or unable to decide about what course to follow
super uous
more than is needed, desired, or required
husbandry
the practice of cultivating the land or raising stock
immutable
not subject or susceptible to change or variation
belligerent
characteristic of an enemy or one eager to ght
gratuitous
unnecessary and unwarranted
excruciating
extremely painful
provident
giving something useful for the future
credulity
tendency to believe readily
proliferate
grow rapidly
perfunctory
hasty and without attention to detail; not thorough
unassailable
impossible to attack
deleterious
harmful to living things
vociferous
conspicuously and o ensively loud
capricious
determined by chance or impulse rather than by necessity
ideological
of an orientation that characterizes the thinking of a group
allegiance
the act of binding yourself to a course of action
entrenched
dug in
ancillary
furnishing added support
pernicious
exceedingly harmful
autocratic
profusion
the property of being extremely abundant
cumbersome
di cult to handle or use because of size or weight
apathetic
showing little or no emotion or animation
deferential
showing courteous regard for people's feelings
impertinent
improperly forward or bold
opportunist
a person who places expediency above principle
di dent
showing modest reserve
nonplussed
lled with bewilderment
delineate
represented accurately or precisely
voyeuristic
of viewers who enjoy seeing the sex acts or organs of others
rudimentary
being in the earliest stages of development
indigenous
originating where it is found
ascertain
learn or discover with con dence
ubiquitous
being present everywhere at once
retrograde
moving or directed or tending in a backward direction
ephemeral
anything short-lived, as an insect that lives only for a day
impenetrable
not admitting of passage into or through
discernible
perceptible by the senses or intellect
precocious
characterized by exceptionally early development
elucidate
make clear and comprehensible
gregarious
temperamentally seeking and enjoying the company of others
imprudent
not sensible, responsible, or wise
ameliorate
make better
chauvinist
a person with a prejudiced belief in his own superiority
crestfallen
brought low in spirit
denigrate
charge falsely or with malicious intent
magnanimous
noble and generous in spirit
scintillating
having brief brilliant points or ashes of light
rationale
an explanation of the fundamental reasons
reminiscent
serving to bring to mind
courageous
able to face and deal with danger or fear without inching
meticulous
marked by precise accordance with details
judicious
marked by the exercise of good judgment in practical matters
discerning
having or revealing keen insight and good judgment
innocuous
not injurious to physical or mental health
undulate
move in a wavy pattern or with a rising and falling motion
providential
peculiarly fortunate or appropriate
crystallize
cause to form crystals or assume crystalline form
abhorrence
hate coupled with disgust
profundity
the quality of being physically deep
insu erable
extremely unpleasant or annoying
injudicious
lacking or showing lack of judgment or discretion; unwise
depreciate
decline in value
adulterate
make impure by adding a foreign or inferior substance
homogeneous
all of the same or similar kind or nature
economical
using the minimum of time or resources for e ectiveness
deference
courteous regard for people's feelings
fortnight
a period of fourteen consecutive days
commensurate
corresponding in size or degree or extent
altruistic
showing unsel sh concern for the welfare of others
unrestrained
not subject to limitation
complacent
contented to a fault with oneself or one's actions
benediction
a ceremonial prayer invoking divine protection
ostentatious
intended to attract notice and impress others
attenuate
become weaker, in strength, value, or magnitude
repudiate
refuse to acknowledge, ratify, or recognize as valid
culminate
end, especially to reach a nal or climactic stage
galvanize
stimulate (muscles) by administering a shock
desiccated
thoroughly dried out
aggrieve
cause to feel distress
serendipitous
lucky in making unexpected and fortunate discoveries
transient
lasting a very short time
amorphous
having no de nite form or distinct shape
subversive
in opposition to an established system or government
transgression
the violation of a law or a duty or moral principle
ascendancy
the state when one person or group has power over another
irrevocable
incapable of being retracted
estrangement
separation resulting from hostility
disgruntled
in a state of sulky dissatisfaction
audacious
disposed to venture or take risks
exacerbate
make worse
indemnify
secure against future loss, damage, or liability
trenchant
having keenness and forcefulness and penetration in thought
trivial
(informal) small and of little importance
indoctrinate
teach uncritically
untenable
incapable of being defended or justi ed
plausible
apparently reasonable and valid, and truthful
in ammatory
arousing to action or rebellion
divergent
tending to move apart in di erent directions
undermine
weaken or impair, especially gradually
labyrinth
complex system of paths in which it is easy to get lost
indignant
angered at something unjust or wrong
auspicious
auguring favorable circumstances and good luck
amboyant
tending to attract attention; marked by ostentatious display
dictatorial
presumptuous
going beyond what is appropriate, permitted, or courteous
irreverent
showing lack of due respect or veneration
intransigent
impervious to pleas, persuasion, requests, or reason
surreptitious
marked by quiet and caution and secrecy
illiberal
narrow-minded about cherished opinions
indiscernible
di cult or impossible to perceive
veneration
a feeling of profound respect for someone or something
portentous
of momentous or ominous signi cance
imperative
requiring attention or action
imperialist
of or relating to imperialism
temperance
the trait of avoiding excesses
treacherous
dangerously unstable and unpredictable
aberration
a state or condition markedly di erent from the norm
rationalize
employ logic or reason
fortuitous
occurring by happy chance
tenacious
stubbornly unyielding
obliterate
remove completely from recognition or memory
conundrum
a di cult problem
circuitous
deviating from a straight course
patronize
provide support for
omnivorous
feeding on both plants and animals
indecorous
lacking propriety and good taste in manners and conduct
veritable
not counterfeit or copied
precarious
not secure; beset with di culties
malignant
dangerous to health
provocative
serving or tending to excite or stimulate
ingenuity
the power of creative imagination
intractable
di cult to manage or mold
defamation
an abusive attack on a person's character or good name
disseminate
cause to become widely known
diminutive
very small
tribulation
an annoying or frustrating or catastrophic event
tantamount
being essentially equal to something
circumspect
careful to consider potential consequences and avoid risk
inimitable
matchless
consecrate
give entirely to a speci c person, activity, or cause
enlightened
having knowledge and spiritual insight
equivocate
be deliberately ambiguous or unclear
vindicate
show to be right by providing justi cation or proof
precedent
an example that is used to justify similar occurrences
de nitive
clearly formulated
disparate
fundamentally di erent or distinct in quality or kind
remission
an abatement in intensity or degree
unquali ed
not meeting the proper standards and requirements
improvisation
a performance given without planning or preparation
philanthropic
of or relating to charitable giving
edgling
young bird that has just become capable of ying
recapitulation
a summary that repeats the substance of a longer discussion
impetuous
characterized by undue haste and lack of thought
irrefutable
impossible to deny or disprove
incorrigible
impervious to correction by punishment
convivial
occupied with or fond of the pleasures of good company
juxtapose
place side by side
exasperate
make furious
vindictive
disposed to seek revenge or intended for revenge
blinker
a light that ashes on and o

VOCABULARY LISTS

The rst set of MEDIUM di culty GRE words to give you a avor of the actual test! This list is a
MUST-DO for all GRE test takers
assay
a test of a substance to determine its components
enigma
something that ba es understanding and cannot be explained
odious
unequivocally detestable
turbid
clouded as with sediment
truism
an obvious statement of fact
antic
ludicrously odd
candid
openly straightforward and direct without secretiveness
grovel
show submission or fear
extant
still in existence; not extinct or destroyed or lost
schism
division of a group into opposing factions
labile
liable to change
fete
an elaborate party, often outdoors
remiss
failing in what duty requires
debase
make impure by adding a foreign or inferior substance
urbane
showing a high degree of re nement
gu aw
a burst of loud and hearty laughter
epoch
a period marked by distinctive character
rubric
category name
staid
characterized by dignity and propriety
canny
showing self-interest and shrewdness in dealing with others
decry
express strong disapproval of
demean
reduce in worth or character, usually verbally
veto
a vote that blocks a decision
guile
shrewdness as demonstrated by being skilled in deception
covert
secret or hidden
lial
designating the generation following the parental generation
foray
a sudden short attack
sylvan
relating to or characteristic of wooded regions
augur
predict from an omen
careen
pitching dangerously to one side
viable
capable of life or normal growth and development
gyrate
revolve quickly and repeatedly around an axis
heresy
a belief that rejects the orthodox tenets of a religion
clique
an exclusive circle of people with a common purpose
exalt
balk
refuse to comply
jaunt
a journey taken for pleasure
expo
a collection of things for public display
droll
comical in an odd or whimsical manner
leery
openly distrustful and unwilling to con de
hector
be bossy towards
facile
arrived at without due care or e ort; lacking depth
infamy
a state of extreme dishonor
covet
wish, long, or crave for
imbibe
take in liquids
malign
speak unfavorably about
duress
compulsory force or threat
levity
a manner lacking seriousness
forage
collect or look around for, as food
hiatus
an interruption in the intensity or amount of something
scion
a descendent or heir
torpor
a state of motor and mental inactivity
defray
bear the expenses of
rancor
a feeling of deep and bitter anger and ill-will
ebb
the outward ow of the tide
litany
any long and tedious address or recital
arable
capable of being farmed productively
banal
repeated too often; overfamiliar through overuse
tirade
a speech of violent denunciation
extol
recant
formally reject or disavow a formerly held belief
blithe
carefree and happy and lighthearted
edify
make understand
lurid
glaringly vivid and graphic; marked by sensationalism
morbid
suggesting the horror of death and decay
tumult
a state of commotion and noise and confusion
despot
a cruel and oppressive dictator
feign
make believe with the intent to deceive
demur
politely refuse or take exception to
bridle
headgear for a horse
e ace
remove by or as if by rubbing or erasing
dictum
an authoritative declaration
candor
the quality of being honest and straightforward
fetter
a shackle for the ankles or feet
indict
accuse formally of a crime
hobble
walk impeded by some physical limitation or injury
canard
a deliberately misleading fabrication
gall
a digestive juice secreted by the liver

VOCABULARY LISTS

The second set of MEDIUM di culty GRE words to give you a avor of the actual test! This list is a
cerebral
of or relating to the brain
demeanor
the way a person behaves toward other people
defunct
no longer in force or use; inactive
clemency
leniency and compassion shown toward o enders
alienate
arouse hostility or indi erence in
abstruse
di cult to penetrate
artless
simple and natural; without cunning or deceit
feckless
generally incompetent and ine ectual
eulogize
praise formally and eloquently
belabor
beat soundly
genteel
marked by re nement in taste and manners
agrarian
relating to rural matters
amalgam
a combination or blend of diverse things
feigned
not genuine
ounder
walk with great di culty
pedantic
marked by a narrow focus on or display of learning
reproof
an act or expression of criticism and censure
beati c
resembling or be tting an angel or saint
askance
with suspicion or disapproval
enthrall
hold spellbound
bemuse
cause to be confused emotionally
germane
relevant and appropriate
marshal
a military o cer of highest rank
caustic
capable of destroying or eating away by chemical action
iniquity
absence of moral or spiritual values
erudite
having or showing profound knowledge
ignoble
dishonorable in character or purpose
obviate
do away with
fatuous
devoid of intelligence
expunge
remove by erasing or crossing out or as if by drawing a line
lambast
censure severely or angrily
brevity
the attribute of being short or eeting
harangue
a loud bombastic declamation expressed with strong emotion
archaic
so extremely old as seeming to belong to an earlier period
denounce
speak out against
despotic
having the characteristics of a tyrannical ruler
languid
lacking spirit or liveliness
coterie
an exclusive circle of people with a common purpose
temerity
fearless daring
covetous
immoderately desirous of acquiring something
slothful
disinclined to work or exertion
ummox
be a mystery or bewildering to
bucolic
devoted to raising sheep or cattle
liaison
a means of communication between groups
endemic
native to or con ned to a certain region
cursory
hasty and without attention to detail; not thorough
anathema
a formal ecclesiastical curse accompanied by excommunication
talisman
a trinket thought to be a magical protection against evil
contrive
make or work out a plan for; devise
decorous
characterized by propriety and dignity and good taste
occlude
block passage through
factious
dissenting with the majority opinion
marginal
at or constituting a border or edge
bulwark
an embankment built around a space for defensive purposes
lionize
assign great social importance to
odyssey
a long wandering and eventful journey
conjugal
relating to the relationship between a wife and husband
nemesis
something causing misery or death
rescind
cancel o cially
meteoric
of extraterrestrial bodies that hit the earth's atmosphere
modicum
a small or moderate or token amount
wizened
lean and wrinkled by shrinkage as from age or illness
debonair
having a sophisticated charm
primacy
the state of being rst in importance
unseemly
not in keeping with accepted standards of what is proper
listless
lacking zest or vivacity
didactic
instructive, especially excessively
cavalier
given to haughty disregard of others
derelict
a person without a home, job, or property
telltale
disclosing unintentionally
nepotism
favoritism shown to relatives or friends by those in power
per dy
an act of deliberate betrayal
aesthete
one who professes great sensitivity to the beauty of art
largess
liberality in bestowing gifts
profuse
produced or growing in extreme abundance
upbraid
express criticism towards
preclude
make impossible, especially beforehand
sanguine
con dently optimistic and cheerful
depraved
deviating from what is considered moral or right or proper
harried
troubled persistently, especially with petty annoyances
tarnish
make or become dirty or spotty
acerbic
sour or bitter in taste
jingoism
fanatical patriotism
prosaic
lacking wit or imagination
vaunt
show o
diurnal
having a daily cycle or occurring every day
epiphany
a divine manifestation
sardonic
disdainfully or ironically humorous
engender
call forth
portent
a sign of something about to happen
surfeit
indulge (one's appetite) to satiety
abdicate
give up, such as power, as of monarchs and emperors
inundate
ll or cover completely, usually with water
raucous
unpleasantly loud and harsh
venerate
regard with feelings of respect and reverence
resolute
rm in purpose or belief
tortuous
marked by repeated turns and bends
reprisal
a retaliatory action against an enemy in wartime
onerous
burdensome or di cult to endure
insipid
lacking interest or signi cance or impact
acrimony
a rough and bitter manner
irksome
tedious or irritating
mortify
cause to feel shame
behoove
be appropriate or necessary
eloquent
expressing yourself readily, clearly, e ectively

VOCABULARY LISTS

The third set of MEDIUM di culty GRE words to give you a avor of the actual test! This list is a
analogous
similar or equivalent in some respects
antagonistic
characterized by feelings of intense dislike or hostility
remediation
act of correcting an error or a fault or an evil
dilapidated
in a state of decay, ruin, or deterioration
catharsis
purging the body to stimulate evacuation of the bowels
voracious
devouring or craving food in great quantities
acrimonious
marked by strong resentment or cynicism
compunction
a feeling of deep regret, usually for some misdeed
avaricious
immoderately desirous of acquiring something
sanctimonious
excessively or hypocritically pious
mesmerize
attract strongly, as if with a magnet
prodigious
great in size, force, extent, or degree
unequivocal
admitting of no doubt or misunderstanding
garrulous
full of trivial conversation
normative
relating to or dealing with typical standards or patterns
abstinence
the trait of refraining from something, especially alcohol
itinerant
traveling from place to place to work
precipitous
extremely steep
ponderous
having great mass and weight and unwieldiness
incendiary
capable of causing res or catching re spontaneously
Draconian
imposing a harsh code of laws
cataclysm
a sudden violent change in the earth's surface
irresolute
uncertain how to act or proceed
exculpate
pro igate
unrestrained by convention or morality
unpretentious
lacking a ectation
generality
the quality of being widespread or having wide applicability
speci city
the quality of being particular rather than general
parochial
relating to or supported by or located in a parish
equivocal
open to two or more interpretations
ostensible
appearing as such but not necessarily so
culpability
a state of guilt
impregnable
incapable of being attacked or tampered with
mercurial
perdition
the place or state in which one su ers eternal punishment
underwrite
protect by insurance
smattering
a slight or super cial understanding of a subject
aggrandize
embellish; increase the scope, power, or importance of
propagandistic
of or relating to or characterized by propaganda
unsparing
not forbearing; ruthless
guileless
innocent and free of deceit
attainment
the act of achieving an aim
contentious
showing an inclination to disagree
consummate
having or revealing supreme mastery or skill
depravity
moral perversion; impairment of virtue and moral principles
hyperbole
extravagant exaggeration
subterfuge
something intended to misrepresent the nature of an activity
debauchery
a wild gathering involving drinking and promiscuity
nonchalant
marked by blithe unconcern
charlatan
a amboyant deceiver
platitude
mettlesome
having a proud, courageous, and unbroken spirit
propitiate
make peace with
unswerving
going directly from one point to another
hackneyed
incumbent
necessary as a duty or responsibility; morally binding
incipient
only partly in existence; imperfectly formed
demonstrative
a pronoun that points out an intended referent
ine able
defying expression or description
trepidation
a feeling of alarm or dread
unconscionable
credulous
showing a lack of judgment or experience
acquiesce
agree or express agreement
disconsolate
sad beyond comforting; incapable of being soothed
premonitory
warning of future misfortune
acidulous
being sour to the taste
propitious
presenting favorable circumstances
upstanding
meriting respect or esteem
harbinger
something indicating the approach of something or someone
anomalous
deviating from the general or common order or type
enigmatic
not clear to the understanding
antipathy
pejorative
expressing disapproval
con agration
a very intense and uncontrolled re
evanescent
tending to vanish like vapor
mendicant
a pauper who lives by begging
di dence
lack of self-assurance
extenuating
partially excusing or justifying
lackadaisical
idle or indolent especially in a dreamy way
querulous
habitually complaining
virulence
extreme harmfulness
lascivious
driven by lust
degenerate
a person whose behavior deviates from what is acceptable
alleviate
provide physical relief, as from pain
recalcitrant
stubbornly resistant to authority or control
apocryphal
being of questionable authenticity
exemplify
be characteristic of
invective
abusive language used to express blame or censure
assiduous
marked by care and persistent e ort
circumscribe
draw a geometric gure around another gure
prescience
the power to foresee the future
castigate
in ict severe punishment on
marginalize
relegate to a lower or outer edge, as of groups of people
quintessence
the most typical example or representative of a type
voluble
marked by a ready ow of speech
loquacious
full of trivial conversation
appreciable
enough to be estimated or measured
insidious
working or spreading in a hidden and usually injurious way
incongruous
lacking in harmony or compatibility or appropriateness
inscrutable
di cult or impossible to understand
fastidious
giving careful attention to detail
parsimonious
excessively unwilling to spend
histrionic
characteristic of acting or a stage performance
dismissive
showing indi erence or disregard
rebrand
a piece of wood that has been burned or is burning
prescient
perceiving the signi cance of events before they occur
bellicose
having or showing a ready disposition to ght
egregious
conspicuously and outrageously bad or reprehensible
ludicrous
inviting ridicule
refractory
stubbornly resistant to authority or control
compendium
a publication containing a variety of works
predilection
a predisposition in favor of something
peremptory
putting an end to all debate or action
ardor
feelings of great warmth and intensity
dissipate
cause to separate and go in di erent directions
ignominious
deserving or bringing disgrace or shame
inclement
severe, of weather
o cious
intrusive in a meddling or o ensive manner
disentanglement
the act of releasing from a snarled or tangled condition
pretension
the advancing of a claim
bombastic
ostentatiously lofty in style
embroil
force into some kind of situation or course of action
magisterial
of or relating to a civil o cer who administers the law
facsimile
an exact copy or reproduction
pecuniary
relating to or involving money
dissipated
unrestrained by convention or morality
imperious
having or showing arrogant superiority
fallacious
containing or based on incorrect reasoning
dissonant
harmonically unresolved
inviolate
(of a woman) having the hymen unbroken
stigmatization
the act of stigmatizing
chicanery
the use of tricks to deceive someone
euphonious
having a pleasant sound
prevaricate
be deliberately ambiguous or unclear
burgeon
grow and ourish
fratricide
the murder of your sibling

VOCABULARY LISTS

The rst set of HARD words to help you reach a high GRE Verbal score! If you're aiming for 155+
then this list is for you!
e cacy
capacity or power to produce a desired result
elegy
a mournful poem; a lament for the dead
trite
verdant
characterized by abundance of vegetation and green foliage
cabal
a clique that seeks power usually through intrigue
callow
young and inexperienced
teeter
move unsteadily, with a rocking motion
minion
a servile or fawning dependant
con ate
mix together di erent elements
hoodwink
conceal one's true motives from
salutary
tending to promote physical well-being; bene cial to health
chortle
a soft partly suppressed laugh
halcyon
a mythical bird said to breed at the winter solstice
pensive
deeply or seriously thoughtful
milieu
the environmental condition
craven
lacking even the rudiments of courage; abjectly fearful
hubris
overbearing pride or presumption
jaded
exhausted
inane
devoid of intelligence
doleful
lled with or evoking sadness
bandy
discuss lightly
ablution
the act of washing oneself, as for ritual purposes
undulate
move in a wavy pattern or with a rising and falling motion
vilify
satiate
ll to satisfaction
clangor
a loud resonant repeating noise
hegemony
the dominance or leadership of one social group over others
apex
the highest point of something
prodigal
recklessly wasteful
disquiet
a feeling of mild anxiety about possible developments
abeyance
temporary cessation or suspension
ersatz
an arti cial or inferior substitute or imitation
fecund
capable of producing o spring or vegetation
besotted
very drunk
luminary
a celebrity who is an inspiration to others
bemoan
regret strongly
adjure
command solemnly
savant
a learned person
foment
try to stir up
obdurate
stubbornly persistent in wrongdoing
placebo
an innocuous or inert medication
artful
not straightforward or candid
surly
unfriendly and inclined toward anger or irritation
impute
attribute or credit to
baleful
threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments
jocular
characterized by jokes and good humor
puerile
displaying or suggesting a lack of maturity
abjure
formally reject or disavow a formerly held belief
mawkish
e usively or insincerely emotional
enervate
weaken mentally or morally
serrated
notched like a saw with teeth pointing toward the apex
fulsome
unpleasantly and excessively suave or ingratiating
oblique
slanting or inclined in direction or course or position
temper
a characteristic state of feeling
retinue
the group following and attending to some important person
titular
existing in name only
apostate
not faithful to religion or party or cause
amok
wildly; without self-control
dilatory
wasting time
pundit
a person with special knowledge who performs skillfully
encumber
hold back, impede, or weigh down
browbeat
discourage or frighten with threats or a domineering manner
manacle
shackle that can be locked around the wrist
sinuous
curved or curving in and out
furtive
secret and sly or sordid
oeuvre
the total output of a writer or artist
baroque
relating to an elaborately ornamented style of art and music
acme
the highest point of something
verity
conformity to reality or actuality
protean
taking on di erent forms
calumny
a false accusation of an o ense
repartee
adroitness and cleverness in reply
timorous
shy and fearful by nature
disabuse
free somebody from an erroneous belief
connive
form intrigues (for) in an underhand manner
besmirch
smear so as to make dirty or stained
specious
plausible but false
gambit
a chess move in which the player sacri ces minor pieces
opaque
not transmitting or re ecting light or radiant energy
bromide
bravado
a swaggering show of courage
plebeian
of or associated with the great masses of people
restive
being in a tense state
fetid
o ensively malodorous
winsome
charming in a childlike or naive way
exigent
demanding immediate attention
qualm
uneasiness about the tness of an action
expiate
make amends for
ensconce
x rmly
carping
persistent petty and unjusti ed criticism
gestalt
a whole that cannot be described as a sum of its parts
pallid
de cient in color suggesting physical or emotional distress
polemic
a verbal or written attack, especially of a belief or dogma
macabre
shockingly repellent; inspiring horror
inchoate
only partly in existence; imperfectly formed
neophyte
any new participant in some activity
venal
capable of being corrupted
asperity
harshness of manner
decimate
kill in large numbers
impugn
attack as false or wrong
abnegate
deny or renounce
cavil
raise trivial objections
gibe
laugh at with contempt and derision
paragon
a perfect embodiment of a concept
arti ce
a deceptive maneuver, especially to avoid capture
moribund
being on the point of death
dour
putrid
of or relating to the process of decay
tawdry
tastelessly showy
martinet
someone who demands exact conformity to rules and forms
torpid
in a condition of biological rest or suspended animation
mollify
cause to be more favorably inclined
wastrel
someone who dissipates resources self-indulgently
antecede
be earlier in time; go back further
cede
give over
gilded
made from or covered with gold
pastoral
devoted to raising sheep or cattle
aegis
armor plate that protects the chest
aphorism
a short pithy instructive saying
vernal
suggestive of youth; vigorous and fresh
pithy
concise and full of meaning
meld
mix or become mixed together
powwow
a council of or with Native Americans
usurious
rile
disturb, especially by minor irritations
ribaldry
ribald humor
riposte
a counterattack made immediately after successfully parrying
chimera
a grotesque product of the imagination
gossamer
a gauze fabric with an extremely ne texture
patina
a ne coating of oxide on the surface of a metal

VOCABULARY LISTS

The second set of HARD words to help you reach a high GRE Verbal score! If you're aiming for 155+
then this list is for you!
provisional
under terms not nal or fully worked out or agreed upon
provenance
where something originated or was nurtured
syntactical
of or relating to or conforming to the rules of syntax
licentious
lacking moral discipline
recrimination
mutual accusations
reprobate
a person without moral scruples
hortatory
giving strong encouragement
remonstrate
argue in protest or opposition
solicitous
full of anxiety and concern
obstreperous
noisily and stubbornly de ant
dispensation
the act of giving out in portions
anachronism
locating something at a time when it couldn't have existed
tempestuous
characterized by violent emotions or behavior
indubitable
too obvious to be doubted
e ervescent
giving o bubbles
unprepossessing
creating an unfavorable or neutral rst impression
aspersion
a disparaging remark
somnolent
inclined to or marked by drowsiness
ostracize
expel from a community or group
pluralism
a social organization in which diversity is tolerated
vicarious
experienced at secondhand
inviolable
incapable of being transgressed or dishonored
ingenuous
lacking in sophistication or worldliness
facetious
cleverly amusing in tone
disapprobation
pronouncing as wrong or morally culpable
niggardly
petty or reluctant in giving or spending
proselytize
convert or try to convert someone to another religion
sopori c
inducing sleep
overweening
presumptuously arrogant
concomitant
following or accompanying as a consequence
inexorable
not to be placated or appeased or moved by entreaty
tractable
easily managed
ponti cate
administer a ponti cal o ce
ineluctable
impossible to avoid or evade
recondite
di cult to penetrate
exonerate
veracious
habitually speaking the truth
circumlocution
an indirect way of expressing something
panegyric
formally expressing praise
embryonic
of an organism prior to birth or hatching
rapprochement
the reestablishing of cordial relations
inveterate
habitual
irascible
quickly aroused to anger
idiosyncrasy
a behavioral attribute peculiar to an individual
iconoclast
someone who attacks cherished ideas or institutions
perspicacious
mentally acute or penetratingly discerning
disenfranchise
deprive of voting rights
formulaic
characterized by or in accordance with some formula
discursive
tending to cover a wide range of subjects
approbation
o cial acceptance or agreement
adjudicate
hear a case and sit as the judge at the trial of
lassitude
a feeling of lack of interest or energy
per dious
tending to betray
disingenuous
not straightforward or candid
premeditated
characterized by deliberate purpose and a degree of planning
prepossess
cause to be preoccupied
fractious
easily irritated or annoyed
dichotomy
a classi cation into two opposed parts or subclasses
quiescent
being quiet or still or inactive
nondescript
lacking distinct or individual characteristics
redoubtable
inspiring fear
unimpeachable
beyond doubt or reproach
disparage
express a negative opinion of
compendious
brie y giving the gist of something
sagacious
acutely insightful and wise
fusillade
rapid simultaneous discharge of rearms
countenance
the appearance conveyed by a person's face
progenitor
an ancestor in the direct line
iconoclastic
characterized by attack on established beliefs
ebullient
joyously unrestrained
pugnacious
ready and able to resort to force or violence
impecunious
not having enough money to pay for necessities
penurious
excessively unwilling to spend
salubrious
promoting health
experiential
of or relating to direct observation or participation
recidivism
habitual relapse into crime
incontrovertible
impossible to deny or disprove
benighted
overtaken by night or darkness
e rontery
audacious behavior that you have no right to
imbroglio
an intricate and confusing interpersonal situation
sycophant
a person who tries to please someone to gain an advantage
sartorial
of or relating to tailoring or clothing
heterodox
characterized by departure from accepted standards
ambulatory
able to walk about
disa ected
discontented as toward authority
rapacious
living by preying on other animals
capitulate
surrender under agreed conditions
supercilious
having or showing arrogant disdain or haughtiness
prodigality
the trait of spending extravagantly
vacillate
be undecided about something
serendipity
good luck in making unexpected and fortunate discoveries
obsequious
attempting to win favor from in uential people by attery

VOCABULARY LISTS

The rst set of VERY HARD words to help you ace vocabulary on the test! Recommended for those
aiming for 163+
apostle
an ardent early supporter of a cause or reform
gauche
lacking social polish
dolor
(poetry) painful grief
inure
cause to accept or become hardened to
nerve
a bundle of bers running to organs and tissues of the body
execrate
curse or declare to be evil or anathema
inured
made tough by habitual exposure
raillery
light teasing
tillage
the cultivation of soil for raising crops
pastiche
a work of art that imitates the style of some previous work
wraith
a mental representation of some haunting experience
noisome
causing or able to cause nausea
foible
a minor weakness or peculiarity in someone's character
perorate
conclude a speech with a formal recapitulation
jejune
lacking interest or signi cance or impact
rakish
marked by up-to-dateness in dress and manners
posit
take as a given; assume as a postulate or axiom
ennui
the feeling of being bored by something tedious
vitriol
abusive or venomous language to express blame or censure
gumption
fortitude and determination
antedate
be earlier in time; go back further
begrudge
be envious of or feel annoyance toward
lampoon
ridicule with satire
rankle
make resentful or angry
synoptic
presenting a summary or general view of a whole
petulant
easily irritated or annoyed
dither
be undecided or uncertain
tyro
someone new to a eld or activity
ossify
become bony
behemoth
someone or something that is abnormally large and powerful
limpid
clear and bright
rue
feel sorry for; be contrite about
nadir
the lowest point of anything
fealty
the loyalty that one owes to a country, sovereign, or lord
umbrage
a feeling of anger caused by being o ended
vitiate
make imperfect
vagary
an unexpected and inexplicable change in something
cadaver
the dead body of a human being
lissome
moving and bending with ease
ruminate
re ect deeply on a subject
enjoin
give instructions to or direct somebody to do something
eon
the longest unit of geological time
fervid
characterized by intense emotion
egotist
a conceited and self-centered person
nagle
achieve something by means of trickery or devious methods
celerity
a rate that is rapid
lucid
transparently clear; easily understandable
satrap
a governor of a province in ancient Persia
indolent
disinclined to work or exertion
picayune
small and of little importance
unctuous
unpleasantly and excessively suave or ingratiating
stymie
hinder or prevent the progress or accomplishment of
apothegm
a short pithy instructive saying
cogitate
consider carefully and deeply
malinger
avoid responsibilities and duties
screed
a long, tedious rant
feral
wild and menacing
piquant
having an agreeably pungent taste
sinecure
a job that involves minimal duties
pellucid
transmitting light; able to be seen through with clarity
stultify
deprive of strength or e ciency; make useless or worthless
construe
make sense of; assign a meaning to
maudlin
e usively or insincerely emotional
sedulous
marked by care and persistent e ort
welter
a confused multitude of things
prurient
characterized by lust
parvenu
a person who has suddenly risen to a higher economic status
forswear
formally reject or disavow
mulct
money extracted as a penalty
cosset
treat with excessive indulgence
maverick
someone who exhibits independence in thought and action
mien
a person's appearance, manner, or demeanor
encomium
a formal expression of praise
gainsay
take exception to
dulcet
pleasing to the ear
immure
lock up or con ne, in or as in a jail
cupidity
extreme greed for material wealth
pyrrhic
relating to a victory that is o set by staggering losses

VOCABULARY LISTS

The rst set of VERY HARD words to help you ace vocabulary on the test! Recommended for those
aiming for 163+
palliative
moderating pain or sorrow by making it easier to bear
internecine
within a group or organization
untrammeled
not con ned or limited
mendacity
the tendency to be untruthful
prolixity
boring verbosity
discom t
cause to lose one's composure
cornucopia
a horn lled with fruit and grain symbolizing prosperity
malodorous
having an unpleasant smell
antithetical
sharply contrasted in character or purpose
interregnum
the time between two reigns or governments
acquisitiveness
strong desire to obtain and possess
unstinting
very generous
adumbrate
describe roughly or give the main points or summary of
curmudgeon
an irascible, cantankerous person full of stubborn ideas
punctilious
marked by precise accordance with details
privation
the act of stripping someone of food, money, or rights
Zeitgeist
the spirit of the time
extirpate
destroy completely, as if down to the roots
mendacious
given to lying
perquisite
an incidental bene t for certain types of employment
gaucherie
the quality of being rustic or gauche
denouement
the outcome of a complex sequence of events
quiescence
a state of possibly temporary inaction or dormancy
philistine
a person who is uninterested in intellectual pursuits
tendentious
having a strong bias, especially a controversial one
antediluvian
of or relating to the period before the biblical ood
grandiloquent
lofty in style
vicissitude
a variation in circumstances or fortune
expurgate
edit by omitting or modifying parts considered indelicate
desecrate
violate the sacred character of a place or language
quotidian
found in the ordinary course of events
plaintive
expressing sorrow
misogynist
a misanthrope who dislikes women in particular
misanthrope
someone who dislikes people in general
un appable
not easily perturbed, excited, or upset
misconstrue
interpret in the wrong way
vituperate
invidious
containing or implying a slight or showing prejudice
trappings
ornaments; embellishments to or characteristic signs of
puissance
power to in uence or coerce
muni cent
very generous
hidebound
stubbornly conservative and narrow-minded
unexpurgated
not having material deleted
jingoistic
fanatically patriotic
sententious
concise and full of meaning
promulgate
state or announce
dilettante
an amateur engaging in an activity without serious intention
insouciance
the cheerful feeling you have when nothing is troubling you
antithetic
sharply contrasted in character or purpose
importune
beg persistently and urgently
apotheosis
model of excellence or perfection of a kind
juggernaut
a massive inexorable force
sepulchral
of or relating to a chamber that is used as a grave
verisimilitude
the appearance of truth; the quality of seeming to be true
phlegmatic
showing little emotion
dissemble
behave unnaturally or a ectedly
proscribe
command against
excoriate
express strong disapproval of
arriviste
an ambitious social climber or status seeker
laceration
the act of tearing irregularly
shibboleth
a favorite saying of a sect or political group
doctrinaire
a stubborn person of arbitrary or arrogant opinions
turpitude
a corrupt or depraved or degenerate act or practice
melli uous
pleasing to the ear
ingratiate
gain favor with somebody by deliberate e orts
nettlesome
causing irritation or annoyance
cadaverous
of or relating to a corpse
leitmotif
a melodic phrase that accompanies a person or situation
peripatetic
traveling especially on foot
truculent
de antly aggressive
opprobrium
a state of extreme dishonor
misanthropic
hating mankind in general
desiccate
lacking vitality or spirit; lifeless
chimerical
like a grotesque product of the imagination
malfeasance
wrongful conduct by a public o cial

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