GRE Information
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keywords: description: GRE InformationSaturday, November 24, 2007 GRE PracticeGRE SENTENCE COMPLETION
Of all the GRE Verbal question types, sentence completions are probably the most student
friendly. Unlike analogies and antonyms, sentence completions provide you with a context to
help you figure out tough vocabulary. And unlike reading comprehension questions, they only
require you to read one sentence at a time. As the name suggests, sentence completion questions
test your ability to complete sentences that are missing one or two key words by selecting
the appropriate answer choice.
The directions for this section look like this:
Directions: This sentence has one or more blank spaces. Each blank indicates that a word
or phrase has been omitted. Of the five following words or sets of words, choose the one
word or set that, when inserted in the sentence, best fits the meaning of the entire sentence.
The difficulty of the sentence completions you will see on the GRE depends on how many questions
you get right. If you perform well on the Verbal section, you will find that the later sentence
completions you encounter involve tougher vocabulary and more convoluted logic.
THE FOUR FUNDAMENTALS
To improve your skill in answering GRE sentence completions, you'll need to familiarize yourself
with the basic principles for approaching them-and you'll need some practice. The Four
Fundamentals below will help you to increase your skills and confidence as you approach test
day. And with skills and confidence, you'll be able to earn points on the GRE!
Every Clue Is Right in Front of You
Each sentence contains a few crucial clues that help you to determine the meaning of the missing
word(s). Clues in the sentence limit the possible answers, and finding these clues will guide
you to the correct answer.
What are the important clues in the following question?
Tests
1. Although she earned her fame for her striking murals, the
artist felt that her sculpture merited greater .
0 disdain
0 acclaim
0 deliberation
0 viewing
0 publicity
Here, the word nlthough is a classic structural clue. It tells you that you can expect a change of
direction in the sentence. The first half tells you that the artist became famous as a muralist, but
that she thought her sculpture deserved more BLANK. The word although tells you that she must
think her sculptures are even better than her murals, and that they merit more praise, or acclaim.
Look for What's Directly Implied and Expect Cliches
We're not dealing with poetry here. These sentences aren't excerpted from the works of Toni
Morrison or William Faulkner. The correct answer is the one most directly implied by the
meanings of the words in the sentence. Very often, for example, the definition of the missing
word is provided in the sentence:
2. Because Gould's theory has been neither completely rejected
nor completely accepted by the scientific community, its status
remains .
L? repudiated
-3sa nctioned
C quizzical
0 preferable
0 debatable
Here, choice (5), debatable, means "neither completely rejected nor completely accepted."
Sometimes you can choose the correct answer because the missing words are part of familiarsounding
phrases or because they simply sound right in the contea of the sentence:
3. The increasing acceptance of the notion that the news media
is not a(n) commentator upon events, but rather, a
mouthpiece for the vested interests of its powerful owners,
demonstrates the public's growing large corporations.
0 disinterested ... mistrust of
0 meddlesome ... suspicion of
0 official ... apprehension of
0 impartial ... satisfaction with
0 manipulative ... confusion with
In the above example, the correct answer, choice (I), works because the phrases disinterested
commentator and growing mistrust of simply sound correct.
Look for "Structural Road Signs"
Some words such as since, however, or because--give clues to the structure of the sentence that
will point you to the right answer. The following are road signs found in GRE CAT sentence
completions:
Straight-Ahead Road Signs
These make one part of the sentence support or elaborate on another part. They continue the
sentence in the same direction. Examples include: and, similarly, in addition, since, ako, thus,
because, ; (setnicolorr), and likewise.
Detour Road Signs
These words indicate a change in the direction of the sentence. They make one part of the sentence
contradict or qualify another part. Examples include: but, despite, yet, however, unless,
rather, although, while, ~~tifortiitiatelayn, d nonetheless.
Watch Out for Common Wrong-Answer Types
If you get stumped on any GRE CAT sentence completion, you can still earn points by using the
process of elimination. Do this by ruling out as many wrong answer choices as you can, and then
picking From the remaining choices. Here are some common wrong answer types to look out for:
Half-RightIHalf-Wrong
In a sentence that contains two blanks, one of the two words provided in a given answer choice
fits while the other one doesn't. Make sure that both words fit the context of the sentence!
Au Contraire
In a sentence that contains one blank, the word in the given answer choice means exactly the
opposite of the word you're looking for.
Clunkers
The word(s) in a given answer choice simply do not sound right in the context of the sentence.
FILL IN THE BLANK
When working through a sentence completion question:
Look for clues in the sentence
Focus on what's directly implied
Pay attention to 'structural road signs "
Drill
In the following examples, test your knowledge of sentence completion road signs by selecting
the word that most correctly completes the sentence.
The singer's lyrics were quite lovely, but her vocal tone was extremely (harsh, melodious).
Fred was so annoyed with his publicist that he repeatedly (praised, lambasted) him in
public.
Because Mabel had the reputation of being a mediocre cook, most believed her chances of
winning the bake-off were (good, slim).
Despite the fact that the racehorse's performance in recent competitions had been disappointing,
the oddsmakers were predicting a (win, disappointment) at the Derby.
Many felt the rules for the scholarship competition had been unfair and, furthermore, the
judges were (biased, fair).
Although they appear quite cuddly, brown bears actually pose a large (threat, attraction)
to tourists.
THE KAPLAN FOUR-STEP METHOD
Now that you have learned the basics, you're ready to learn Kaplan's strategic approach to sentence
completions on the GRE CAT. Approaching sentence completions in a systematic manner
is the best way to avoid common pitfalls and improve your score.
Read the Whole Sentence
Look for road signs to help you determine what type of word you're looking for.
If the sentence is long or clumsy, rephrase the sentence in your own words.
Predict an Answer
In two-blank questions, try to predict for both blanks.
Use the road signs and logic you found in Step 1 to determine the direction in which the
sentence is heading.
Scan the Answer Choices, Choosing the One That Best Fits Your Prephrase
Look for those that match your prediction.
Eliminate answer choices that don't come close to your prediction.
On two-blank sentences, work with one blank at a time, eliminating answer choices as you go.
O Read Your Selected Answer Choice Back into the Sentence
If it makes sense, you have a winner.
If it doesn't make sense, go back to the answer choices and find one that works better.
If you get stuck, eliminate answer choices that you know are wrong and guess among the
remaining choices.
Try It Out
Let's apply the Kaplan Four-Step Method for sentence completions to an example.
4. We will face the idea of old age with as long as we
believe that it invariably brings poverty, isolation, and illness.
0 regret
0 apprehension
0 enlightenment
0 veneration
0 reverence
0 Let's begin by reading the whole sentence strategically. Immediately note the structural
clue as long as. This phrase will tell us what to expect when we prepare to fill in the blank.
The sentence tells us that old age bringspoverty, isolation, and illness. Naturally, therefore,
we would face it with something like "fear."
8 Now it's time to predict our answer. As we decided in Step 1, we should look in the answer
choices for a word that means fear.
@ Here's where we scan the answer choices and look for one that best fits our predicted
answer. Apprehension means "fear," so choice (2) is our best answer. But let's eliminate
some answers that we know are wrong, just to be sure. Choice 1, regret, is tempting, but
you feel regret for something that has already happened, not for something you will face
in the future. Veneration and reverence both mean "great respect," so we can eliminate
choices 4 and 5, too.
0 Now we'll plug our answer into the sentence: We will face the idea of old age with
apprehension as long as we believe that it invariably brings poverty, isolation, and illness.
This sentence certainly makes sense, so we have found our winner!
PRACTICE SET
Now try the following sentence completion questions on your own, using the Kaplan Four-
Step Method. Time yourself: Give yourself a maximum of 30-45 seconds to do each example.
1. Despite much informed , the relationship between
sunspot cycles and the earth's weather remains
0 argument ... decisive
0 confusion ... tenuous
O conjecture ... ambiguous
0 evidence ... clear
0 analysis ... systematic
As a consequence of the Antarctic's climate, the only
forms of plant life to be found in the continent's interior are a
few lichens and mosses that cling to the frozen rocks.
0 frigid ... hardy
0 extreme ... mysterious
0 harsh ... luxuriant
0 freezing ... complex
0 changing ... tiny
3. Conflict between generations may be a problem that has persisted
for centuries, but the nature and intensity of the conflict
obviously in response to changes in social and economic
conditions.
0 increases
O disappears
0 declines
O varies
0 wanes
Think about how you solved these sentence completion questions. To maximize your score, it's
important to start practicing the techniques we covered in this chapter. On the pages that follow,
you'll find sets of GRE sentence completion practice questions that will help you to hone your
skills with this question type. Try these practice sets under testlike conditions, moving from one
question to the next at a rapid pace. Complete, strategic explanations to aU of these questions
follow so that you can check your answers and learn the most efficient means for completing
each question correctly.
GRE ANALOGIES
The first step towards testing your best on GRE analogies is to get familiar with the format.
Analogies test your vocabulary and your ability to figure out the relationships between pairs
of words. You're given a pair of capitalized words (for example, POTATO :VEGETABLE), and
you're asked to determine their relationship, then identi@ the answer choice that has the same
relationship.
The directions for this question type look like this:
Directions: In this question, a related pair of words is followed by five lettered pairs of
words. Choose the one pair that best expresses a relationship similar to that expressed in
the original pair.
On the GRE, the more questions you get right, the more difficult the analogies you encounter
will become. If you perform well on GRE Verbal, you can expect to see analogies towards the
end of the test that feature quite difficult, esoteric vocabulary.
THE FOUR FUNDAMENTALS
To improve your skill in answering GRE analogy questions, you'll need to familiarize yourself
with the basic principles for approaching them-and you'll need some practice. The Four
Fundamentals below will help you to increase your skills and confidence as you approach the
day of the test. And with skills and confidence, you'll be able to earn points on test day!
GRE Analogy Questions Consist of Two Words
The two words, called the stem pair, are followed by five answer choices, each consisting of
two words that are also separated by colons. Analogy questions on the GRE CAT look like this:
1. LITER : VOLUME ::
0 bottle : can
0 knob : radio
0 scale : height
0 gram : weight
G juice : vitamin
There Will Always Be a Direct and Necessary
Relationship between the Words in the Stem Pair
You can express the relationship between the two stem words by making a short sentence that
we call a bridge. Your goals when you build an analogy bridge should be to keep it as short and
as clear as possible.
For the analogy above, as strong bridge would be:
A LITER is by definition a measure of VOLUME.
WHAT'S A STEM PAIR?
Analogy questions consist of two words-the stem pair-that are separated by a colon.
Stem pairs look like this:
PREPARATION : SUCCESS ::
Try to Build a "Bridge" before Looking at the
Answer Choices
Because the GRE CAT is a standardized test, you'll find that certain kinds of bridges appear
on the test over and over again. At Kaplan, we call these frequently appearing bridges Classic
Bridges. Getting familiar with Classic Bridges now will help you quickly recognize these relationships
when you encounter them on the GRE CAT.
WHAT'S A BRIDGE?
A bridge is a short sentence that connects the two words in the stem pair. You should
always build a bridge before you look at the answer choices.
The Five Classic Bridges
1. Definition ("is alwaysn or "is never")
2. Function or Purpose
3. Lack
4. Characteristic Actions or Items
5. Degree (sometimes to the point of excess)
Each of the five classic bridges are illustrated below.
The Definition Bridge
CYGNET : SWAN A CYGNET is a young SWAN.
The Function or Purpose Bridge
TRUSS : SUPPORT A TRUSS is used as a SUPPORT.
The Lack Bridge
LOUT : GRACE A LOUT lacks GRACE.
The Characteristic Actions or Item Bridge
SKUNK : SCENT A SKUNK defends itself with its SCENT.
The Degree Bridge (sometimes to the point ofexcess)
INTEREST : ENTHRALL To INTEREST greatly is to ENTHRALL.
Remember the five classic bridges and keep them in mind as you practice for the GRE.
WHAT MAKES A STRONG BRIDGE?
You might think that the words apple and pie have a strong bridge. Don't be fooled. You
can make many things other than pies out of apples, such as apple juice and apple
sauce. And there are many different types of pies. Apple and fruit, on the other hand,
do have a strong bridge. An apple is a type of fruit. This is always true: It's a strong,
definite relationship.
Watch Out for Common Wrong Answer Types
Because the bridges on GRE analogies are predictable, wrong answer types to these questions
are also predictable. If you get stumped on any GRE analogy, you can earn points by ruling
out as many wrong answer choices as you can and then picking from the remaining choices.
Here are some of the typical wrong answer choices that appear on GRE analogies:
Unrelated Words
A pair of words with no strong relationship is a common wrong answer.
Same Subject Trap
The words in the answer choice are in the same fields (or have the same subject) as the words
in the stem pair, but don't have the same bridge.
"Both Are" Bridges
This involves words that aren't related to each other, but are both related to a third word. For
instance, the words bracelet: necklace refer to pieces of jewelry. Yet a bracelet has no necessary
connection to a necklace.
Context Traps
Words that often appear together in context, but don't have any relationship. For instance,
mitigating : circumstance.
Reverse Analogy
The bridge would be right if the order of the words were reversed.
Au Contraire or Opposite Bridge
The bridge is the exact opposite of the bridge between the wbrds in the stem pair.
Irrelevant Bridge
The bridge is strong, but it doesn't have anything to do with the bridge in the stem pair.
Drill
Identify the Classic Bridges in the following stem pairs.
1. MISER : CHEAP
3. RULER : MEASURE
4. ELATED : HAPPY
5. BEAK: BIRD
Now build a bridge for each of the following stem pairs.
1. CHICKEN : POULTRY
3. LOOM : WEAVE
4. RECLUSE : SOLITARY
5. LANGUID : ENERGY
THE KAPLAN FOUR-STEP METHOD
Now that you have learned the basics for tackling analogies questions, you're ready for
Kaplan's strategic approach to analogies on the GRE. Approaching analogies in a systematic
manner is the best way to avoid common pitfalls and improve your score.
0 Find a Strong Bridge between the Stem Words
In most cases, the more precisely you can express the connection between the two
words, the better. A precise formulation is more likely to help you find the right
answer.
8 Plug the Answer Choices into the Bridge
Look for the answer choice pair that has the same relationship as the stem pair.
Immediately eliminate answer choices that don't fit the bridge.
Always try all the answer choices; you might find that more than one answer choice
works with the bridge that you built.
If only one answer choice works with the bridge you built, select that answer choice.
(D Adjust the Bridge, if Necessary
If more than one answer choice works, you'll have to narrow your bridge (make it
more precise).
If none of the answer choices work, you probably need to expand it (make it more
general).
Consider alternate definitions for the stem words. Perhaps your bridge uses the wrong
definition of a word.
9 If Stuck, Build Bridges between Answer Choice Pairs and Work
Backwards
Eliminate all answer choices that have no strong bridge.
Eliminate all answer choices that have an identical bridge to another answer choice.
Beware of answer choices that reverse the bridge.
Try It Out
Let's apply the Kaplan Four-Step Method for Analogies to an example.
2. HANGAR : AIRCRAFT : :
0 orchestra : music
0 vault : money
0 hand : fingers
farm : trees
0 ecosystem : insect
0 Begin by building a bridge: A HANGAR is a place built to keep AIRCRAFT.
@ Now plug each of our answer choices into our bridge "a BLANK is a place to keep
BLANK."
Is an orchestra a place built to keep music? No. Eliminate choice (1).
Is a vault a place built to keep n~otley?Y es, so keep choice (2).
Is a hand a place built to keep afit~gers?N o, so eliminate this choice as well.
Is a farm a place built to keep a trees? Maybe, maybe not. Eliminate choice (4).
Is an ecosystem a place built to keep insects? No. Eliminate choice (5).
0 There is no need to adjust the bridge, since only answer choice (2) worked.
If we needed to work backwards, we could have eliminated choices (4) and (5), since there
is no strong bridge between the words in these pairs.
PRACTICE SET
Now try the following analogy questions on your own, using the Kaplan Four-Step Method.
Give yourself a maximum of 30-45 seconds to do each example.
1. LUCID : OBSCURITY ::
0 ambiguous : doubt
0 provident : planning
0 furtive : legality
C; economical : extravagance
0 secure : violence
2. ATTENTIVE : RAPT ::
0 loyal : unscrupulous
0 critical : derisive
0 inventive : innovative
0 jealous : envious
0 kind : considerate
3. CLEAVER : BUTCHER ::
3 palette : artist
0 stage : dancer
0 dictionary : poet
0 lock : burglar
0 chisel : sculptor
Think about how you solved these analogies questions. To maximize your score, it's important
to start practicing these skills now. On the pages that follow, you'll find sets of GRE analogies
practice questions that will help you to hone your skills with this question type. Try these
practice sets under timed conditions, moving from one question to the next at a rapid pace.
Complete, strategic explanations to all of these questions follow so that you can check your
answers and learn the most efficient means for completing each question correctly.
The answers to this section appear on the next page.
Answer Key
Testlike Questions
1. (4)
2. (2)
Drill
1. Definition
2. Lack
3. Function
4. Degree
5. Characteristic ltems/Actions
1. A CHICKEN is by definition a type of POULTRY.
2. To experience extreme FEAR is by definition to experience TERROR.
3. The purpose of a LOOM is by definition to WEAVE.
4. A RECLUSE is by definition SOLITARY.
5. Someone who's LANGUID is by definition lacking in EXERGY.
GRE ANTONYMS
Antonyms make up about one fourth of the GRE verbal section. They are also the Verbal question
type that many students find the most difficult to improve their performance on.
Antonym questions are designed to test your vocabulary, so your first step in preparing for this
question type is to start building your knowledge by using the GRE Vocabulary Builder section
of this book. In this chapter, we'll give you some vocabulary skill-building pointers and
show you how to answer Antonym questions strategically. If you approach antonyms strategically,
you'll find that you'll get many questions right even if you don't know the exact definitions
of the tested words.
The directions for these questions look like this:
Directions: This question consists of a capitalized word that is followed by five words or
phrases. Choose the lettered word or phrase whose meaning is most nearly opposite to the
meaning of the capitalized word. Because some questions require you to distinguish fine
shades of meaning, it is advisable to consider all the choices before deciding on the best
choice.
On the GRE, the more questions you get right, the harder the antonym questions you'll see. If
you perform well on GREVerbal, you'll find that using Kaplan's vocabulary strategies becomes
increasingly important on later antonyms.
THE FOUR FUNDAMENTALS
To improve your skills in answering GRE antonyms, you'll need to familiarize yourself with
the basic principles for approaching them-and you'll need some practice. The Four
Fundamentals below will help you to increase your skills and confidence as you approach the
day of the test. And with the skills and confidence, you'll be able to earn points on test day!
Tects
Use Kaplan's Strategies for Decoding Difficult
Vocabulary Words.
On hard antonyms, it might seem at first glance as if you don't know anything about the stem
word. However, you need only a little bit of information to guess at a word's meaning. The following
techniques can give you enough of an idea about what the stem word means to get
solve the question.
Think of a Context in which You've Heard the Word Before
You might be able to figure out the meaning of a word from a familiar context: For example,
"crimes and misdemeanors," "mitigating circumstances:' or "abject poverty."
Look at Word Roots, Stems, and Suffixes
If you don't know what a particular word means, you might be able to guess its meaning based
on your knowledge of one or more of the word's parts. If you don't know the meaning of benediction,
for example, its prefix (bene, which means good) tells you that its opposite is likeIy to
be something bad. Perhaps the answer will begin with mal, as in nialefaction.
Use Your Knowledge of a Romance Language
You might be able to guess a word's meaning because it sounds like a word you might have
learned in foreign language class. You might guess at the word credulous, for instance, because
you know the Italian word credere; or you might notice that moratminz sounds like the
French word morte or that the word mundane sounds like the Spanish word mundo.
Use the Positive or Negative "Charges" of Words
to Help You to Guess an Answer.
When all other vocabulary decoding strategies fail, use your ear. If you know a stem word sounds
positive, for example, you know that its antonym must be negatively charged-and vice versa!
This strategy can work wonders on harder questions. Here's a sample tough antonym question.
1. SCABROUS:
C? thorny
0 unblemished
O perplexing
0 blank
0 examined
Notice that SCABROUS sounds harsh-it has a negative (-) charge. Now let's check out the
charges of the answer choices. Both thorny and perplexing are negatively charged, so choices
(1) and (3) cannot be antonyms of the stem word. The words blank and examined are neutral,
they are neither positive or negative. The only positively charged word her is choice (2),
unblemished. This is our answer; SCABROUS means rough or covered with unwholesome
patches
- -
BE STRATEGIC
Antonyms are designed to test your vocabulary, but ifyou attack these questions strate
gically, you'll get many questions right even if you don't know the exact definition.
Watch Out for Common Wrong-Answer Types.
Even if you have no idea what the word in the stem means, don't panic! Eliminating answer
choices that you know are wrong will give you a good chance of guessing the right answer.
Typical wrong answer types on GRE antonyms are:
Words That Have No Clear Opposites
Such words as birthright and priority, and deserve, for example, can't be antonyms for any
stem word!
Any Answer Choices That Have the Same Opposites as Each Other
If two or more of the answer choices have the same antonym, that choice can't be an antonym
for the stem word because then there would be more than one correct answer to the question!
Au Contraire, or Opposite, Answers
These answers mean exactly the opposite of the word you're looking for. In other words, they
are synonyms, rather than antonyms, for the stem word.
Drill
Each of the word lists below relates to two concepts that are opposite in meaning. Practice categorizing
words relating to these opposites as a means for preparing for GRE antonyms. If you
are unfamiliar with the meaning of any word, use the strategies for decoding tough vocabulary
to decipher its meaning.
Write "harsh" next to those words that are harsh-sounding; write "pleasant" next to those
words that are pleasant sounding.
CACOPHONOUS
DISCORDANT
DULCET
FRACAS
RAUCOUS
SONOROUS
STRIDENT
Label each word according to its general meaning. Write either "caring" or "indifferent" in the
lines provided.
APATHETIC
CONCERN
DESULTORY
DISINTEREST
REGARD
IMPASSIVITY
INQUISITIVE
INTRIGUE
THE KAPLAN FOUR-STEP METHOD
Now that you have learned the basics, you're ready to learn Kaplan's strategic approach to
antonyms on the GRE CAT. Approaching antonyms in a systematic manner is the best way to
avoid common traps on the test and improve your score.
0 Define the Stem Word
Even if you don't know the precise definition of the word, a general knowledge of the
words is usually sufficient.
Use Kaplan vocabulary strategies, such as looking for familiar roots, to try to get a
rough definition of the word.
8 Define Its Opposite and Prephrase an Answer
Whenever possible, you should have an idea of what you're looking for before checking
any answer choices.
Consciously prephrasing an answer will reduce the chance that you'll select a choice
that's a synonym.
(D Find the Answer Choice That Best Matches Your Prephrase
Sometimes one or more answer choices will be close to your prephrase. Check all the
answer choices for the best fit.
Consider alternate definitions for the stem words. Perhaps you're using the wrong
definition of a word.
8 Use Guessing Strategies, If Necessary
Eliminate any answer choices that have no clear opposite.
Eliminate answer choices that are synonyms of one another.
Use word charge and answer choice patterns to avoid other probable wrong answers.
Try It Out
Let's apply the Kaplan Four-Step Method for antonyms to an example.
2. TRAIL:
0 age
0 depress
0 rule
0 wander
0 precede
0 Begin by defining our stem word, TRAIL. What does TRAIL mean? You will notice in this
context that trail is a verb. It has to be, because choices (2), (3) and (4) can only be verbs,
and the answer choices and the stem word must be the same part of speech. As a verb
TRAIL means "to foUow".
8 Since TRAIL means "to follow': we need a word that means "to lead" or "come before."
0 Choice (j), precede, means "to come before" so it is the best answer.
O If you had to guess, you could have eliminated age and rule, since they have no clear
opposite.
PRACTICE SET
Now try the following Antonym questions on your own, using the Kaplan Four-Step Method.
Time yourself: Give yourself a maximum of 30-45 seconds to do each example.
1. AMIABLE:
0 faithful
0 insulted
0 distasteful
0 indecent
0 unfriendly
2. ACUTE:
0 conspicuous
0 relevant
0 aloof
0 dull
3 distant
3. RECANT:
0 affirm
O rectify
0 offend
0 ignore
0 withdraw
Think about how you attacked these antonym questions. To maximize your score, it's irnportant
to start practicing the techniques we covered in this chapter. On the pages that follow,
you'll find sets of GRE Antonyms practice questions that will help you to hone your skills with
this question type. Try these practice sets under testlike conditions, moving from one question
to the next at a rapid pace. Complete, strategic explanations to all of these questions follow so
that you can check your answers and learn the most efficient means for completing each question
correctly.
Answer Key
Testlike Questions
1. (2)
2. (5)
Drill
CACOPHONOUS harsh
DISCORDANT harsh
DULCET pleasant
FRACAS harsh
RAUCOUS harsh
SONOROUS pleasant
STRIDENT harsh
APATHETIC
CONCERN
DESULTORY
DISINTEREST
REGARD
IMPASSIVITY
INQUISITNE
INTRIGUE
LASSITUDE
Practice Set
1- ( 5 )
2. (4)
3. (1)
indifferent
caring
indifferent
indifferent
caring
indifferent
caring
caring
indifferent
GRE READING COMPREHENSION
Reading Comprehension is the only question type that appears on all major standardized
tests, and the reason for this isn't too surprising. No matter what academic area you pursue,
you'll have to make sense of some dense, unfamiliar material. The topics for GRE Reading
Comp passages are taken from three areas: social sciences, natural sciences, and humanities.
So in a way, Reading Comp is the most realistic of all the question types on the test. And right
now is a good time to start. shoring up your critical reading skills, both for the test and for
future study in your field.
The directions for this question type look like this:
Directions: This passage in this test is accompanied by questions based on its content.
After reading a selection, choose the best response to each question. Your replies are to be
based on what is actually stated or implied in the passage.
On the GRE CAT you will see two to four Reading Comp passages, each with two to four questions.
You will have to tackle the passage and questions as they are given to you.
THE FOUR FUNDAMENTALS
To improve your Reading Comprehension skills, you'll need a lot of practice-and patience.
You may not see dramatic improvement after only one drill. But with ongoing practice, the
basic principles below will help you to increase your skill and confidence on this section by
the day of the test.
ZOOM IN!
As you read the first third of the passage, try to zoom in on the main idea of the passage,
first by getting a sense of the general topic, and then by pinning down the scope
of the passage. Finally, zero in on the author's purpose in writing the passage.
Read Actively: Don't Just "Read" the Passage
To do well on this section of the test, you'll need to do more than just read the words on the
page. You'll need to read actively. Active reading involves keeping your mind working at all
times, while trying to anticipate where the author's points are leading. It means thinking about
what you're reading as you read it. It means paraphrasing complicated-sounding ideas and jargon.
Here are some pointers on reading a GRE passage actively. - Identify the topic.
Narrow it down to the precise scope that the author includes.
Make a hypothesis about why the author is writing and where he or she is going with it.
As you're reading, ask yourself: "Why did the author include this paragraph?" "What
shift did the author have in mind when moving on to this paragraph?""What bearing
does this paragraph have on the author's main idea?""What's the author's main point
here?""What's the purpose of this paragraph? Of this sentence?"
i DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME!
I You don't have to memorize or understand every little thing as you read the passage.
Remember, you can always refer back to the passage to clarify the meaning of any
I specific detail.
Read for Structure:
Your Goal Is Not to Memorize Every Detail!
In their efforts to understand what the author says, test takers often ignore the less glamorous
but important structural side of the passage-namely, how the author says it. One of the keys
to success with reading comprehension is to understand not only the passage's purpose but
also the structure of each passage. Why? Because the questions at the end of the passage ask
both what the author says and how he or she says it. To ensure that you read for structure,
remember to do the following:
Always look for Keywords, the structural signals that authors use to indicate logical
connections between sentences.
Don't try to memorize details! Skim them until the questions demand them.
Look for topic sentences to help you to determine the function of each paragraph.
Be alert for comparisons and contrasts between:
Two thinkers or theories
Different points in time
The author's view and other views
* What's known and what's unknown
Remember, GRE Reading Comp passages usually do one of the following:
Argue a position
Discuss a specific subject
Explain new findings or research
AmACK THE PASSAGE!
You can be an active reader by:
Thinking about what you're reading
Paraphrasing the complicated parts
Asking yourself questions about the passage
Jotting down notes
Recognize the Most Common Question Types
GRE Reading Comprehension questions are predictable. The test writers put the same types
of questions on the test year after year. Practicing identifying and answering the following
question types will help you get ready for them on test day.
Global: Ask you to identify the central idea or primary purpose of the passage
Explicit Detailnext: Ask you to find what is true "according to the passage" or what the
passage states
Inference: Ask you to determine what the passage suggests, what it implies, what conclusion
it supports, or a statement the author would be most likely to agree with
Logic: Ask why the author includes a particular example sentence or phrase, or ask you to
determine the function of a paragraph
Vocabulary-in-Context: Ask you to define a word or phrase as it is used in the passage
Watch Out for Wrong Answer Types
Because the GRE Reading Comprehension question types are predictable, wrong answer types
to these questions are also predictable. If you get stumped on any GRE Reading Comp question,
you should rule out as many wrong answer choices as you can and then pick from the
remaining choices. Typical wrong answers to look for on GRE Reading Comp are:
Au Contraire: Sounds very similar to the correct answer but directly contradicts the passage
Outside the Scope: Raises a topic that's never mentioned in the passage
Distortion: Distorts or twists the facts or the main idea; sounds superficially plausible
because it incorporates words or phrases from the passage, but actually confuses the author's
intended meaning
Faulty Use of Detail: Mentions true points not relevant to the question (often from the
wrong paragraph)
Extreme: Sounds too positive or too negative; uses exaggerated-sounding language, e.g.,
only, never, or always
Half-Right, Half-Wrong: Present some information that is correct and some that is incorrect
Topics for Reading Comp passages come from:
The social sciences
The natural sciences
The humanities
Drill
The correct answers to GRE Reading Comp questions must be irrefutable. For this reason,
answer choices that are extreme or too emotional tend to be wrong. Decide whether each of
the following sentences sounds Extreme or Moderate.
1. Reporters tend to focus on news stories which
they believe will improve ratings.
2. It is impossible that one person could have authored
all of the plays we currently consider to have been
written by Shakespeare.
3. Scientists who refrain from making bold statements
to their peers about the significance of their experiments
often employ far less technical language in news releases.
4. The melting of Antarctic ice sheets is one of several
potential threats to the stability of the Earth's climate.
5. Though Copernicus is generally associated with the
discovery of the sun-centered universe, Aristarchus
may have conceived of the idea in 200 B.C.
Extreme 1 Moderate
Extreme 1 A4oderate
Extreme 1 Moderate
Extreme 1 Moderate
Extreme I Moderate
Now, read the following GRE-like sentence:
Marathon running has become increasingly popular as people have become more and
more concerned about their health.
Remember that on GRE Reading Comp, some answer choices will sound like they fit the passage,
but will actually distort the author's point. Decide which of the three statements below
agrees with the GRE-like sentence above.
1. Marathon running has become an international event that promotes friendship between
cultures.
2. The fact that more people are running in marathons highlights the public's increasing
interest in pursuing healthy activities.
3. The majority of people who take up marathon running do so because they are concerned
about their health.
THE KAPLAN FOUR-STEP METHOD
Now that you have the basics for tackling Reading Comprehension questions, you're ready to
learn Kaplan's strategic approach to Reading Cornp on the GRE CAT. As is the case with all
other GRE question types, approaching Reading Cornp in a systematic manner is the best way
to avoid common pitfalls and improve your score.
0 Read the First Third
Identify topic and scope, zero in on the purpose of the passage, and predict where the passage
will go.
Topic: The broad concept or idea addressed in the passage
Scope: The more narrow and specific area of the topic that is being discussed
Purpose: A hypothesis about why the author is writing and where he or she is going
with the passage.
Here's a hypothetical example. Suppose you encounter a reading passage about the Battle of
Gettysburg on the GRE. The broad topic of "The Battle of Gettysburg, " for example, would
be a lot to cover in a Reading Comp passage. So if you encountered such a passage, you would
also need to ask yourself, "What is the scope of this author's passage?" or, in this case, "What
specific aspect of the battle does the author address?" Whatever that chunk is-the prebattle
scouting, how the battle was fought-is the passage's scope. Finally, you should also consider
why the author is writing. For example, is the author writing to refute an established point of
view (a common format on the GRE), or to contrast two interpretations of why the battle
occurred? Being able to answer this question will tell you how the passage is organized.
8 Read the Remaining Two Thirds
Create a brief "road map"-jot down some brief notes-as you read.
Q Review Your "Road Map"
Confirm topic, scope and purpose.
0 Attack the Questions
Use the stem to plan your attack!
Reread any relevant text.
Predict an answer.
Choose an answer.
PRACTICE SET
Now that you've got the fundamentals of GRE reading comp under your belt and you've had
some practice in identifying reading comp wrong answer types, let's put your knowledge to
use on the following testlike passage and questions.
Tsunamis are huge, fast-moving waves that are capable of causing enormous destruction
and loss of life if they broach the shoreline on a populated coast. To communities that have
been devastated by such an event, the tsunami often seems to come out of nowhere, and survivors
are mystified as to why such a huge wave could appear with so little warning. The terrifying
suddenness of a tsunami's arrival is a consequence of where and how they are created.
When submarine tectonic activity distorts the sea floor, it vertically displaces the overlying
sea water. As the displaced water seeks equilibrium under the influence of gravity, waves form,
and when the distortion is of sufficient magnitude, a tsunami can result. If the earthquake
occurs near the shore, the tsunami may take only minutes to reach a populated coast.
Tsunamis attain their enormous heights through a process of decreasing speed and increasing
height. The energy flux of a tsunami is constant, which leads to an inversely proportional
relationship between the wave's speed and its height. Since speed is directly proportional to
water depth, as the wave approaches shallower water, its speed decreases, causing its height
to increase to compensate for the loss and thus maintain the wave's energy flux. Through this
process, a barely perceptible deep ocean wave formed by an earthquake far from shore can
rapidly transform into a tsunami that can exceed 30 meters at its final runup height, which it
attains onshore above sea level.
1. The author is primarily concerned with
0 establishing that tsunamis are formed by submarine tectonic activity.
0 explaining why tsunamis can appear so suddenly and with so little warning.
0 arguing that a tsunami's energy flux results in its great height and destructive capacity.
0 demonstrating that devastating tsunamis must be formed by earthquakes close to
shore.
0 challenging long held beliefs about the formation of deep ocean waves.
2. It may be inferred from the passage that a tsunami that entered deeper water would expe
rience an increase in
0 destructive power.
0 speed.
0 energy flux.
0 visibility.
0 height
Think about how you attacked these Reading Comprehension questions. To maximize your
score, it's important to start practicing the techniques we've covered in this chapter now. On
the pages that follow, you'll find sets of GRE Reading Comp passages and practice questions
that will help you to hone your skills with this question type. Try these practice sets under testlike
conditions, moving from one question to the next at a rapid pace. Complete, strategic
explanations to all of these questions follow so that you can check your answers and learn the
most efficient means for completing each question correctly.
Answer Key
Drill
1. Moderate
2. Estreme
3. Moderate
4. Moderate
5. Moderate
Distortion Exercise
1. Distortion
2. Inference
3. Distortion
Practice Set
1. (2)
2. (2)
INCREASING YOUR GRE VOCABULARY
BEFORE YOU GET STARTED
A strong vocabulary is the greatest asset that you can bring to the GRE verbal section.
Antonyms, which make up a quarter of the verbal section, are a direct test of your vocabulary
skills. The other types of short verbal questions (analogies and sentence completions) also
require you to understand the meanings of a large number of words.
So, how do you start improving your vocabulary? Don't say to yourself, "I'm going to get ready
for the GRE by opening the dictionary and starting on page 1." In real life, the dictionary is
the single most useful verbal tool there is. But the GRE is not real life, and for the purposes of
preparing for the GRE, the dictionary is overkill. It includes a lot more words than you need
to look at, including all those everyday words you already know and all those esoteric words
that will never appear on the GRE.
Building up a good vocabulary takes time, a lifetime for most people. However, you can
increase your GRE vocabulary quickly. There are a couple of reasons for this.
1. The GRE tests the same words over and over again.
If you know the words that the GRE loves, you have a big head start in increasing your GRE
vocabulary, We have included the words that appear most often on the GRE in chapter 10,
"Top GRE Words." Start learning the meanings of these words as soon as you can.
2. The GRE does not test the exact definitions of words. If you have some
idea of what the word means, you can usually get to the answer.
You don't need to know the exact definitions of words to get a good verbal score on the GRE.
It's better to know something about ten words than everything about one word. This is why
learning words in groups is such a powerful technique. We have included common word
groups for the GRE in chapter 9, "GRE Word Groups."
Knowing the meanings of common word roots can be helpful in two ways. First of all, knowing
the meaning of word roots can help you guess at the meanings of unfamiliar words you
encounter on the GRE. Second, when you're learning new vocabulary, it's more effective to
study words in groups rather than one by one. Learning groups of words that are related by a
common root will help you to learn more words faster. We have included a list of common
GRE word roots in chapter 10.
Once you've looked over the top GRE words and the chapters on word roots and word groups,
you can hone your skills using our opposite drills in chapter 1 1. Finally, we've included a minidictionary
that gives you the definitions of thousands of GRE words. Use it whenever you
encounter an unfamiliar word in your study.
BASICS OF VOCABULARY BUILDING
The way most people build their vocabulary is by reading words in context. Reading is ultimately
the best way to increase your vocabulary, although it also takes the most time. Of
course, some types of reading material contain more GRE vocabulary words than others. You
should get into the habit of reading high-level publications, such as the It'all Street Journal, the
Economist, and the New York Times. (Because you'll have to read from the computer screen on
Test Day, we recommend that you read these publications online, if possible. And if you read
lengthy articles that require scrolling through, so much the better.)
When you come across words you don't know and can't figure out from the context, look them
up in the dictionary and make a note of them. It sounds tedious, but it's definitely worth the
time and effort come Test Day. The words you encounter during your prep can be found in
the GRE Minidictionary in chapter 12. This handy reference tool contains thousands of words
that you might find on the GRE.
Note that you will find nothing on pronunciation in the Minidictionary. Pronunciation is not
tested on the GRE, so we don't recommend spending study time learning how to pronounce
words. Some people, however, find it much easier to remember the meaning of a word if they
have the sound of the word in their heads. If you're such a person, then use the dictionary to
figure out how to pronounce words you're not familiar with.
PARTS OF SPEECH
The GRE never directly tests your ability to classify words by part of speech, but you'll do better
if you can distinguish nouns, adjectives, and verbs.
Nouns
A noun names a person, place, or thing. A noun answers the questions "who," "where," or
"what." A noun can function as the subject ("The soliloquy was eloquentn) or object of a verb
("He wrote an eloquent soliloquyn).
If you know the meaning of the word, you can tell if it's a noun by thinking about the way it
would be used in a sentence.
If the word can function as the subject of a sentence, it's a noun.
If it can be replaced by a pronoun like he, she, it, or thq: it's a noun. - If you can put an article like the, a, an, or some in front of it, it's a noun.
If it has a plural form (usually the ending -s), it's a noun. If it has a possessive form
(usually the ending -'s), it's a noun.
If you don't know the meaning of a word, but it has one of the following suffutes, then
it's probably a noun.
-ACY
-AGE
-ANCE
- ANCY
-DOM
-ENCE
-ENCY
-ERY
Adjectives
An adjective describes a noun, answering the questions "what kind," "which one," or "how
many." In a sentence, you will generally find adjectives right in front of the nouns they describe
("The book is full of sophomoric humor") or after a form of the verb be or some other linking
verb ("The book's humor is sophomoric").
If you know the meaning of a word, you can tell if it's an adjective by thinking about the way
the word would be used in a sentence. If the word can be used to describe a noun, it's an adjective.
Most adjectives have comparative and superlative forms (rife, rifer, rifest and sanguine,
more sanguine, most sanguine). Most adjectives can be turned into adverbs by adding -1y
(intemperately.)
If you don't know the meaning of a word, but it has one of the following suffixes, then it's
probably an adjective.
Verbs
A verb is a word that represents an action or state of being. Every sentence must have at least
one verb. The main verb usually comes right after the subject ("They squander their fortunes"),
but sometimes is separated from the subject ("The contestant with the second highest
vote total wins the consolation prize") and sometimes even precedes the subject ("Quickly
flow the years.")
If you know the meaning of the word, you can tell if it's a verb by thinking about the way the
word would be used in a sentence. If, with the addition of an -s, it can follow a pronoun like
he or it and make a sentence, it's a verb ("Hepanders"). If it has a past form ending in -ed (pandered)
and a progressive form ending in -ing (pandering), it's a verb.
If you don't know the meaning of a word, but it has one of the following suffixes, then it's
probably a verb.
Split-Personality Words
Remember that many words in the English language can function as more than one part of
speech. Here's a single word used as a noun, adjective, and verb:
As the test tube rested overnight, some precipitate formed. (noun)
It would be better to proceed with caution than to take precipitate action. (adjective)
Passage of the resolution could well precipitate rebellion. (verb)
When you see a word all by itself in an analogy or an antonym, with no sentence to show you
the word in use, you may not be able to tell at st what part of speech it is. For example, if
you see the word brook out of context, don't assume you're looking at a noun. It can also be
a verb, as in: "She would brook no interference with her intentions." Instead, look at the
answer choices or the other word in an analogy's stem. They should make it pretty clear what
meaning they are testing.
TOP GRE WORDS
Some words appear on the GRE more than others. The following words all turn up regularly
on the test, although some turn up more than others. You should start by learning these words,
and the groups of words that have similar meanings to them.
The top 12 words on the GRE are:
ANOMALY
EQUIVOCAL
LUCID
PRECIPITATE
The next 20 most popular words are:
ABSTAIN
AUDACIOUS
DESICCATE
GULLIBLE
LAUDMLE
PEDANT
VACILLATE
ASSUAGE
ERUDITE
OPAQUE
PRODIGAL
ADULTEIWTE
CAPRICIOUS
ENGENDER
HOMOGENOUS
LOQUACIOUS
PRAGMATIC
VOLATILE
The next 20 most popular words after these are:
ADVOCATE ANTIPATHY
CACOPHONY DERIDE
ENERVATE EULOGY
INGENUOUS LETHARGIC
MISANTHROPE OBDURATE
PARADOX PHILANTHROPIC
VENERATE WAVER
ENIGMA
FERVID
PLACATE
ZEAL
APATHY
CORROBORATE
EPHEMERAL
LACONIC
MITIGATE
PROPRIETY
BOLSTER
DISSONANCE
GARRULOUS
MALLEABLE
OSTENTATION
PREVARICATE
200 TOP GRE WORDS IN CONTEXT
ABATE: to reduce in amount, degree, or severity
As the hurricane's force ABATED, the winds dropped and the sea became calm.
Words with similar meanings:
EBB LAPSE LET UP
MODERATE RELENT SLACKEN
SUBSIDE WANE
ABSCOND: to leave secretly
The patron ABSCONDED from the restaurant without paying his bill by sneaking out the
back door.
Words with similar meanings:
FLEE DECAMP ESCAPE
ABSTAIN: to choose not to do something:
During Lent, practicing Catholics ABSTAIN from eating meat.
Words with similar meanings:
FORBEAR REFRAIN WITHHOLD
ABYSS: an extremely deep hole
The submarine dove into the ABYSS to chart the previously unseen depths.
Related words:
ABYSSAL: pertaining to great depth
ABYSMAL: extremely bad
Words with similar meanings:
CHASM VOID
ADULTERATE: to make impure
The restaurateur made his ketchup last longer by ADULTERATING it with water.
Related words:
UNADULTERATED: pure
ADULTERY an illicit relationship; an affair
Words with similar meanings:
DOCTOR
ADVOCATE: to speak in favor of
The vegetarian ADVOCATED a diet containing no meat.
Related words:
ADVOCACY: active support for
Words with similar meanings:
BACK CHAMPION SUPPORT
AESTHETIC: concerning the appreciation of beauty
Followers of the AESTHETIC Movement regarded the pursuit of beauty as the only true
purpose of art.
Related words:
AESTHETE: someone unusually sensitive to beauty
AESTHETICISM: concern with beauty
Words with similar meanings:
ARTISTIC TASTEFUL
AGGRANDIZE: to increase in power, influence, and reputation
The supervisor sought to AGGRANDIZE himself by claiming that the achievements of his
staff were actually his own.
Words with similar meanings:
AMPLIFY APOTHEOSIZE AUGMENT
DIGNIFY ELEVATE ENLARGE
ENNOBLE EXALT GLORIFY
MAGNIFY SWELL UPLIFT
WAX
ALLEVIATE: to make more bearable:
Taking aspirin helps to ALLEVIATE a headache.
Words with similar meanings:
ALLAY ASSUAGE COMFORT
EASE LESSEN LIGHTEN
MITIGATE PALLIATE RELIEVE
AMALGAMATE: to combine; to mix together
Giant Industries AMALGAMATED with Mega Products to form Giant-Mega Products
Incorporated.
Related Words:
AMALGAM: a mixture, especially of two metals
Words with similar meanings:
ADMIX BLEND COMBINE
COMMINGLE COMMIX COMPOUND
FUSE INTERMINGLE INTERMIX
MERGE MINGLE MIX
AMBIGUOUS: doubtful or uncertain; able to be interpreted several ways
The directions he gave were so AMBIGUOUS that we disagreed on which way to turn.
Related Words:
AMBIGUITY: the quality of being ambiguous
Words with similar meanings:
CLOUDY DOUBTFUL DUBIOUS
EQUIVOCAL NEBULOUS INDETERMINATE
OBSCURE UNCLEAR VAGUE
AMELIORATE: to make better; to improve
The doctor was able to AMELIORATE the patient's suffering using painkillers.
Words with similar meanings:
AMEND BETTER IMPROVE
PACIFY UPGRADE
ANACHRONISM: something out of place in time
The aged hippie used ANACHRONISTIC phrases like groovy and far out that had not been
popular for years.
Words with similar meanings:
ARCHAISM INCONGRUITY
ANALOGOUS: similar or alike in some way; equivalent to
In a famous argument for the existence of God, the universe is ANALOGOUS to a mechanical
timepiece, the creation of a divinely intelligent "~loclunaker.~
Related word..
ANALOGY: a similarity between things that are otherwise dissimilar
ANALOGUE: something that is similar in some way to something else
Words with similar meanings:
Words
ALIKE COMPARABLE CORRESPONDING
EQUIVALENT HOMOGENEOUS PARALLEL
SIMILAR
ANOMALY: deviation from what is normal
Albino animals may display too great an ANOMALY in their coloring to attract normally
colored mates.
Related words:
ANOMALOUS: deviating from what is normal
Words with similar meanings:
ABERRANCE ABERRATION ABNORMALITY
DEVIANCE DEVIATION IRREGULARITY
PRETERNATURALNESS
ANTAGONIZE: to annoy or provoke to anger
The child discovered that he could ANTAGONIZE the cat by pulling its tail.
Related Words:
ANTAGONISTIC: tending to provoke conflict
ANTAGONIST: someone who fights another
Words with similar meanings
CLASH CONFLICT
IRRITATE OPPOSE
PROVOKE VEX
INCITE
PESTER
ANTIPATHY: extreme dislike
The ANTIPATHY between the French and the English regularly erupted into open warfare.
Words with similar meanings:
ANIMOSITY ANIMUS ANTAGONISM
AVERSION ENMITY HOSTILITY
REPELLENCE
APAl . lack of interest or emotion
The APATHY of voters is so great that less than half the people who are eligible to vote actually
bother to do so.
Words with similar meanings:
COOLNESS DISINTEREST DISREGARD
IMPASSIVITY INDIFFERENCE INSENSIBILITY
LASSITUDE LETHARGY LISTLESSNESS
PHLEGM STOLIDITY UNCONCERN
UNRESPONSIVENESS
ARBITRATE: to judge a dispute between two opposing parties
Since the couple could not come to agreement, a judge was forced to ARBITRATE their
divorce proceedings.
Related words:
ARBITRATION: a process by which a conflict is resolved
ARBITRATOR: a judge
Words with similar meanings:
ADJUDGE ADJUDICATE DECIDE
DETERMINE JUDGE MODERATE
REFEREE RULE
ARCHAIC: ancient, old-fashioned
Her ARCHAIC Commodore computer could not run the latest software.
Related words:
ARCHAISM: an outdated word or phrase
Words with similar meanings:
ANCIENT ANTEDILUVIAN ANTIQUE
BYGONE DATED DOWDY
FUSTY OBSOLETE OLD-FASHIONED
OUTDATED OUTMODED PASSE
PREHISTORIC STALE SUPERANNUATED
SUPERSEDED VINTAGE
ARDOR: intense and passionate feeling
Bishop's ARDOR for landscape was evident when he passionately described the beauty of
the scenic Hudson Valley.
Related words:
ARDENT: expressing ardor; passionate
Words with similar meanings:
DEVOTION ENTHUSIASM FERVENCY
FERVIDITY FERVIDNESS FERVOR
FIRE PASSION ZEAL
ZEALOUSNESS
ARTICULATE: able to speak clearly and expressively
She is such an ARTICULATE defender of labor that unions are among her strongest supporters.
Words with similar meanings
ELOQUENT EXPRESSIVE FLUENT
LUClD SILVER-TONGUED SMOOTH-SPOKEN
ASSUAGE: to make something unpleasant less severe
Like many people, Philip Larkin used alcohol to ASSUAGE his sense of meaninglessness
and despair.
Words with similar meanings:
ALLAY
COMFORT
LIGHTEN
PACIFY
PROPITIATE
SWEETEN
ALLEVIATE
CONCILIATE
MITIGATE
PALLIATE
RELIEVE
APPEASE
EASE
MOLLIFY
PLACATE
SOOTHE
AlTENUATE: to reduce in force or degree; to weaken
The Bill of Rights ATTENUATED the traditional power of government to change laws at will.
Words with similar meanings:
DEBILITATE DEVITALIZE DILUTE
ENERVATE ENFEEBLE RAREFY
SAP THIN UNDERMINE
UNDO UNNERVE WATER
WEAKEN
AUDACIOUS: fearless and daring
"And you, your majesty, may kiss my bum!" replied the AUDACIOUS peasant.
Related words:
AUDACIm the quality of being audacious
Words with similar meanings:
ADVENTURESOME AGGRESSIVE
BOLD BRAVE
DARING DAUNTLESS
FEARLESS GALLANT
HEROIC INTREPID
PLUCKY STOUT
ASSERTIVE
COURAGEOUS
DOUGHTY
GAME
METTLESOME
STOUTHEARTED
UNAFRAID UNDAUNTED VALIANT
VALOROUS VENTURESOME VENTUROUS
AUSTERE: severe or stern in appearance; undecorated
The lack of decoration makes Zen temples seem AUSTERE to the untrained eye.
Related words:
AUSTERITY: severity, especially poverty
Words with similar meanings:
BLEAK DOUR GRIM
HARD HARSH SEVERE
BANAL: predictable, cliched, boring
He used BANAL phrases like Have a nice day, or Another day, another dollar.
Related words:
BANALIR the quality of being banal
Words with similar meanings:
BLAND BROMIDIC CLICHED
COMMONPLACE FATUOUS HACKNEYED
INNOCUOUS INSIPID JEJUNE
MUSTY PLATITUDINOUS PROSAIC
QUOTIDIAN SHOPWORN STALE
STEREOTYPIC THREADBARE TIMEWORN
TIRED TRITE VAPID
WORN-OUT
BOLSTER: to support; to prop up
The presence of giant footprints BOLSTERED the argument that Sasquatch was in the area.
Words with similar meanings:
BRACE BUTTRESS PROP
SUPPORT SUSTAIN UNDERPIN
UPHOLD
BOMBASTIC: pompous in speech and manner
Mussolini's speeches were mostly BOMBASTIC; his boasting and outrageous claims had no
basis in fact.
Related words:
BOMBAST: pompous speech or writing
Words with similar meanings:
BLOATED DECLAMATORY FUSTIAN
GRANDILOQUENT GRANDIOSE HIGH-FLOWN
MAGNILOQUENT OROTUND PRETENTIOUS
RHETORICAL SELF-IMPORTANT
, L, , fix:l \LA G t L-LL , [;-I /,y v..,,,L
CACOPHONY: harsh, - j a r r i a noise -
The junior high orchestra created an almost unbearable CACOPHONY as they tried to
tune their instruments.
Words with similar meanings:
DISCORD CHAOS DISHARMONY
NOISE CLAMOR DIN
CANDID: impartial and honest in speech
The observations of a child can be charming since they are CANDID and unpretentious.
Words with similar meanings:
DIRECT FORTHRIGHT FRANK
HONEST OPEN SINCERE
STRAIGHT STRAIGHTFORWARD UNDISGUISED
CAPRICIOUS: changing one's mind quickly and often
Queen Elizabeth I was quite CAPRICIOUS; her courtiers could never be sure which of their
number would catch her fancy.
Related words:
CAPRICE: whim, sudden fancy
Words with similar meanings:
ARBITRARY CHANCE CHANGEABLE
ERRATIC FICKLE INCONSTANT
MERCURIAL RANDOM WHIMSICAL
WILLFUL
CASTIGATE: to punish or criticize harshly
Americans are amazed at how harshly the authorities in Singapore ~~STIGATpeErp etrators
of what would be considered minor crimes in the united States.
Words with similar meanings:
ADMONISH CHASTISE CHIDE
REBUKE REPRIMAND REPROACH
REPROVE SCOLD TAX
UPBRAID
CATALYST: something that brings about a change in something else
The imposition of harsh taxes was the CATALYST that finally brought on the revolution.
Related M'ords:
CATALYZE: to bring about a change in something else
CAUSTIC: biting in wit
Dorothy Parker gained her reputation for CAUSTIC wit from her cutting, yet clever, insults.
Words with similar meanings:
ACERBIC BITING
TRENCHANT
MORDANT
CHAOS: great disorder or confusion
In most religious traditions, God created an ordered universe from CHAOS.
Related Words:
CHAOTIC: jumbled, confused
Words with similar meanings:
CLUTTER CONFUSION DISARRANGEMENT
DISARRAY DISORDER DISORDERLINESS
DISORGANIZATION JUMBLE MESS
MUDDLE SCRAMBLE SNARL
TOPSY-TURVINESS TURMOIL
CHAUVINIST: someone prejudiced in favor of a group to which he or she belongs
The attitude that men are inherently superior to women and therefore must be obeyed is
common among male CHAUVINISTS.
Words with similar meanings:
PARTISAN
CHICANERY: deception by means of craft or guile
Dishonest used car salesmen often use CHICANERY to sell their beat-up old cars.
Words with similar meanings:
ARTIFICE CONNMNG CRAFTINESS
Top GEE Words
DECEPTION DEVIOUSNESS MISREPRESENTATION
PETTIFOGGERY SHADINESS SNEAKINESS
SOPHISTRY SUBTERFUGE UNDERHANDEDNESS
COGENT: convincing and well reasoned
Swayed by the COGENT argument of the defense, the jury had no choice but to acquit the
defendant.
Related words:
COGITATE: to think deeply
Words with similar meanings:
CONVINCING PERSUASIVE
SOUND TELLING
SOLID
VALID
CONDONE: to overlook, pardon, or disregard
Some theorists believe that failing to prosecute minor crimes is the same as CONDONING
an air of lawlessness.
Words with similar meanings:
EXCULPATE EXCUSE
REMIT
PARDON
CONVOLUTED: intricate and complicated
Although many people bought A Brief History of Time, few could follow its CONVOLUTED
ideas and theories.
Words with similar meanings:
BYZANTINE COMPLEX ELABORATE
INTRICATE KNOTTY LABYRINTHINE
PERPLEXING TANGLED
CORROBORATE: to provide supporting evidence
Fingerprints CORROBORATED the witness's testimony that he saw the defendant in the
victim's apartment.
Words with similar meanings:
AUTHENTICATE BACK BEAR OUT
BUTTRESS CONFIRM SUBSTANTIATE
VALIDATE VERIFY
CREDULOUS: too trusting; gullible
Although some 4-year-olds believe in the Easter Bunny, only the most CREDULOUS 9-
year-olds also believe in him.
Related words:
CREDULITY the quality of being credulous
Words with similar meanings:
NANE SUSCEPTIBLE TRUSTING
CRESCENDO: steadily increasing volume or force
The CRESCENDO of tension became unbearable as Eve1 Knievel prepared to jump his
motorcycle over the school buses.
DECORUM: appropriateness of behavior or conduct; propriety
The countess complained that the vulgar peasants lacked the DECORUM appropriate for
a visit to the palace.
Related words:
DECOROUS: conforming to acceptable standards
Words with similar meanings:
CORRECTNESS DECENCY ETIQUETTE
MANNERS MORES PROPRIETY
SEEMLINESS
DEFERENCE: respect, courtesy
The respectful young law clerk treated the Supreme Court justice with the utmost DEFERENCE.
Related words:
DEFER: to delay; to show someone deference
DEFERENT: courteous and respectful
Words with similar meanings:
COURTESY HONOR HOMAGE
OBEISANCE RESPECT REVERENCE
VENERATION
DERIDE: to speak of or treat with contempt; to mock
The awkward child was often DERIDED by his "cooler" peers.
Related words:
DERISION: mockery and taunts
Words
DERISIVE: in a mocking manner
Words with similar meanings:
GIBE
RIDICULE
TAUNT
JEER
SCOFF
MOCK
SNEER
DESICCATE: to dry out thoroughly
After a few weeks of lying on the desert's baking sands, the cow's carcass became completely
DESICCATED.
Related words:
DESICCANT: something that removes water from another substance
Words with similar meanings:
DRY PARCH DEHYDRATE
DESULTORY: jumping from one thing to another; disconnected
Diane had a DESULTORY academic record; she had changed majors 12 times in 3 years.
Words with similar meanings:
AIMLESS DISCONNECTED ERRATIC
HAPHAZARD INDISCRIMINATE OBJECTLESS
PURPOSELESS RANDOM STRAY
UNCONSIDERED UNPLANNED
DIATRIBE: an abusive, condemnatory speech
The trucker bellowed a DIATRIBE at the driver who had cut him off.
Words with similar meanings:
FULMINATION HARANGUE INVECTIVE
JEREMIAD MALEDICTION OBLOQUY
TIRADE
DIFFIDENT: lacking self-confidence
Steve's DIFFIDENT manner during the job interview stemmed from his nervous nature
and lack of experience in the field.
Words with similar meanings:
BACKWARD BASHFUL COY
DEMURE MODEST RETIRING
SELF-EFFACING SHY TIMID
DILATE: to make larger; to expand
When you enter a darkened room, the pupils of your eyes DILATE to let in more light.
Words with similar meanings:
AMPLIFY DEVELOP ELABORATE
ENLARGE EXPAND EXPATIATE
DILATORY: intended to delay
The congressman used DILATORY measures to delay the passage of the bill.
Words with similar meanings:
DRAGGING FLAGGING LAGGARD
LAGGING SLOW SLOW-FOOTED
SLOW-GOING SLOW-PACED TARDY
DILETTANTE: someone with an amateurish and superficial interest in a topic
Jerry's friends were such DILETTANTES that they seemed to have new jobs and hobbies
every week.
Words with similar meanings:
AMATEUR DABBLER SUPERFICIAL
TYRO
DIRGE: a funeral hymn or mournful speech
Melville wrote the poem A DIRGE for James McPherson for the funeral of a Union general
who was killed in 1864.
Words with similar meanings:
ELEGY LAMENT
DISABUSE: to set right; to free from error
Galilee's observations DISABUSED scholars of the notion that the Sun revolved around the
Earth.
Words with similar meanings:
CORRECT UNDECEIVE
DISCERN: to perceive; to recognize
It is easy to DISCERN the difference between butter and butter-flavored topping.
Related words:
DISCERNMENT: taste and cultivation
Words with similar meanings:
CATCH DESCRY DETECT
DIFFERENTIATE DISCRIMINATE DISTINGUISH
ESPY GLIMPSE KNOW
SEPARATE SPOT SPY
TELL
DISPARATE: fundamentally different; entirely unlike
Although the twins appear to be identical physically, their personalities are DISPARATE.
Words with similar meanings:
DIFFERENT DISSIMILAR DIVERGENT
DIVERSE VARIANT VARIOUS
DISSEMBLE: to present a false appearance; to disguise one's real intentions or character
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.
Words with similar meanings:
ACT AFFECT ASSUME
CAMOUFLAGE CLOAK COUNTERFEIT
COVER UP DISGUISE DISSIMULATE
FAKE FEIGN MASK
MASQUERADE POSE PRETEND
PUT ON SHAM SIMULATE
DISSONANCE: a harsh and disagreeable combination, often of sounds
Cognitive DISSONANCE is the inner conflict produced when long-standing beliefs are
contradicted by new evidence.
Words with similar meanings:
CLASH CONTENTION DISCORD
DISSENSION DISSENT DISSIDENCE
FRICTION STRIFE VARIANCE
DOGMA: a firmly held opinion, often a religious belief
Linus' central DOGMA was that children who believed in the Great Pumpkin would be
rewarded.
Words with similar meanings:
CREED DOCTRINE TEACHING
TENET
DOGMATIC: dictatorial in one's opinions
The dictator was DOGMATIGhe, and only he, was right.
Words with similar meanings:
AUTHORITARIAN BOSSY DICTATORIAL
DOCTRINAIRE DOMINEERING IMPERIOUS
MAGISTERIAL MASTERFUL OVERBEARING
PEREMPTORY
DUPE: to deceive; a person who is easily deceived
Bugs Bunny was able to DUPE Elmer Fudd by dressing up as a lady rabbit.
Words with similar meanings:
BEGUILE BETRAY BLUFF
COZEN DECEIVE DELUDE
FOOL HOODWINK HUMBUG
MISLEAD TAKE IN TRICK
ECLECTIC: selecting from or made up from a variety of sources
Budapest's architecture is an ECLECTIC mix of eastern and western styles.
Words with similar meanings:
SELECTIVE CATHOLIC BROAD
EFFICACY: effectiveness
The EFFICACY of penicillin was unsurpassed when it was first introduced; the drug completely
eliminated almost all bacterial infections for which it was administered.
Related Words:
EFFICACIOUS: effective; productive
Words with similar meanings:
DYNAMISM EFFECTIVENESS EFFICIENCY
FORCE POWER PRODUCTIVENESS
PROFICIENCY STRENGTH VIGOR
ELEGY: a sorrowful poem or speech
Although Thomas Gray's "ELEGY Written in a Country Churchyard" is about death and
loss, it urges its readers to endure this life, and to trust in spirituality.
Related Words:
ELEGIAC: like an elegy; mournful
Words with similar meanings:
DIRGE LAMENT
ELOQUENT: persuasive and moving, especially in speech
The Gettysburg Address is moving not only because of its lofty sentiments but also because
of its ELOQUENT words.
Words with similar meanings:
ARTICULATE EXPRESSIVE
MEANINGFUL SIGNIFICANT
FLUENT
SMOOTH-SPOKEN
EMULATE: to copy; to try to equal or excel
The graduate student sought to EMULATE his professor in every way, copying not only
how she taught, but also how she conducted herself outside of class.
Words with similar meanings:
APE IMITATE SIMULATE
ENERVATE: to reduce in strength
The guerrillas hoped that a series of surprise attacks would ENERVATE the regular army.
Related Words:
UNNERVE: to deprive of strength or courage
Words with similar meanings:
DEBILITATE ENFEEBLE
WEAKEN
SAP
ENGENDER: to produce, cause, or bring about
His fear and hatred of clowns was ENGENDERED when he witnessed the death of his
father at the hands of a clown.
Words with similar meanings:
BEGET GENERATE PROCREATE
PROLIFERATE REPRODUCE SPAWN
ENIGMA: a puzzle; a mystery
Speaking in riddles and dressed in old robes, the artist gained a reputation as something of
an ENIGMA.
Words with similar meanings:
CONUNDRUM PERPLEXITY
ENUMERATE: to count, list, or itemize
Moses returned from the mountain with tablets on which the commandments were ENUMERATED.
Words with similar meanings:
CATALOG INDEX TABULATE
EPHEMERAL: lasting a short time
The lives of mayflies seem EPHEMERAL to us, since the flies' average life span is a matter
of hours.
Words with similar meanings:
EVANESCENT FLEETING MOMENTARY
TRANSIENT
EQUIVOCATE: to use expressions of double meaning in order to mislead
When faced with criticism of his policies, the politician EQUIVOCATED and left all parties
thinking he agreed with them.
Related Words:
EQUIVOCAL: undecided; trying to deceive
EQUIVOCATION: the act or state of equivocating
Words with similar meanings:
AMBIGUOUS EVASIVE WAFFLING
ERRATIC: wandering and unpredictable
The plot seemed predictable until it suddenly took a series of ERRATIC turns that surprised
the audience.
Related Words:
ERRANT: straying, mistaken, roving
Words with similar meanings:
CAPRICIOUS INCONSTANT
WHIMSICAL
IRRESOLUTE
- - --
Words
ERUDITE: learned, scholarly, bookish
The annual meeting of philosophy professors was a gathering of the most ERUDITE, weUpublished
individuals in the field.
Related Words:
ERUDITION: extensive knowledge or learning
Words with similar meanings:
SCHOLASTIC LEARNED WISE
ESOTERIC: known or understood by only a few
Only a handful of experts are knowledgeable about the ESOTERIC world of particle
physics.
Words with similar meanings:
ABSTRUSE ARCANE OBSCURE
ESTIMABLE: admirable
Most people consider it ESTIMABLE that Mother Teresa spent her life helping the poor of
India.
Related Words:
ESTEEM: high regard
Words with similar meanings:
ADMIRABLE COMMENDABLE CREDITABLE
HONOWLE LAUDABLE MERITORIOUS
PRAISEWORTHY RESPECTABLE VENERABLE
WORTHY
EULOGY: speech in praise of someone
His best friend gave the EULOGY, outlining his many achievements and talents.
Words with similar meanings:
COMMEND EXTOL LAUD
EUPHEMISM: use of an inoffensive word or phrase in place of a more distasteful one
The funeral director preferred to use the EUPHEMISM "sleeping" instead of the word
"dead."
Words with similar meanings:
CIRCUMLOCUTION WHITEWASH
EXACERBATE: to make worse
It is unwise to take aspirin to try to relieve heartburn; instead of providing relief, the drug
will only EXACERBATE the problem.
Words with similar meanings:
ANNOY AGGRAVATE INTENSIFY
IRRITATE PROVOKE
EXCULPATE: to clear from blame; prove innocent
The adversarial legal system is intended to convict those who are guilty and to EXCULPATE
those who are innocent.
Words with similar meanings:
ABSOLVE ACQUIT CLEAR
EXONERATE VINDICATE
EXIGENT: urgent; requiring immediate action
The patient was losing blood so rapidly that it was EXIGENT to stop the source of the
bleeding.
Words with similar meanings:
CRITICAL IMPERATIVE NEEDED
URGENT
EXONERATE: to clear of blame
The fugitive was EXONERATED when another criminal confessed to committing the crime.
Words with similar meanings:
ABSOLVE ACQUIT CLEAR
EXCULPATE VINDICATE
EXPLICIT: clearly stated or shown; forthright in expression
The owners of the house left a list of EXPLICIT instructions detailing their house-sitters'
duties, including a schedule for watering the house plants.
Related Words:
EXPLICABLE: capable of being explained
EXPLICATE: to give a detailed explanation
Words with similar meanings:
CANDID FRANK
UNEQUIVOCAL
STRAIGHTFORWARD
FANATICAL: acting excessively enthusiastic; filled with extreme, unquestioned devotion
The stormtroopers were FANATICAL in their devotion to the Emperor, readily sacrificing
their lives for him.
Words with similar meanings:
EXTREMIST FIERY FRENZIED
ZEALOUS
FAWN: to grovel
The understudy FAWNED over the director in hopes of being cast in the part on a permanent
basis.
Words with similar meanings:
BOOTLICK GROVEL TOADY
PANDER
FERVID: intensely emotional; feverish
The fans of Maria Callas were particularly FERVID, doing anything to catch a glimpse of
the great opera singer.
Related Words:
FERVENT: enthusiastic
FERVOR: passion
Words with similar meanings:
BURNING IMPASSIONED
VEHEMENT
PASSIONATE
ZEALOUS
FLORID: excessively decorated or embellished
The palace had been decorated in an excessively FLORID style; every surface had been
carved and gilded.
Words with similar meanings:
BAROQUE ELABORATE FLAMBOYANT
ORNATE OSTENTATIOUS ROCOCO
FOMENT: to arouse or incite
The protesters tried to FOMENT feeling against the war through their speeches and
demonstrations.
Words with similar meanings:
AGITATE IMPASSION
INSTIGATE KINDLE
INFLAME
FRUGALITI: a tendency to be thrifty or cheap
Scrooge McDuck's FRUGALITY was so great that he accumulated enough wealth to fill a
giant storehouse with money.
Words with similar meanings:
ECONOMICAL PARSIMONY PRUDENCE
SPARING
GARRULOUS: tending to talk a lot
The GARRULOUS parakeet distracted its owner with its continuous talking.
Words with similar meanings:
EFFUSIVE LOQUACIOUS
GREGARIOUS: outgoing, sociable
She was so GREGARIOUS that when she found herself alone she felt quite sad.
Words with similar meanings:
AFFABLE CONGENIAL COMMUNICATIVE
SOCIABLE
GUILE: deceit or trickery
Since he was not fast enough to catch the roadrunner on foot, the coyote resorted to GUILE
in an effort to trap his enemy.
Related Words:
GUILELESS: innocent, without trickery
Words with similar meanings:
ARTIFICE CHICANERY CONNIVERY
DUPLICITY
GULLIBLE: easily deceived
The con man pretended to be a bank officer so as to fool GULLIBLE bank customers into
giving him their account information.
ReIated Words:
GULL: a person who is easily tricked
Words with similar meanings:
CREDULOUS EXPLOITABLE NAIVE
Wards
HOMOGENOUS: of a similar kind
The class was fairly HOMOGENOUS, since almost all of the students were senior journalism
majors.
Related Words:
HOMOGENIZED: thoroughly mixed together
Words with similar meanings:
CONSISTENT STANDARDIZED UNIFORM
UNVARYING
ICONOCLAST: one who opposes established beliefs, customs, and institutions
His lack of regard for traditional beliefs soon established him as an ICONOCLAST.
Words with similar meanings:
MAVERICK NONCONFORMIST REBEL
REVOLUTIONARY
IMPERTURBABLE: not capable of being disturbed
The counselor had so much experience dealing with distraught children that she seemed
IMPERTURBABLE, even when faced with the wildest tantrums.
Related Words:
PERTURB: to disturb greatly
Words with similar meanings:
COMPOSED DISPASSIONATE IMPASSIVE
SERENE STOICAL
IMPERVIOUS: impossible to penetrate; incapable of being affected
A good raincoat will be IMPERVIOUS to moisture.
Words with similar meanings:
RESISTANT IMPREGNABLE
IMPETUOUS: quick to act without thinking
It is not good for an investment broker to be IMPETUOUS, since much thought should be
given to all the possible options.
Related Words:
IMPETUS: impulse
Words with similar meanings:
IMPULSIVE PRECIPITATE RASH
RECKLESS SPONTANEOUS
IMPLACABLE: unable to be calmed down or made peaceful
His rage at the betrayal was so great that he remained IMPLACMLE for weeks.
Related Words:
PLACATE: to make peaceful
Words with similar meanings:
INEXORABLE INTRANSIGENT IRRECONCILABLE
RELENTLESS REMORSELESS UNFORGIVING
UNRELENTING
INCHOATE: not fully formed; disorganized
The ideas expressed in Nietzsche's mature work also appear in an INCHOATE form in his
earliest writing.
Words with similar meanings:
AMORPHOUS INCOHERENT INCOMPLETE
UNORGANIZED
INGENUOUS: showing innocence or childlike simplicity
She was so INGENUOUS that her friends feared that her innocence and trustfulness would
be exploited when she visited the big city.
Related Words:
INGENUE: a naive girl or young woman
DISINGENUOUS: giving a false impression of innocence
Words with similar meanings:
ARTLESS GUILELESS INNOCENT
NAIVE SIMPLE UNAFFECTED
INIMICAL: hostile, unfriendly
Even though a cease-fire had been in place for months, the two sides were still INIMICAL
to each other.
Words with similar meanings:
ADVERSE ANTAGONISTIC DISSIDENT
RECALCITRANT
words
INNOCUOUS: harmless
Some snakes are poisonous, but most species are INNOCUOUS and pose no danger to
humans.
Words with similar meanings:
BENIGN HARMLESS INOFFENSIVE
INSIPID: lacking interest or flavor
The critic claimed that the painting was INSIPID, containing no interesting qualities at all.
Words with similar meanings:
BANAL. BLAND DULL
STALE VAPID
INTRANSIGENT: uncompromising; refusing to be reconciled
The professor was INTRANSIGENT on the deadline, insisting that everyone turn the
assignment in at the same time.
Words with similar meanings:
IMPLACABLE INEXORABLE IRRECONCILABLE
OBDURATE OBSTINATE REMORSELESS
RIGID ' UNBENDING UNRELENTING
UNYIELDING
INUNDATE: to overwhelm; to cover with water
The tidal wave INUNDATED Atlantis, which was lost beneath the water.
Words with similar meanings:
DELUGE DROWN ENGULF
FLOOD SUBMERGE
IRASCIBLE: easily made angry
Attila the Hun's IRASCIBLE and violent nature made all who dealt with him fear for their
lives.
Related Words:
IRATE: angry
Words with similar meanings:
CANTANKEROUS IRRITABLE
TESTY
ORNERY
LACONIC: using few words
She was a LACONIC poet who built her reputation on using words as sparingly as
possible.
Words with similar meanings:
CONCISE CURT PITHY
TERSE TACITURN
LAMENT: to express sorrow; to grieve
The children continued to LAMENT the death of the goldfish weeks after its demise.
Words with similar meanings:
BEWAIL DEPLORE GRIEVE
MOURN
LAUD: to give praise; to glorify
Parades and fireworks were staged to LAUD the success of the rebels.
Related h'ords:
LAUDABLE: worth of praise
LAUDATORY: expressing praise
Words with similar meanings:
ACCLAIM APPLAUD
COMPLIMENT EXALT
HAIL PRAISE
COMMEND
EXTOL
LAVISH: to give unsparingly (v.); extremely generous or extravagant (adj.)
She LAVISHED the puppy with so many treats that it soon become overweight and spoiled.
Words with similar meanings:
BESTOW CONFER EXUBERANT
EXTRAVAGANT OPULENT PROFUSE
PRODIGAL, LUXURIANT SUPERABUNDANT
LETHARGIC: acting in an indifferent or slow, sluggish manner
The clerk was so LETHARGIC that, even when the store was slow, he always had a long line
in front of him.
Words with similar meanings:
APATHETIC LANGUID LACKADAISICAL
LISTLESS TORPID
LOQUACIOUS: talkative
She was naturally LOQUACIOUS, which was a problem in situations in which listening was
more important than talking.
Related Words:
ELOQUENCE: powerful, convincing speaking
LOQUACI'PI: the quality of being loquacious
Words with similar meanings:
EFFUSIVE GARRULOUS VERBOSE
LUCID: clear and easily understood
The explanations were written in a simple and LUCID manner so that students were immediately
able to apply what they learned.
Related Words:
LUCIDITY: clarity
LUCENT: glowing with light
Words with similar meanings:
CLEAR COHERENT EXPLICIT
INTELLIGIBLE LIMPID
LUMINOUS: bright, brilliant, glowing
The park was bathed in LUMINOUS sunshine which warmed the bodies and the souls of
the visitors.
Related Words:
ILLUMINATE: to shine light on
LUMINARY: an inspiring person
Words with similar meanings:
INCANDESCENT LUCENT LUSTROUS
RADIANT RESPLENDENT
MALINGER: to evade responsibility by pretending to be ill
A common way to avoid the draft was by MALINGERING-pretending to be mentally or
physically ill so as to avoid being taken by the Army.
Related Words:
LINGER: to be slow in leaving
Words with similar meanings:
SHIRK SLACK
MALLEABLE: capable of being shaped
Gold is the most MALLEABLE of precious metals; it can easily be formed into almost any
shape.
Words with similar meanings:
ADAPTABLE DUCTILE PLASTIC
PLIABLE PLIANT
METAPHOR: a figure of speech comparing two different things; a symbol
The METAPHOR "a sea of troubles" suggests a lot of troubles by comparing their number
to the vastness of the sea.
Related Words:
METAPHORICAL: standing as a symbol for something else
Words with similar meanings:
ANALOGY COMPARISON
METICULOUS: extremely careful about details
To find all the clues at the crime scene, the investigators METICULOUSLY examined every
inch of the area.
Words with similar meanings:
CONSCIENTIOUS PRECISE SCRUPULOUS
MISANTHROPE: a person who dislikes others
The character Scrooge in A Christmas Carol is such a MISANTHROPE that even the sight
of children singing makes him angry.
MITIGATE: to soften; to lessen
A judge may MITIGATE a sentence if she decides that a person committed a crime out of
need.
Words with similar meanings:
ALLAY ALLEVIATE ASSUAGE
EASE LIGHTEN MODERATE
MOLLIFY PALLIATE TEMPER
MOLLIFY: to calm or make less severe
Their argument was so intense that is was difficult to believe any compromise would
MOLLIFY them.
Words with similar meanings:
APPEASE ASSUAGE . CONCILIATE
PACIFY
MONOTONY: lack of variation
The MONOTONY of the sound of the dripping faucet almost drove the research assistant
crazy.
Related Words:
MONOTONE: a sound that is made at the same tone or pitch
Words with similar meanings:
DRONE TEDIUM
NAIVE: lacking sophistication or experience
Having never traveled before, the hillbillies were more NAIVE than the people they met in
Beverly Hills.
Related Words:
NAIVETE: the state of being naive
Words with similar meanings:
ARTLESS CREDULOUS GUILELESS
INGENUOUS SIMPLE UNAFFECTED
OBDURATE: hardened in feeling; resistant to persuasion
The President was completely OBDURATE on the issue, and no amount of persuasion
would change his mind.
Words with similar meanings:
INFLEXIBLE INTRANSIGENT RECALCITRANT
TENACIOUS UNYIELDING
OBSEQUIOUS: overly submissive and eager to please
The OBSEQUIOUS new associate made sure to compliment her supervisor's tie and agree
with him on every issue.
Related Words:
OBEISANCE: a physical show of respect or submission, such as a bow
Words with similar meanings:
COMPLIANT DEFERENTIAL SERVILE
SUBSERVIENT
OBSTINATE: stubborn, unyielding
The OBSTINATE child could not be made to eat any food that he disliked.
Words with similar meanings:
INTRANSIGENT MULISH PERSISTENT
PERTINACIOUS STUBBORN TENACIOUS
OBVIATE: to prevent; to make unnecessary
The river was shallow enough to wade across at many points, which OBVIATED the need
for a bridge.
Words with similar meanings:
FORESTALL PRECLUDE PROHIBIT
OCCLUDE: to stop up; to prevent the passage of
A shadow is thrown across the Earth's surface during a solar eclipse,when the light from the
sun is OCCLUDED by the moon.
Words with similar meanings:
BARRICADE BLOCK
OBSTRUCT
CLOSE
ONEROUS: troublesome and oppressive; burdensome
The assignment was so extensive and difficult to manage that it proved ONEROUS to the
team in charge of it.
Words with similar meanings:
ARDUOUS BACKBREAKING BURDENSOME
CUMBERSOME DIFFICULT EXACTING
FORMIDABLE HARD LABORIOUS
OPPRESSIVE RIGOROUS TAXING
TRYING
OPAQUE: impossible to see through; preventing the passage of light
The heavy buildup of dirt and grime on the windows almost made them OPAQUE.
Related Words:
OPACITY the quality of being obscure and indecipherable
Words with similar meanings:
OBSCURE
OPPROBRIUM: public disgrace
After the scheme to embezzle the elderly was made public, the treasurer resigned in utter
OPPROBRIUM.
Words with similar meanings:
DISCREDIT DISGRACE DISHONOR
DISREPUTE IGNOMINY INFAMY
OBLOQUY SHAME
OSTENTATION: excessive showiness
The OSTENTATION of the Sun King's court is evident in the lavish decoration and luxuriousness
of his palace at Versailles.
Related Words:
OSTENSIBLE: apparent
Words with similar meanings:
CONSPICUOUSNESS FLASHINESS PRETENTIOUSNESS
SHOWINESS
PARADOX: a contradiction or dilemma
It is a PAR4DOX that those most in need of medical attention are often those least able to
obtain it.
Words with similar meanings:
INCONGRUITY AMBIGUITY
PARAGON: model of excellence or perfection
She is the PARAGON of what a judge should be: honest, intelligent, hardworking, and just.
Words with similar meanings:
APOTHEOSIS IDEAL QUINTESSENCE
STANDARD
PEDANT: someone who shows off learning
The graduate instructor's tedious and excessive commentary on the subject soon gained her
a reputation as a PEDANT.
Related Words:
PEDANTIC: making an excessive display of learning
PERFIDIOUS: willing to betray one's trust
The actress's PERFIDIOUS companion revealed all of her intimate secrets to the gossip
columnist.
Related Words:
PERFIDY: deceit, treachery
Words with similar meanings:
DISLOYAL FAITHLESS TREACHEROUS
TRAITOROUS
PERFUNCTORY: done in a routine way; indifferent
The machinelike bank teller processed the transaction and gave the waiting customer a
PERFUNCTORY smile.
Words with similar meanings:
APATHETIC AUTOMATIC MECHANICAL
PERMEATE: to penetrate
This miraculous new cleaning fluid is able to PERMEATE stains and dissolve them in minutes!
Related Words:
IMPERMEABLE: unable to be permeated
Words with similar meanings:
IMBUE INFUSE SUFFUSE
PHILANTHROPY: charity; a desire or effort to promote goodness
New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art owes much of its collection to the
PHILANTHROPY of private collectors who willed their estates to the museum.
Related Words:
PHILANTHROPIST: someone who is generous and desires to promote goodness
Words with similar meanings:
HUMANITARIANISM ALTRUISM
PLACATE: to soothe or pacify
The burglar tried to PLACATE the snarling dog by saying, "Nice doggy," and offering it a treat
Related Words:
PLACID: tolerant; calm
IMPLACABLE: unable to be made peaceful
Words with similar meanings:
APPEASE CONCILIATE MOLLIFY
PLASTIC: able to be molded, altered, or bent
The new material was very PLASTIC and could be formed into products of vastly different
shape.
Words with similar meanings:
ADAPTABLE DUCTILE MALLEABLE
PLIANT
PLETHORA. excess
Assuming that more was better, the defendant offered the judge a PLETHORA of excuses.
Words with similar meanings:
GLUT OVERABUNDANCE SUPERFLUITY
SURFEIT
PRAGMATIC: practical as opposed to idealistic
While daydreaming gamblers think they can get rich by frequenting casinos, PRAGMATIC
gamblers realize that the odds are heavily stacked against them.
Related Words:
PRAGMATISM: a practical approach to problem solving
Words with similar meanings:
REALISTIC RATIONAL
PRECIPITATE: to throw violently or bring about abruptly; lacking deliberation
Upon learning that the couple married after knowing each other only two months, friends
and family members expected such a PRECIPITATE marriage to end in divorce.
Related Words:
PRECIPITOUS: very steep
PRECIPICE: a steep cliff
PRECIPITATION: weather phenomena, like rain or snow, that fall from the sky
Words with similar meanings:
ABRUPT HASTY HEADLONG
HURRIED ILL-CONSIDERED IlMPETUOUS
IMPULSIVE PROMPT RASH
RECKLESS SUDDEN
PREVARICATE: to lie or deviate from the truth
Rather than admit that he had overslept again, the employee PRE\<.iRICATED and claimed
that heavy traffic had prevented him from arriving at work on time.
Words with similar meanings:
EQUIVOCATE LIE PERJURE
PRISTINE: fresh and clean; uncorrupted
Since concerted measures had been taken to prevent looting, the archeological site was still
PRISTINE when researchers arrived.
Words with similar meanings:
INNOCENT UNDAMAGED
PRODIGAL: lavish, wasteful
The PRODIGAL Son quickly wasted all of his inheritance on a lavish lifestyle devoted to
pleasure.
Related Words:
PRODIGALITY: excessive or reckless spending
Words with similar meanings:
EXTRAVAGANT LAVISH
SPENDTHRIFT WASTEFUL
PROFLIGATE
PROLIFERATE: to increase in number quickly
Although he only kept two guinea pigs initially, they PROLIFERATED to such an extent
that he soon had dozens.
Related Words:
- PROLIFIC: very productive or highly able to reproduce rapidly
Words with similar meanings:
BREED MULTIPLY
PROPAGATE REPRODUCE
PROCREATE
SPAWN
PROPITIATE: to conciliate; to appease
The management PROPITIATED the irate union by agreeing to raise wages for its members.
Related Words:
PROPITIOUS: advantageous, favorable
Words,
Words with similar meanings:
APPEASE CONCILIATE
PACIFY PLACATE
MOLLIFY
PROPRIETY: correct behavior; obedience to rules and customs
The aristocracy maintained a high level of PROPRIETY, adhering to even the most minor
social rules.
Related Words:
APPROPRIATE: suitable for a particular occasion or place
Words with similar meanings:
DECENCY DECORUM
SEEMLINESS
MODESTY
PRUDENCE: wisdom, caution, or restraint
The college student exhibited PRUDENCE by obtaining practical experience along with her
studies, which greatly strengthened her rksumk.
Related Words:
PRUDE: someone who is excessively concerned with propriety
PRUDISH: prissy and puritanical
Words with similar meanings:
ASTUTENESS CIRCUMSPECTION DISCRETION
FRUGALITY JUDICIOUSNESS PROVIDENCE
THRIFT
PUNGENT: sharp and irritating to the senses
The smoke from the burning tires was extremely PUNGENT.
Words with similar meanings:
ACRID CAUSTIC PIQUANT
POIGNANT STINGING
QUIESCENT: motionless
Many animals are QUIESCENT over the winter months, minimizing activity in order to
conserve energy.
Related Words:
QUIESCENCE: state of rest or inactivity
Words with similar meanings:
LATENT DORMANT
RAREM: to make thinner or sparser
Since the atmosphere RAREFIES as altitudes increase, the air at the top of very tall
mountains is too thin to breathe.
Related Words:
RAREFACTION: the process of making something less dense
Words with similar meanings:
ATTENUATE THIN
REPUDIATE: to reject the validity of
The old woman's claim that she was Russian royalty was REPUDIATED when DNA tests
showed she was of no relation to them.
Words with similar meanings:
DENY DISAVOW DlSCLAIM
DISOWN RENOUNCE
RETICENT: silent, reserved
Physically small and RETICENT in her speech, Joan Didion often went unnoticed by
those upon whom she was reporting.
Words with similar meanings:
COOL INTROVERTED LACONIC
STANDOFFISH TACITURN UNDEMONSTRATIVE
RHETORIC: effective writing or speaking
Lincoln's talent for RHETORIC was evident in his beautifully expressed Gettysburg
Address.
Words with similar meanings:
ELOQUENCE ORATORY
SATIATE: to satisfy fully or overindulge
His desire for power was so great that nothing less than complete control of the country
could SATIATE it.
Related Words:
SATE: to fully satisfy or overindulge
INSATIABLE:
incapable of being satisfied
Words with similar meanings:
CLOY GLUT
SURFEIT
GORGE
SOPORIFIC: causing sleep or lethargy
The movie proved to be so SOPORIFIC that soon loud snores were heard throughout the
theater.
Related Words:
SOPOR: deep sleep
Words with similar meanings:
HYPNOTIC NARCOTIC SLUMBEROUS
SOMNOLENT
SPECIOUS: deceptively attractive; seemingly plausible but fallacious
The student's SPECIOUS excuse for being late sounded legitimate, but was proved otherwise
when his teacher called his home.
Words with similar meanings:
ILLUSORY OSTENSIBLE PLAUSIBLE
SPURIOUS SOPHISTICAL
STIGMA: a mark of shame or discredit
In The Scarlet Letter, Hester Prynne was required to wear the letter "A" on her clothes as a
public STIGMA for her adultery.
Related Words:
STIGMATIZE: to disgrace; to label with negative terms or reputation
Words with similar meanings:
BLEMISH BLOT OPPROBRIUM
STAIN TAINT
STOLID: unemotional; lacking sensitivity
The prisoner appeared STOLID and unaffected by the judge's harsh sentence.
Words with similar meanings:
APATHETIC IMPASSIVE INDIFFERENT
PHLEGMATIC STOICAL UNCONCERNED
SUBLIME: lofty or grand
The music was so SUBLIME that it transformed the rude surroundings into a special place.
Related Words:
SUBLIMATE: to elevate or convert into something of higher worth
SUBLIMINAL: existing outside conscious awareness
Words with similar meanings:
AUGUST EXALTED GLORIOUS
GRAND h4AGNIFICENT MAJESTIC
NOBLE REGAL RESPLENDENT
SUPERB
TACIT: done without using words
Although not a word had been said, everyone in the room knew that a TACIT agreement
had been made about which course of action to take.
Related Words:
TACITURN: silent, not talkative
Words with similar meanings:
IMPLICIT IMPLIED UNDECLARED
UNSAID UNUTTERED
TACITURN: silent, not talkative
The clerk's TACITURN nature earned him the nickname "Silent Bob."
Related Words:
TACIT: done without using words
Words with similar meanings:
LACONIC RETICENT
TIRADE: long, harsh speech or verbal attack
Observers were shocked at the manager's TIRADE over such a minor mistake.
Words with similar meanings:
DIATRIBE FULMINATION HARANGUE
OBLOQUY REVILEMENT VILIFICATION
TORPOR: extreme mental and sluggishness
After surgery, the patient experienced TORPOR until the anesthesia wore off.
Related Words:
TORPID: sluggish, lacking movement
Words with similar meanings:
APATHY LANGUOR
TRANSITORY: temporary, lasting a brief time
The reporter lived a TRANSITORY life, staying in one place only long enough to cover the
current story.
Related Words:
TRANSIT: to pass through; to change or make a transition
TRANSIENT: passing quickly in and out of existence; one who stays a short time
Words with similar meanings:
EPHEMERAL EVANESCENT FLEETING
IlMPERMANENT MOMENTARY
VACILLATE: to sway physically; to be indecisive
The customer held up the line as he VACILLATED between ordering chocolate chip or
rocky road ice cream.
Words with similar meanings:
DITHER FALTER FLUCTUATE
OSCILLATE WAVER
VENERATE: to respect deeply
In a traditional Confucian society, the young VENERATE their elders, deferring to the
elders' wisdom and experience.
Related Words:
VENERABLE: old, worthy of respect
Words with similar meanings:
ADORE HONOR
REVERE
IDOLIZE
VERACIM: filled with truth and accuracy
She had a reputation for VERACITY, so everyone trusted her description of events.
Related Words:
VERITY: truth
VERACIOUS: truthful, accurate
Words with similar meanings:
CANDOR EXACTITUDE FIDELITY
PROBITY
VERBOSE: wordy
The professor's answer was so VERBOSE that his student forgot what the original question
had been.
Related Words:
VERBALIZE: to put into words
VERBATIM: to quote using the exact words, word for word
VERBIAGE: lots of words that are usudy superfluous
Words with similar meanings:
LONG-WINDED LOQUACIOUS PROLIX
SUPERFLUOUS
VEX: to annoy
The old man who loved his peace and quiet was VEXED by his neighbor's loud music.
Related Words:
VEXATION: a feeling of irritation
Words with similar meanings:
ANNOY BOTHER CHAFE
EXASPERATE IRK NETTLE
PEEVE PROVOKE
VOLATILE: easily aroused or changeable; lively or explosive
His VOLATILE personality made it difficult to predict his reaction to anything.
Words with similar meanings:
CAPRICIOUS ERRATIC FICKLE
INCONSISTENT INCONSTANT MERCURIAL.
TEMPERAMENTAL
WAVER: to fluctuate between choices
If you WAVER too long before making a decision about which testing site to register for,
you may not get your first choice.
Words with similar meanings:
DITHER FALTER FLUCTUATE
OSCILLATE VACILLATE
WHIMSICAL: acting in a fanciful or capricious manner; unpredictable
The ballet was WHIMSICAL, delighting the chiien with its imaginative characters and
unpredictable sets.
Related Words:
WHIM: a fancy or sudden notion
Words with similar meanings:
CAPRICIOUS ERRATIC FRIVOLOUS
FLIPPANT
ZEAL: passion, excitement
She brought her typical ZEAL to the project, sparking enthusiasm in the other team
members.
Related Words:
ZEALOT: a fanatic
Words with similar meanings:
ARDENCY FERVOR
PASSION
FIRE
GRE WORD GROUPS
Learning words in groups is an efficient way of increasing your GRE vocabulary, since the GRE
often tests only that you have a general sense of what a word means. Say you saw the following
question on the test:
DENOUNCE:
0 blaspheme
0 acclaim
0 permit
0 gather
O assist
If you looked up denounce in a dictionary, you'd see something like this:
de-nounce (di-nouns') transitive verb, de-nounced, de-nounc-ing, de*nounc*es [Middle
English: denouncen, denounsen, fr. Latin denoncier, fr. de + nuntiare to report, announce, fr.
nuntius messenger]
1. To declare (a an idea, behavior, a philosophy) to be censurable or evil; stigmatize
or accuse, especially publicly and indignantly; inveigh against openly
2. archaic to announce in a public, formal and solemn manner: to declare or publish something
disastrous
3. to inform against: declare or expose a lawbreaker to the authorities
4a. obsolete to indicate or portend
4b. archaic to announce in a warning or threatening manner
5. to proclaim formally and publicly the ending of a treaty or pact
6. Mexican Law to offer for record legal notice of a claim for a mining concession on land
held by the government
Synonym see CRITICIZE
Do you need to know all this to answer the question? No-all you need to know is that
denounce means something like criticize. And in the time it took you to learn the meaning of
denounce from the dictionary, you could have memorized a whole list of other words that also
mean something like criticize (aspersion, belittle, berate, calumny, castigate, decry, defamation,
denounce, deride/derisive, diatribe, rebuke, etcetera).
And the answer to the above question? Well, that would be drawn from the list of words that
mean praise (acclaim, accolade, aggrandize, encomium, eulogize, extol, fawn, laud/laudatory,
venerateheneration, etcetera.)
This is why learning words in groups is a better general strategy for beefing up your GRE
vocabulary than working slowly through the dictionary.
Just remember, the categories in which these words are listed are GENERAL and not to be
taken for the exact definitions of the words.
BOLD
audacious courageous dauntless
CHANGING QUICKLY
capricious
HESITATE
dither
vacillate
ACT QUICKLY
apace
impetuous
mercurial
oscillate
waver
abrupt
precipitate
INNOCENTIINEXPERIENCED
credulous W b l e
ingenuous novitiate
volatile
teeter
headlong
naive
w o
DIFFICULT TO UNDERSTAND
abstnw '
bemusing
esoteric
opaque
recondite
EASY TO UNDERSTAND
articulate
evident
pellucid
astute
perspicacious
CAROUSAL
TRUTH
aspersion
calumny
defamation
diatribe
gainsay
inveigh
objurgate
remonstrate
reprove
vituperate
bacchanalian
iniquity
licentious
salacious
candorlcandid
indisputable
probity
verity
ambiguous arcane
cryptic enigmatic
inscrutable obscure
paradoxical - perplexing
turbid
cogent
limpid
canny
belittle
castigate
denounce
disparage
harangue
lambaste
opprobrium
rebuke
revile
depraved
Iibertine
reprobate
sordid
fealty
indubitable
sincere
eloquent
lucid
erudite
berate
decry
deridelderisive
excoriate
impugn
obloquy
pillory
reprehend
tirade
dissipated
libidinous
ribald
turpitude
frankness
legitimate
veracious
FALSEHOOD
apocryphal canard
dissemble duplicity
erroneous ersatz
feigned guile
mendacity perfidy
specious spurious
BITING (as in wit or temperament)
acerbic acidulous
asperity caustic
mordacious trenchant
PRAISE
chicanery
equivocate
fallacious
mendacious
prevaricate
acrimonious
mordant
acclaim accolade aggrandize
encomium eulogize extol
fawn laud/laudatory venerate
HARMFUL
baleful
inimical
minatory
craven
recreant
BORING
banal
insipid
platitude
trite
WEAKEN
adulterate
inhibit
undermine
baneful
injurious
perfidious
diffident
timorous
fatuous
mundane
prosaic
enervate
obviate
vitiate
deleterious
insidious
pernicious
pusillanimous
trepidation
hackneyed
pedestrian
quotidian
exacerbate
stul*
Word Groups
ASSIST
abet
bolster
espouse
proponent
HOSTILE
antithetic
irascible
truculent
STUBBORN
implacable
intransigent
recalcitrant
untoward
burgeoning
inchoate
altruistic
largess
philanthropic
GREEDY
avaricious
miserly
rapacious
TERSE
compendious
pithy
advocate
corroborate
mainstay
stalwart
churlish
malevolent
vindictive
inexorable
obdurate
refractory
vexing
callow
incipient
beneficent
magnanimous
unstinting
covetous
penurious
curt
succinct
ancillary
countenance
munificent
sustenance
curmudgeon
misanthropic
intractable
obstinate
renitent
engender
nascent
clement
munificent
mercenary
venal
laconic
taciturn
OVERBLOWN/WORDY
bombastic circumlocution garrulous
grandiloquent loquacious periphrastic
prolix rhetoric turgid
verbose
HATRED
dogmatic
hegemonic
peremptory
abhorrence
antipathy
loathing
rancor
BEGINNEWAMATEUR
dilettante
novitiate
LAZYISLUGGISH
indolent
languid
phlegmatic
torpid
PACINISATISN
ameliorate
defer
placate
slake
FORGIVE
absolve
exonerate
redress
authoritarian despotic
hegemony imperious
tyrannical
antagonism anathema
detestation enmity
malice odium
fledgling
proselyte
inert
lassitude
quiescent
appease
mitigate
propitiate
acquit
expiate
vindicate
neophyte
tyro
lackadaisical
lethargic
slothful
assuage
moly.
satiate
exculpate
palliate
POOR
destitute
impecunious
esurient indigent
FAVORINGDIOT IMPARTIAL
ardorfarden t
partisan
doctrinaire
tendentious
fervid
zealot
DENYING OF SELF
abnegate
Spartan
abstain
stoic
ascetic
temperate
WALKING ABOUT
ambulatory itinerant peripatetic
INSINCERE
disingenuous
ostensible
dissemble
unctuous
fulsome
PREVENT/ OBSTRUCT
discomfit fetter
forfend
inhibit
encumber
hinder
occlude
impede
anomalous
esoteric
anachronism
discrete
aberrant
eclectic
iconoclast
FUNNY
facetious
jocular
raillery
chortle
flippant
levity
riposte
droll
gibe
ludicrous
simper
Vo-er
SORROW
disconsolate doleful
elegiac forlorn
lugubrious melancholy
plaintive threnody
DISGUSTINGIOFFENSIVE
defile
noisome
rebarbative
fetid
odious
abeyance abjure
abortive abrogate
demur recant
remission renege
retrograde
bereave
demise
knell
moribund
wraith
COPY
cadaver
dolorous
lament
obsequies
counterpart emulate
factitious paradigm
quintessence simulated
EQUAL
equitable equity
UNUSUAL
aberration anomaly
idiosyncrasy
dolor
lament
morose
invidious
putrid
abnegation
decamp
recidivism
rescind
defunct
elegy
macabre
sepulchral
facsimile
precursor
vicarious
tantamount
iconoclast
- Word
WANDERING
discursive expatiate
itinerant peregrination
sojourn
abatement aperture
hiatus interregnum
lull orifice
respite rift
HEALTHY
beneficial salubrious
ABBREVIATED COMMUNICATION
abridge
curtail
terse
WISDOM
adage
axiom
epigram
truism
FAM ILY
compendium
syllabus
aphorism
bromide
platitude
conjugal consanguine
endogamous filial
progenitor scion
NOT A STRAIGHT LINE
askance
carom
gyrate
oblique
sinuous
awry
circuitous
labyrinth
serrated
undulating
forage
peripatetic
fissure
interstice
rent
salutary
cursory
synopsis
apothegm
dictum
sententious
distaff
fratricide
careen
circumvent
meander
sidle
vortex
INVESTIGATE
appraise
descry
anachronism
anterior
eon
fortnight
synchronous
BAD MOOD
bilious
petulant
querulous
EMBARRASS
NAG
ascertain
peruse
antecede
archaic
ephemeral
millennium
temporal
abash chagrin
contrition diffidence
foible gaucherie
PREDICT
dudgeon
pettish
umbrage
HARDHEARTED
asperity
fell
sardonic
vitriolic
admonish
enjoin
hector
reproof
augur
harbinger
prescient
baleful
malevolent
scathing
vituperation
cavil
exhort
martinet
auspice
portentous
prognosticate
assay
antedate
diurnal
epoch
penultimate
irascible
pique
waspish
compunction
expiate
rue
dour
mordant
truculent
belabor
harangue
remonstrate
fey
presage
LUCK
adventitious
fortuitous
optimum
propitious
NASTY
fetid
HARSH-SOUNDING
assonance
dissonant
PLEASANT-SOUNDING
euphonious
sonorous
amulet auspicious
kismet nemesis
portentous propitiate
providential talisman
noisome
cacophony
raucous
noxious
din
strident
harmonious melodious
WORD ROOT LlST
INTRODUCTION TO THE WORD ROOT LlST
The following list presents some of the commonest word roots-mostly Greek and Latinthat
appear in English. Learning to recognize these word roots is a great help in expanding
your vocabulary. Many seemingly difficult words yield up their meanings easily when you recognize
the word, roots that make them up. Excrescence, for example, contains the roots ex-,
meaning out or out of, and cresc-, meaning to grow; once you know this, the meaning of
excrescence, an outgrowth (whether normal, such as hair, or abnormal, such as a wart) is easily
deduced.
The list concenutes on Latin and Greek roots because these are the most frequently used to
form compound words in English, and because they tend not to be self-explanatory to the
average reader. Each entry gives the root in the most common form or forms in which it
appears in English, with a very brief definition. (The definition does not cover all the shades
of meaning of the given root, only the most important or the most broadly applicable.) The
rest of the entry is a list of some of the common English words derived from this root; this list
is only intended to provide a few examples of such words, and not even to come close to being
exhaustive. Some words will naturally be found under more than one entry. The words themselves
are not defined. We hope the Word Root List will encourage you to turn to the GRE
Minidictionary or, better yet, to a good dictionary.
Builder
A, AN NOT, WITHOUT ,,-.. 1 1 r
amoral, anarchy, anomalous, anonymous, aseptic, asexual, atheism, atro-- LA.
phy, averse
--
AB FROM, AWAY, APART . j , Iabdic.
ate , abduct, abhor, -a b-.je .ct-, abnormal, abrupt, absent, abuse
ABLE, IBLE CAPABLE OF, WORTHY OF
changeable, durable, laudable, indubitable, inevitable, infallible, irreducible,
tolerable, variable
AC, ACR SHARP, SOUR . ,b - . , .. I . , , L C P , -
acerbic, acetate, acid, acrid, acrmwily, acumen, acute . - / - --
ACOU HEARING
acoustic
AD, A TO
(Often d is dropped and the first letter to which a is prefixed is doubled.)
adapt, adequate, adumbrate, advocate, accede, adduce, affiliate, aggregate,
allocate, annunciation, appall, arrest, assiduous, attract
AMBI, AMPHl BOTH, ON BOTH SIDES, AROUND
ambidextrous, ambient, ambiguous, ambition, ambivale"nt, amphibian,
amphitheater
AMBL, AMBUL WALK
amb.l e. , am-bulance, -ambulatory, perambulator, preamble
ANlM MIND, SPIRIT, BREATH
t - h l 4 -[,-... c <,hL, C%-,.L,~{
janirna-ve-rsio n, animal, animate, animosity, equanimity, magnanimity, pusillanimous, unanimity, % b; cm$j
l h d . 4 ~ r.Gd 5%'
ANT, ANTE BEFORE
antecedent, antechamber, a-n- tediluvian, anterior, anticipate, antiquity,
ancient
ANTI, ANT AGAINST, OPPOSITE
anticlimax, antidote, antipathy, antiphony6, antipodes, antithesis,
antagoniJin.-
AQUA, AQUE WATER
aquamarine, aquarium, aquatic, aquatint, a-qu-e-du_ct,_ sub aqueous
- ) 1
ARD,
AUTO, AUT
autobiography, autocracy, autograph, automaton, autonomous, autopsy,
autism --
BEL, BELL BEAUTIFUL
belle, embellish
-----. -
BELL, BELL1
BEN, BEN WELL,G OOD T )
b M ~ c t i o nb,e -n. efactor, benev-o-l ent, benign
/
Lh ,;. r 'f , .- , -,-,
.z v.i4 - YQ,..l.~
L bicameral, bicycle, bifocals, bifurcate, bilateral, binoculars, binpmial,
r r - Wp t biped, combination , b-1 b- d- . - . . I- -,I -- -- ol"l '
BI, BIN
BON, BOUN GOOD, GENEROUS , I ^, I.- , ' I.- -
b-o.n -u s, b-o-u n.t-i ful, bounty, debonair 9'.
BREW, BRID,
~ L Lw-
SHORT, SMALL , ,. t,-Lv
a-b -b reviate, abridge, brevet, bieviary, breviloquent, brevity, - brief
BURS PunsEMOy,.*, o,>+- ,- f - r - ' Lr%; \ r ? J - b P , L \ < ! f -,x
bu~sarb, ursary, disburse, reimburse
h'!,4)HO - - - - -
CARN FLESH G +ht
carnage, carnal, carnival, carnivo-r -o us, charnel, incarnate
CAUS, CAUT BURN
caustic, cauterize, cautery, encaustic, holocaust --- -- - -.- .
CED, CESS YIELD, GO '. ). --,: ,I , .I r I
abscess, accede, access, accessory, ancestor, antecedent, cession, ~_onxed_e,
exceed, excess, intercede, precede, proceed, recede, recess, recession, se-c--e de, ,
succeed , . , : C c , ,
CELER SPEED
acce-l erate, celerity, decelerate
CENT HUNDRED, HUNDREDTH
cent, centennial, bicentennial, centigrade, centigram, centiliter, centimeter,
centipede, century, percent
CHROM COLOR
chromatic, chrome, chromosome, monochromatic
CHRON TIME
anachronism, chronic, chronicle, chronological, chronometer, synchronize
--.- - \ -- _
ClRCUM AROUNO
ci-r cumference, cir-cu .m locution, circumnavigate, circumspect, circumstance
CO, COM, CON WITH, TOGETHER
coeducation, coefficient, coincide, communicate, communist, compare,
concert, concubine, conflict, cooperate, correspond
CONTRA,
CONTRO,
COUNTER
CORD, CARD
CORP, CORS
COSM
CRED
CRYPT
CULP
CUMB, CUB
AGAINST
contradict, contrary, controversy, counter, counteract, counterattack,
cou;,n ferLf eit, c-o-u- nter-m and, co7- unt-er-p a-rt, c< -oun4', t erpoint, encounter
HEART
accord, cardiac, cardiograph, cardiology, concord, cordial, discord, record
BODY
be0
corporate, corps, corpse, c-or.p.u -le-n t, corpus, corpuscle, corset, incorporation
ORDER, UNIVERSE, WORLD
cosmetic, cosmic, co-s-m o--l-o gy, c-o -sm- -o -n-au.t-, c osmop.o-lit-a-n, co- smos, m-icrocosm /
TRUST, BELIEVE . t, ) , L ~ L : - ,
accredit, credentials, credible, credit, creditable, c-r-e do, credulity, creed, .. - -- --
incredible, incredulous
HIDE G ! w L: y 1 c- jbL I
crypt, c-r yp-.t ic, cryptography, apocryph-a- l
FAULT, BLAME
culpable, cu.l-p-r it, inculpate, exculpate _2--_
LIE DOWN I- v-, Lconcubine,
c-u -b ic.le-, incubate, incubus, incumbent, recumbent, succubus, - - succumb
7 -
CYN, CAN
- DE
DELE
DEXT
Dl
DIA
DIC, DICT, DIT
Dl, DIS
DOL
DORM
DORS
DUC, DUCT
DULC
DOG
*cynic
DOWN, OUT, AWAY FROM, APART
dehydrate, deject, depend, depress, deport, descend, describe, devalue
ERASE
dele, delete, indelible
RIGHT HAND, RIGHT SIDE
ambidextrous, dexterity, dexterous .- -- ---
DAY
dial, diary, dismal, meridian, quotidian
1 !- THROUGH, ACROSS ,bLhq/ ' I PJ c - J - -
T
diadem, diagnosis, diagonal, diagram, -di alect, dialogue, diameter,
diaphanous, diaphragm, diarrhea, diatribe
SPEAK
abdicate, a@ct, benediction, condition, contradict, dedicate, dictate, die-
*---- . - PJ P- tator, diction, dictionary, $ct.m~,d itto, indicate, i. n-.d ict, interdict,
malediction, predicarnent,predicate, predict, valedictorian, verdict
_/-~- - ~~~ - . .-
' I' , ., L'. C, A %,, $ ,-,*..v..,! -fr !,:J , ,-,..
AWAY, APART
disagreeable, discard, discern, disdain, dismay, dismiss, distant, diverge .
GRIEVE b ;.42
c.o-n-d-o- le, condolence, doleful, dolor, indolent .- . --
,
SLEEP
d_o-r-m_ ant, dormitory
BACK
dorsal, endorse
. ---
-.,~!~.~.r=1\'+9~ ~L L k ..., ~ p ,?I..- !;!.( -.. , . . ,
adduce, g-onduce. c-ond-uit. deduce, duct, duke, educate, in-d.u ction. Aisconduct,
produce, reduce, seduce, traduce, viaduct
SWEET
dulcet, dulcified, dulcimer
r'
DUR HARD, LASTING j,/, ct LIJ- ~-j- ?r j L+
..I, /lL~,-, i+,J, jd--ou r, durable, duration, d ~ sdu,rin g, endure, obdurate, perdurable
- El EX. EC . t C om ti,- [:,S
T , ,- .,:. - ,;. L, j -.. . :-,./'
eliminate, emanate, eradicate, erase, evade, evict, .e-v ince, exact, excavate,
except, -t, ;_Xi excite, exclusive, excommunicate,~~~rescenecxeec, ute,
exhale, exile, exit
EGO SELF c cdh
ego, egocentric, egoism, egotist
r EQU EQUAL
adequate, equable, equal, equation, equator, eq. u-i librium, equinox, equivocate
--
\
ERR WANDER ( 15 -%J ly ) ; F l . . L p l -. .-:?
aberration, err, errant, erratic, erroneous, error
- - - -- - - . -
,*d c'. ' :.LA
EU WELL, GOOD
eugenics, eulo-g-y , euphemism, euphony, euphoria, euthanasia
- - -- ----_ - -
FAL LIABLE TO ERR TO DECEIVE
default, fail, fallacy false, faux pas, infallible
FATU FOOLISH
-fatuity -,- f a--tu- ous, infatuate
BOIL ( dd %A 1 FERN $' ' 2 (- - / , -
effervescent, ferventBefervidf,e rvor -, %.I c k 4'2- A I , +,+ ,!. , L a
FID, FI FAITH ({(A./* jWk+"J %hh
, affiance, affidavit, confidant, fealty, fidelity, fiducial, fiduciary
\. \,it- * -
FLECT, FLEX BEND, TURN
circumflex, d+c.t, flex, flexible, inflection, reflect
FUG FLEE ( 4)
centrifuge, fugitive, fugue, r%e, refugee, subterfuge
- -. - -\
FUM SMOKE
fume, fumigate, perfume
Word
-/ GEN BIRTH, CLASS, KIN
gender, gene, general, generation, generosity, genesis, genetics, genial,c Eenpi,- , , -9. .. tal, genius, gentle, gentile, gentility, gentry, congenital, degenerate, e s e.n- er,
eugenics, ingenious, ingenuity, ingenuous, progeny, progenitor, regenerate
L -_1- - I r I GNO,GNI, K N O y - -/ LU k,-rh-+,,..; v ~ ~ ,...3-~r, J- r ~?*,~- -~ , , , 2 - I COGN, , -agn mc, cop-it-io n, c-og-n-iz an-c e-, diag-n- o--s is, gnomic, ignore, incognito, "
CONN
--
-p rognosis, q- u-ai-nt , recognize, reconnaissance~econnoiter J ,J -
I * - > *"- , ' i , 1 2 1 .;A
GRAM, GRAPH WRITE, DRAW
anagram, diagram, epigram, epigraph, grammar, grammarian, gramophone,
graph, graphic, graphite, phonograph, photograph, program, telegram
I , - - .'
HAP BY CHANCE + - . .: , * , ' ; I 1 -
haphazard, hapless, happen, happily, happy, mayhap, mishap
HEMI HALF
hemiptera, hemisphere, hemistich
HETERO OTHER Gi 9
heterodox, heterodyne, heteroge-n eous, heterosexual
HOL WHOLE
catholic, ho-lo-ca ust, hologram, holograph, holistic . -
HOMO SAME (from Greek)
homogeneous, homogenize, homologue, homonym, homophone,
homoptera, homosexual, homotype
HUM EARTH E ,>f5, ,
r , 3
MACRO GREAT, LONG
macrobiotics, macrocephalous, macrocosm - -
MAG, MAX, GREAT ;,, , - ,. 1a.( , , - , -=
MAJ, MAS magistrate, magnanimous, magnate, magnificent, magnify, magniloquent,
m-ag n-i tude, majesty, major, majority, master, maxim, maxinhn, mistress - - - / - - I -
- -. -+ 1 kr ,I:, ' ,': C. - a
P C . -
'P MAL BAD 1
'it-afi
maladroit, malady, ma-le-d iction, malefactor, malevolence, malice, malinger
MAN, MANU HAND , ,
b - r + ,--.,, >< 1 . / ; . '. r
amanuensis, e-m- ancipat-i on, manacle, manage, maneuver, ma.ni -fe st, manipulate,
manner, manual, manufacture, manuscript , :--11 - - - -- - - - L, '- r , !-
\- <. ,,$ 0
I-Wr y h.l\~ I t L
u
command, c--o u-nt-er ma-n d- , demand, mandate, ma-ndatory, recommend,
remand, reprimand
MEDl MIDDLE
immediate, intermediate, mean, media, median, mediate, medieval,
mediocre, medium medius
MEGA
MICRO
MIS
MOLL
MON, MONO
MOR, MORT
MOT, MOV,
MOM, MOB
MULT
MUT
NASC, NAT,
GNA
LARGE, GREAT
megalithic, mega-l o.m. .a n-i-a , megalopolis, megaphone, megaton
VERY SMALL
microbe, m-- icro-c -o sm, micron, microorganism, microphone, microscope
BAD, WRONG, HATE
misadyentuje, misanjhropist, misapply, miscarry, mischance, mischief,
misconstrue, miscount, misfit, misinterpret
SOFT
ONE
monarchy, monastic, monism, monk, monochord, monograph, monogram,
monograph, monolithic, monologue, monomania, monosyllable,
.,; . -- .- - -
monotonous . ,,. . ,.(,.: , - - , . , . , , , : , - _ - ,
,-: 72,-, .-
DEATH bl*l,: . , . .. . - .: .,. - , - ,, , \. . ,
-,
I ,- :. , ., ^. , -
, , r ,..-.. . .
amortize, immortal, mmid, moribund, morta~itym ortgage, mortifical . ,,:
tion, mortuafy . :- k. t . rcr- , :..~-;-. ,A 5. . . -- r . t: n G ~ c . . - ,-..,. . . , /
MOVE
automobile, demote, immoyable, locomotion, mob, mobile, mobility,
r -, - <.. mobilize, momentous, md5tu-m, rhotion, motive, motor, move,
mutiny, promote, removable
CHANGE
commute, immutable, mutability, mutation, mutual, permutation, transmute
BIRTH \ j S , ~ , . j- .,-- :.. :v..f'. r - - . , r ,i. . ... . - , . , . - - h P r _icogn-
as? @*e, n m 2 natal, native, natural, nature, pregnant, Renaissance
r-, * --NAU, NAV ' U f ~ ~ ~ ~ ; ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
astronaut, cosmonaut, circumnavigate, nauseo u,*ns, naval, nave, navy
ann-i-h-il-a te, nihilism_
Z \ ' ' c l ~ % ~ d t M 4
NOCT, NOX
NOX, NOC
NOM, NYM
NEC
NON
NOV
NULL
-: OB
OMNl
ONER
055, OSTE
PALP
-., PAN, PANT
PATH
PEC
NIGHT
=inox, noctarnbulent, n-octurnal, n octurne
/ HARM +bat r!%, L, I I , r~ --
innocent, -i-n n--o cuous, in--t-e--r necine, n-ox io-u-s , nuisance, obnoxious, p-e-r nici-ou-,s .- -
anonymous, antonym, cognomen, denominator, homonym, m>nmm~,
nomenclature, nominal, ~ ~. nominate, noun, pronoun, pseudonym,
renowned, synonym . , : -. . , - . , i - . - . , . , . . ; , , - n . z :J , -~.., - ..
I
NOT
nonconformist, n--o nentity-, nonpareil, nonpartisan
NEW
innovate, nova, novel,novelty, novice, novitiate, renovate
/ - -- y- -
NOTHING
annu-l , null, nullify, nullity
AGAINST
obdura-t-e- , obliterate, oblong, obloquy, object, obstacle, obstreperous, obstruct
ALL
omnibus, o--m-- nipresent, om-n-ip .o tent, om_- niscient, omnivorous
BURDEN
exonerate, onerous, onus . -- ---. .
/ I BONE ,(r, ,- s9-S- +c* , A./ P ~ , -r : - j
osseous, ossicle, ossiferous, ossify, ossuary, osstectomy, osteopathy
-- --- - 7
-
ALL , : . , ,, .A+ L -+.m/*-, * 3 *.
panacea, p-a~~demipca, ndem- o-n ium, - panoply, panorama, panheon,
pantomime
impecunio-u -s., peculation, p--e cuniary
r - 4 LPER1
PHIL
PHOB
PHON
PLAC
PED, POD
PED
PEL
PENE, PEN
PLEN, PLET,
PLE
POLY
P o r n
POST
FOOT . - %, , , ,'/ . , ,',.
, ,. .
arthropod, 'exp~sent,im pede, pedal, pedestal, ped-e~s .t rian, pediment,
pedigree, tripod
CHILD,EDUCATION - ,
encyclopedia, bkdagogue, pedant, pediatrician - - - -
DRIVE, PUSH
appellate, appellation, compel, dispel, expel, impel, propel
ALMOST
antepenult, peninsula, penult, penultimate, penumbra
AROUND
pericardium, perihelion, perimeter, perineum, periphery, periscope
LOVE
bibliophile, necrophilia, philanthropy, philately, philharmonic, philogyny,
philology, philosophy
r L< J.,,. n - L ,
FEAR
claustrophobia, hydrophobia, phobia, phobic, xenophobia
SOUND
antiphony, euphony, megaphone, phonetics, phonograph, polyphony, saxophone,
syn~phonyt,e lephone
PLEASE
complacent, implacable, placate, placebo, placid ., A ' - r
FILL, FULL v 1 ' 3 ,)
accomplishment, complement, complete, deplete, implement, plenary,
plenipotentiary, denitude, plenty, replenish, replete, supplement
? , - , J '~r"f<
MANY
polyandry, polygamy, polyglot, polygon, polyhedron, polynomial, polysyllable,
polytechnic, polytheism
CARRY r, .-.ir:t
i : . . . . L comport, deportment, disport, export, import, important, portable, portage, -- - -
porter, portfolio, portly, pu-r~) rapport, reporfer, supportive, transport
..,I. ,!.-.. . .?l, '.< - ,.<,L.1. .l. . c _ " , I 8 , C , ,. . .
,'
BEHIND, AFTER
posterior, posterity, postern, p_ocumous,. postmeridian, postmortem,
vostvone, vostvrandial, postscript, postwar, prevosterous
POT DRINK
potable, potation, potion
--
PRE BEFORE, IN FRONT
preamble, precaution, preclude, precocity, precursor, predecessor, predict,
\ prelate, piemoion,@rescribe, president
PRIM, PRI FIRST
prime, primary, primal, primeval, pr-i-m -ordia l, pristi.n-e
PRO IN FRONT, BEFORE
problem, proboscis, procedure, proceed, proclaim, proclivity, procrastinate,
procure, propound, prostrate, protest
PROP, PROX NFAR
approximate, propinquity, proximate, proximity-
PROTO, PROT FIRST
protagonist, protocol, prototype, protozoan
PSEUDO, FALSE
PSEUD pseudepigrapha, pseudoclassic, pseudomorph, pseudonym, pseudopod,
pseudoscientific
, - ,- PUG, PUN HIT, PRICK ,.! .. .,, 1 . r. - . - , - , - ,- - r+L.:, .?.,! ...., ,j - ,-.- .,., -- . > !G .- - ~
,. .. expunge, ~-m--p ugrip, oignant, -~ ~ .. i ' pugilist, p;u g-nr a-c ious, punch, punctual, punc- tuat-e,iiigent,r.y. u-g.n ant . , . .4 c,, , 4 L-$-- , - Lp.-
cr..- L : ,
. t, . -:-i PY R FIRE
pyre, -pyromani-a .,. p yromania, pyrometer, pyrosis, pyrotechnic
QUAD, QUAR, FOUR
QUAT quadrant, quadrille, quadrinomial, quadruple, quadruplets, quart, quarter,
quaternary
RE
RECT
REG
RETRO
RUB, RUD
RUD
SACER, SACR,
SANCT
BACK, AGAIN
recline, refer, regain, remain, reorganize, repent, request
I
STRAIGHT, RIGHT . 1 - *
correct, direct, erect, rectangle, rectify, rectilinear, recti~uder,e ctor
KING, RULE
interregnum, rea-l.m , re-g- al, regent, regicide, regime, regiment, region, regular, - --
r egu l a t e- , , , -
BACKWARD
retroactive, retroflex, retrograde, retrospective
.-
RED
rouge, rubella, rubicund, rubric, ruby, ruddy, russet
- -- /
CRUDE % dl 9 / g k .
erudi-te, rude, r-ud i-m entary, rudiments
HOLY
consecration, desecrate, execrate, sacerdotal, sacrament, sacred, sacrifice,
sacrilege, sacristy, sacrosanct, saint, sanctify, sanctimonious, sanction,
sanctity, .s a-n ctuary, sanctum
'.
SALT
salary, saline -
SAG, SAP, SAV TASTE, THINK
1 ' insipid, sagacious, sag-ac ity, sage, sa,p,i d, ,s apient, sav-a nt, sa-v or
v + . \ h , , < ;. Y - " ,"d , .r :
SALU, SALV HEALTH, SAVE
safe, salubrious, salutary, salute, salvage, salvation, salve, savior
A ., 7 < , .)
SAN HEALTHY
sane, sanitarium, sanitation, sanity
SANG BLOOD
consanguinity, sanguAary, sanguine -- - .- ,
1.:- 6,- ' . . .
SAT ENOUGH
asset, dissatisfied, insatiable, sate, satiate, satisfy, saturate
- -
SCRIB, SCRIV, WRITE r,- 1 ,. p8,;i:-' 1 -fA ,I.~.- -
SCRIPT ascribe circumscripti9n~~c~nnwriPdte,s kbe, indescribable, inscription,
6pt, prescribe, pro-ribble, scribe, script, scripture, scrivener,
subscribe, transcription
SED, SID
SEM
SEMI
SEN
SEQU, SECU,
SUE, SUI
SINU, SIN
SOL
DOWN, OUT, AWAY, APART
s-ecede, s eclude, secret, secrete, secure, sedition, seduce, segregate, select, -/- -- -- - --
1; separate .. ,,+, >- / . . - ,- . 1 - ' V
SIT , , , ,. . . . _ : * I . , /' I *. ,,',',. . , . , . ,
'6 ?. Y' ,;[ "'"' 7 , - , '
assiduogs, dissi ent insidious, preside, reside, residue, seance, s@a~e,
sedative, sedentary, sediment, seJulous, session, siege, subside, supersed.e- .
disseminate, semen, seminal, seminar, seminary -f ,<--,
-.- - ----. . . rf,\. ? ,+A xi .>+!...
HALF . , , ..: , (, ,;- r L . n . . /
,, .
semicircle, semicolon, semiconscious, semifluid
OLD
senate, senescent, senile, senior, sire r I i--' 1 ,
t
FOLLOW
consecutive, consequent, execute, executive, non sequitur, obsequious,
obsequy,-persecute, prosecution, pursue, sequel, sequence, subsequent,
sue, suitable, suite, suitor
BEND, FOLD
cosine, -in-sin uate, sine, sinuo-us , s-i nus
. ' v,~+,I 6 r : O
SUN , .
parasol, solar, solarium, s-o lstice - : L ' ' 'I - i' "- ' * -
SOL ALONE r , - r ,L, L.A ,,A, ; $ 3, *-db,-,;
desolate, isolate, sole, soliloqbi$e, solipsism, solitude, solo - - -- --
SOMN SLEEP L
SOPH WISDOM
philosopher, ~ -- sophism, sophist, so-p .h isticated, ~phiy,s ophomore
SPEC, SPlC LOOK, SEE . , .
,.-I _ _ . . , , , '; ., *.- - "-
aspect, i-ti ipicio_um, circumspect, c~ox~pic~ou~, despicable, e ect i spect,
7 . 8 , ?.I., 3 . ..5,?
i-n. w e c t i o n , perspective, perspicacious, perspicuous, prospectus, _~ ~ respectable, retrospect, specimen, spectacle, spectator, specter, spectrum,
suspect, suspicious , .- .. . -
SPlR BREATH . - , ,
aspire, c_ogspirp, eipire, inspire, perspire, respirator, spirit, spiritual,
sprightly, sprite, suspire, transpire
STRICT, STRING, TIGHT
STRAN a-s t r i n ~ c yc,z nstraiq, constrict, district, restriction, strain, strait, strangle,
stiict, s-t-r ingent .. ,I -
SUA PLEASE
as.su- a.g e, dissu-ad e, persuade, persuasive, suasion, suave, sweet
.; SUB UNDER
subdivide, subdue, subjugate, subjunctive, sublunary, submarine, submerge,
subordinate, subpoena, subscribe, subside, substitute, subterf- uge-,
subterranean, suburb
SUMM HIGHEST
consummate, sum, summary, summit
, SUPER, SUR ABOVE
insuperable, superabound, superannuated, superb, supercharge, supercilious,
superficial, s-u pe-rf .l uous, _-- superior~~u~erlatisvupee, rnatural, s-u pernumerary,
supervise, surmount, Furpa3 surrealism, survey ---
SURG, SOURC, RISE -, . c
' SURRECT insurgent, insurrection, resource, resurge, resurrection, source, surge
-. . _- _-- -- -- -
, SYM, SYN TOGETHER
sy-mbiosis, s . y ,sy mpathy, symposium, synonym, synthesis
TACIT SILENT
r nreticent,
tacit, taciturn
- - -- __ I -_
, ' , I
TACT, TAG, TOUCH
TAM, TANG contact, cdntaaious, contamination, co'ntiguous, cotangent, intact, intan-
___F__ - - - --
gible, integral tact, tactile, tangent, tangential
TEST
THERM
TIM
TORP
TORQ, TORT,
TOR
TOX
<. TRANS
UMBR
UN
UND
UNI, UN
URB
BEAR WITNESS
1 !
-attest, contest, detest, intestate, protest, testament, -t e e , t e stimonial , LL ,-as;/ --------- --- ; - - ,'
T.
HEAT i. * ,.
diathermy, thermal, thermesthesia, thermometer, thermonuclear,
thermophilic,Eos, thermostat
FEAR
intimidate, tird, timidity, timorous ----_ -- --
/ I * '.
STIFF, W B(iw , (Vj
t 1; torpedo, torpid, torpor - t. 4- -
contort:distort, extort, retort, torch, torment, torque, torsion, tort, tortuous,
POISON
antitoxin, intoxication, toxemia, toxic, toxicology, toxin
ACyOSS,BEYOND - , -
.l ; ; )'.c, ,' " C
intr-a-k iien- tj -tra nscend, transcontinental, transcribe, transient, transmit, -- v- ---
transpire, transport ',.-i / , r I , .n- .: a
LAST, BEYOND
penultimate, ulterior, ultimate, ultimatum, ultramarine, ultramontane,
- .- -- ultraviolet
I , adumbrate, penumbra, somber, umber, umbrage, umbrella
- - - --- - -
NOT
unaccustomed, unruly, unseen, untold, unusual
WAVE
abound, abundance, in.u -n-d ..a. te, redundant, undulant, u@ate
ONE
reunion, unanimous, unicorn, uniform, union, unison, unit, unite, unit):
universe
CITY
exurbanite, suburban, urban, urbane, urbanity, urbanization
VAL, VAlL
VER
VERB
VERD
VIL
Vl RU
VlT, VIV
VOC, VOU
VOL
VOLU, VOLV
STRENGTH, USE, WORTH
-a m b i v b avail, convalescent, countervailing, equivalent, evaluate,
invalid, prevalent, valediction, valiant, valid, valor, value --- - -
L p l - L . /' / TRUE 1 .
aver, veracious, verdict, verify, verily, v-e-r-is imilitude, verity, very
, J .
, , . - , I. - , , . ! .
WORD
adverb, proverb, verb, verbal, verbalize, verbatim, verbose, verbiage
% - -
GREEN
verdant, ve.r -d igris, vydure
r
BASE, MEAN
revile, vile, vilify, vi-l-i f-ica tion
-
POISON
virulence, virulent, viruliferous, virus
? - -
condvial, revival, revive, survive, vital, vitality, vivacious, vivid, viviparous,
r :\ 8 P --- - .
vivisection I - ? . 6 ,, c , ,# i-
CALL, WORD I ,
, . i
advocacy, advocate, FQW, convocation, convoke, equivocal, evoke, invocation,
invoke, provoke, revoke, vocabulary, vocal, vocalist, vocation, .v -o.c ifero-
u-s, vouch, v-o--u -c hsaf--e . ,.c, r-.- c-
FLY
volant, volatile, volley
ROLL, TURN . ,
circumvolve, convolution, devolve, evolve, involution, revolt, revolve, voluble,
volume, voluminous, volute - ,-.- , ,, ,
OPPOSITE DRILLS
Each of the word lists below relates to two concepts that are opposite in meaning. The words
in each list relate to one of the concepts or its opposite. Try to sort out which category each
word belongs in. For each word, check the oval under the appropriate concept. If you don't
know the meaning of a word, make your best guess, using roots, charge (whether the word
sounds "goodn or "badn), prefixes, or context to help you.
No definitions are provided. Look up words that you are unsure of in the GRE
Minidictionary.
HAPPY
BLITHE
DISCONSOLATE
DISPIRITED
DOLDRUMS
DOLOROUS
EBULLIENT
EUPHORIC
FELICITY
PROVIDENT
RUE
WOE
SAD
Answer key on page 289.
APOCRYPHAL
CALUMNY
CANARD
CANDOR
CHICANERY
DISSEMBLE
DISSIMULATE
DUPE
DUPLICITY
EQUIVOCATE
ERRONEOUS
ERSATZ
FALLACIOUS
FEALTY
FEIGNED
FOIST
TRUE
FRANKNESS
GUILE
INDISPUT.4BLE
INDUBITABLE
LEGITIMATE
MALINGER
MENDACIOUS
MENDACITY
PERFIDY
PREVARICATE
PROBITY
SINCERE
SPECIOUS
SPURIOUS
VERACIOUS
VERITY
FALSE
Answer key on page 290.
AGREEMENT DISAGREEMENT
ACCORD
ALTERCATE
ALTERCATION
ANTITHETIC
ASKANCE
ASSENT
AVERSE
BICKER
CAVIL
CONCORD
CONCUR
CONSENSUS
CONSONANCE
CONTENTION
CONTENTIOUS
CONTRADICT
AGREEMENT DISAGREEMENT
DETRACTOR
DIFFER
DISPARAGE
DISPUTE
DISSENT
EXCORIATE
FEUD
HARMONY
INIhIICAL
MOOT
POLEMIC
.QUIBBLE
RAPPORT
SQUABBLE
UNANIMITY
WRANGLE
Answer key on page 291.
ATTRACTION
OR LIKE
ABHOR
ABOMINATE
AFFINITY
ALLURE
ANATHEMA
ANTIPATHY
BANE
BEGUILE
BENT
CHARM
DISSUADE
DRAW
ELICIT
Answer key on page 292.
REPULSION
OR DISLIKE
ATTRACTION
OR LIKE
REPULSION
OR DISLIKE
ENCHANT
ENTICE
ESCHEW
INVEIGLE
LOATH
PARRY
PENCHANT
PREDILECTION
PROCLn71TY
PROPENSITY
RANCOR
REVILE
SPURN
BRAVERY OR CONFIDENCE FEAR OR CAUTION
APLOMB
APPREHENSION
AUDACIOUS
AUDACITY
CHARY
CIRCUMSPECTION
CRAVEN
DAUNTLESS
DOUGHTY
GALLANTRY
GAME
INTREPID
METTLESOME
MISGIVING
PLUCKY
PUSILLANIMOUS
TEMERITY
TREPIDATION
UNDAUNTED
VALIANT
VALOROUS
Answer key on page 293.
CALMNESS AGITATION
BECALM
BLUSTER
COLLECTED
COMPOSED
COMPOSURE
DETACHED
DISCOMPOSED
DISPASSIONATE
DISQUIETED
DISTRAUGHT
FLURRIED
FLUSTER
FRENETIC
FULMINATE
FUROR
IMPERTURBABLE
INDOLENT
INSURGENT
KINETIC
LANGUOR
LULL
CALMNESS AGITATION
NONCHALANT
PERTURB
PLACID
QUIESCENT
RAGING
RAIL
REPOSE
ROIL
RUFFLED
SEDENTARY
SERENE
STAID
STEADY
TRANQUIL
TUMULTUOUS
TURBID
TURBULENT
UNRUFFLED
VEHEMENCE
irERVE
Answer key on page 294.
CHANGE LACK OF CHANGE
CATALYST
COMMUTATION
CONSISTENT
CONSTANT
DETERMINATE
ENTRENCHED
FIXITY
IMMUTABLE
IMPERVIOUS
INERT
INGRAINED
INNOVATIVE
INVARIABLE
INVIOLATE
LODGED
METAMORPHOSIS
MUTABLE
ROOTED
STEADFAST
TRANSFIGURATION
TRANSFORMATION
TRANSLATION
TRANSMOGRIFY
TRANSMUTATION
UNFAILING
Answer key on page 295.
GOODNESS EVIL
OR MORALITY OR IMMORALITY
ALTRUISM
BACCHANALIAN
BEATIFIC
BENEFICENT
BENIGN
BENISON
CLEMENT
CONTINENCE
DEBAUCH
DECADENCE
ELEVATED
ETHICAL
EXEMPLARY
FIENDISH
ILLICIT
INFERNAL
INIQUITOUS
INTEGRITY
GOODNESS EVl L
OR MORALITY OR IMMORALITY
INVIDIOUS
LASCIVIOUS
LICENTIOUS
LURID
MISCREANT
NEFARIOUS
NOBLE
PERFIDIOUS
PROBITY
PROFLIGATE
PRURIENT
RAPACITY
RECTITUDE
REPROBATE
RIGHTEOUS
TEMPERANCE
TURPITUDE
VIRTUE
Answer key on page 296.
LARGE AMOUNT SMALL AMOUNT LARGE AMOUNT SMALL AMOUNT
OR EXCESS OR SHORTAGE OR EXCESS OR SHORTAGE
0 CAPACIOUS 0
0 CAVALCADE 0
0 MYRIAD 0
0 OPULENCE 0
0 CLOYING 0 0 OVERABUNDANCE 0
0 CORNUCOPIA 0 0 PAUCITY 0
c1 DEARTH 0
0 DEFECT 0
0 DEFICIENT 0
0 DILATE 0
C) DISTEND 0
0 PLETHORA 0
0 POVERTY 0
0 PREPONDERANCE 0
0 PRIVATION 0
0 PRODIGIOUS 0
0 EFFUSIVE 0 0 PROFUSION 0
9 FAMINE 0 0 REPLETE 0
C FRAUGHT 0 0 SCANTINESS 0
0 GLUT 0 0 SCARCITY 0
0 INSUFFICIENCY 0
(2 MANIFOLD 0
0 MEAGER 0
0 MULTIFARIOUS 0
0 STINTING 0
0 SUPERABUNDANCE 0
0 SUPEREROGATORY 0
0 SUPERFLUITY 0
0 SURFEIT 0
Answer key on page 297.
GROW
Answer key on page 298.
ABATE
ACCRETE
AGGRANDIZE
AMPLIFY
APPEND
AUGMENT
BURGEON
CONSTRICT
CORRODE
DWINDLE
EBB
ERODE
ESCALATE
UPSURGE
WAX
WANE
SHRINK
GRAND PETW
AND IMPORTANT OR UNIMPORTANT
ABJECT
APOTHEOSIS
ASTRAL
AUGUST
CONSEQUENTIAL
CONSIDERABLE
DEBASED
ELEVATED
ELOQUENT
EXALTED
FRIVOLOUS
GRANDIOSE
IGNOBLE
INCONSEQUENTIAL
INGLORIOUS
LOFTY
MEANINGFUL
GRAND P E W
AND IMPORTANT OR UNIMPORTANT
MOMENTOUS
NEGLIGIBLE
NIGGLING
NONENTITY
OVERWEENING
PALTRY
PICAYUNE
PIDDLING
PRETENTIOUS
REGAL
SALIENT
SERVILE
SPLENDID
STATELY
SUBLIME
SUBSTANTIAL
WEIGHTY
Answer key on page 299.
UNLIMITED OR FREE
Answer key on page 300.
CIRCUMSCRIBED
DURESS
EMANCIPATED
ENCUMBRED
FETTERED
HERMETIC
IMMURE
INCOMMUNICADO
INDENTURE
INSULAR
LATITUDE
LAXITY
LICENSE
MANUMISSION
MAVERICK
OCCLUSION
STRICTURE
STYMIE
THRALL
TRAMMELED
UNBRIDLED
UNFETTERED
UNTRAMMELED
YOKE
LIMITED OR CLOSED
YOUTH OR IMMATURITY
ABIDING
ANTEDELUVLAN
CALLOW
DOTAGE
GERIATRIC
GREEN
HOARY
INVETERATE
JUVENILE
NEOPHYTE
PUERILE
SENESCENT
SOPHOMORIC
STRIPLING
SUPERANNUATED
0 TYRO
Answer key on page 301.
OLD AGE OR MATURITY
PRAISE
0
0
C
3
0
0
0
0
C
c3
0
0
n
' -,
c
S
0
ACCLAIM
ACCOLADE
ADULATORY
APPLAUSE
APPROBATION
BOUQUET
CELEBRATE
CENSURE
COMMEND
DEFAME
DEMEAN
DENIGRATE
DENOUNCE
DENUNCIATE
DEPRECATE
ENCOMIUM
Answer key on page 302.
CRITICISM PRAISE
0
0
c,
0
0
0
0
0
0
,a
0
0
0
A
'd
Cl
EULOGIZE
EXALT
EXTOL
HA1 L
HOMAGE
HONOR
IMPUGN
KUDOS
LAUD
PAEAN
PANEGYRIC
PEJORATIVE
PLAUDIT
TRIBUTE
VENEFUTE
CRITICISM
SWIFTNESS OR BRIEFNESS
Answer key on page 303.
ALACRITY
CELERITY
CURSORY
DALLY
DILATORY
EPHEMERAL
EVANESCENT
EXTEMPORANEOUS
IMPROMPTU
LAGGARD
MERCURIAL
PERFUNCTORY
PERPETUITY
PRECIPITOUS
PROCRASTINATION
PROTRACTED
RETARD
SLUGGISH
TORPID
TRANSIENT
DELAY OR SLOWNESS
SUBTLE OR SLIGHT
Answer key on page 304.
BLATANT
EGREGIOUS
FLAGRANT
GOSSAMER
MANIFEST
MODICUM
NUANCE
OSTENTATIOUS
OVERT
PATENT
RAREFY
REFINED
SCINTILLA
OBVIOUS
RUDENESS
0
Answer key on page 305.
ASOCIAL
BOORISH
CHEEKY
CHURLISH
CIVIL
CRASS
DEFERENTIAL
DEMURE
EARTHY
EFFRONTERY
GALLANT
GENTEEL
OBEISANCE
OBLIGING
OBSTREPEROUS
PHILISTINE
PUNCTILIOUS
RAW
SCABROUS
SOLICITOUS
TACTFUL
UNGRACIOUS
UNPOLISHED
WLGAR
POLITENESS
INTELLIGENCE STUPIDITY
AND ABILITY AND CLUMSINESS
ACUMEN
ASININE
ASTUTE
DERANGED
DOLTISH
FATUOUS
FINESSE
FLAIR
GAUCHE
GULLIBLE
I G N O M U S
IMPOLITIC
INANE
INCISIVE
Answer key on page 306.
INTELLIGENCE STUPIDITY
AND ABILITY AND CLUMSINESS
INGENIOUS
KEN
hlALADROIT
OMNISCIENT
PERCIPIENT
PERSPICACIOUS
PRECOCIOUS
PUNDIT
SAGACIOUS
SAPIENT
SIMPLE
UNWITTING
\'ACUOLS
VAPID
LOUD, LONG,
OR A LOT OF SPEECH
Answer key on page 307.
BOMBAST
CURT
DUMB
ELOQUENT
GARRULOUS
GRANDILOQUENT
LACONIC
LOQUACIOUS
MUTE
OROTUND
PLANGENT
PROLIX
RETICENT
STENTORIAN
SUCCINCT
TACIT
TACITURN
TERSE
TURGID
VERBOSE
QUIET, SHORT,
OR ABSENCE OF SPEECH
CLEAN
Answer key on page 308.
ABLUTION
BESMEAR
BESPATTER
DEFILE
GRIMY
GRUBBY
IMMACULATE
PRISTINE
SLOVENLY
SMUTTY
SULLY
UNSOILED
UNSULLIED
VIRGINAL
DIRTY
TOGETHER SEPARATE
OR CONTINUOUS OR DISCONTINUOUS
ABUT
AGGREGATION
ASUNDER
BIFURCATE
CABAL
COLLATE
COLLOQUY
COLLUSION
CONCATENATE
CONCOMITANT
CONFLUENCE
CONJOIN
CONSENSUS
CONSONANCE
COTERIE
DIFFUSE
TOGETHER SEPARATE
OR CONTINUOUS OR DISCONTINUOUS
DISCRETE
DISJOINTED
DISPERSE
DISSIPATE
DIVERGE
ESTRANGE
HIATUS
INCONGRUOUS
INTERREGNUM
INTERSTICE
RIFT
SCHISM
SEQUESTERED
SYNCHRONOUS
SYNTHESIS
TANDEM
Answer key on page 309.
STUBBORN
ACCEDE
ACCOMMODATING
ACQUIESCE
AMENABLE
CAPITULATE
COMPLY
CONCEDE
CONTUMACIOUS
DOGMATIC
HIDEBOUND
INTRANSIGENT
OBDURACY
OBLIGING
OBSTINATE
OSSIFIED
PERTINACIOUS
RECALCITRANT
REFRACTORY
UNBENDING
UNSWAYABLE
AGREEABLE
Answer key on page 3 10.
HAPPY
BLITHE
DISCONSOLATE
DISPIRITED
DOLDRUMS
DOLOROUS
EBULLIENT
EUPHORIC
FELICITY
PROVIDENT
RUE
WOE
SAD
DIS means "not," so here the two DIS words mean "not consolate" and "not spirited," that is, "sad." Also, DOL
means, "pain," so dolorous and doldrums also mean "sad."
TRUE
0
0
0
m
0
0
0
0
0
a
0
0
0
m
0
0
APOCRYPHAL
CALUMNY
CANARD
CANDOR
CHICANERY
DISSEMBLE
DISSIMULATE
DUPE
DUPLICITY
EQUIVOCATE
ERRONEOUS
ERSATZ
FALLACIOUS
FEALTY
FEIGNED
FOIST
FALSE
m
m
m
0
m
m
m
m
m
m
m
m
m
0
m
m
TRUE
m
0
m
m
m
0
0
0
0
0 *
*
0
0
m
m
FRANKNESS
GUILE
INDISPUTABLE
INDUBITABLE
LEGITIMATE
MALINGER
MENDACIOUS
MENDACITY
PERFIDY
PREVARl CATE
PR0BrT-Y
SINCERE
SPECIOUS
SPURIOUS
VERACIOUS
VERITY
FALSE
0
m
C?
C)
0
m
m
m
m
m
G
0
m
m
0
0
Notice that veraciow and verity both have to do with truthfulness. (The root VER is from the Latin word for
truth.) Perhaps you know that Yale's motto is "Lux et veritas," or "light and truth."
AGREEMENT DISAGREEMENT
ACCORD
ALTERCATE
ALTERCATION
ANTITHETIC
ASKANCE
ASSENT
AVERSE
BICKER
CAVIL
CONCORD
CONCUR
CONSENSUS
CONSONANCE
CONTENTION
CONTENTIOUS
CONTRADICT
AGREEMENT DISAGREEMENT
DETRACTOR
DIFFER
DISPARAGE
DISPUTE
DISSENT
EXCORIATE
FEUD
HARMONY
INIMICAL
MOOT
POLEMIC
QUIBBLE
RAPPORT
SQUABBLE
UNANIMITY
WRANGLE
Notice that all the words that began with DIS had to do with disagreement.
AlTRACTlON REPULSION AlTRACTlON REPULSION
OR LlKE
cl
0
m
m
0
0
0
m
m
m
'3
m
m
ABHOR
ABOMINATE
AFFINITY
ALLURE
ANATHEMA
ANTIPATHY
BANE
BEGUILE
BENT
CHARM
DISSUADE
DRAW
ELICIT
OR DISLIKE OR LlKE
m
m
(2
m
0
0
m
m
m
m
0
0
9
OR DISLIKE
ENCHANT 0
ENTICE 0
ESCHEW m
IhVEIGLE 0
LOATHE m
PARRY m
PENCHANT 0
PREDILECTION 3
PROCLIVITY 0
PROPENSITY 0
RANCOR m
REVILE m
SPURN m
When you talk about the pros and cons of a situation, you're talking about the positives and negatives. Notice
that the words with PRO mean "attraction" or "like."
BRAVERY OR CONFIDENCE
APLOMB
APPREHENSION
AUDACIOUS
AUDACITY
CHARY
CIRCUMSPECTION
CRAVEN
DAUNTLESS
DOUGHTY
GALLANTRY
GAME
INTREPID
METTLESOME
MISGIVING
PLUCKY
PUSILLANIMOUS
TEMERITY
TREPIDATION
UNDAUNTED
VALIANT
VALOROUS
FEAR OR CAUTION
Notice that there are several words in this list with the same roots. For instance, valiant and valorous both use
the root VAL. If intrepid means "fearless," then trepidation must be "fear." And dauntless and undaunted both
mean the same thing.
CALMNESS AGITATION
BECALM
BLUSTER
COLLECTED
COMPOSED
COMPOSURE
DETACHED
DISCOMPOSED
DISPASSIONATE
DISQUIETED
FLURRIED
FLUSTER
FRENETIC
FULMINATE
FUROR
IMPERTURBABLE
INDOLENT
INSURGENT
KINETIC
LANGUOR
LULL
CALMNESS AGITATION
NONCHALANT
PERTURB
PLACID
QUIESCENT
RAGING
RAIL
REPOSE
ROIL
RUFFLED
SEDENTARY
SERENE
STAID
STEADY
TRANQUIL
TUhlULTUOUS
TURBID
TURBULENT
UNRUFFLED
VEHEMENCE
VERVE
On this list, you can use "charge" to answer many of these words. Words like fluster, frenetic, furor, kinetic,
perturb, and tumultuous sound agitating, while becalm, serene, and tranquil all sound calm.
CHANGE
CATALYST
COMMUTATION
CONSISTENT
CONSTANT
DETERMINATE
ENTRENCHED
FIXITY
IMMUTABLE
IMPERVIOUS
INERT
INGRAINED
INNOVATIVE
INVARIABLE
INVIOLATE
LODGED
METAMORPHOSIS
MUTABLE
ROOTED
STEADFAST
TRANSFIGURATION
TRANSFORMATION
TRANSLATION
TRANSMOGRIFY
TRANSMUTATION
UNFAILING
LACK OF CHANGE
TRANS means "across," so the five words in this list which begin with this root are all words that have to do
with change.
GOODNESS EVl L GOODNESS EVIL
OR MORALITY OR IMMORALITY OR MORALITY OR IMMORALITY
ALTRUISM
BACCHANALIAN
BEATIFIC
BENEFICENT
BENIGN
BENISON
CLEMENT
CONTINENCE
DEBAUCH
DECADENCE
ELEVATED
ETHICAL
EXEMPLARY
FIENDISH
ILLICIT
INFERNAL
INIQUITOUS
INTEGRITY
INVIDIOUS
LASCIVIOUS
LICENTIOUS
LURID
MISCREANT
NEFARIOUS
NOBLE
PERFIDIOUS
PROBITY
PROFLIGATE
PRURIEST
FMPACITY
RECTITUDE
REPROBATE
RIGHTEOUS
TEMPERASCE
TURPITUDE
VIRTUE
The root BEN means "good." Notice that the three words in this list that include this root all mean something
having to do with goodness or morality.
LARGE AMOUNT SMALL AMOUNT LARGE AMOUNT SMALL AMOUNT
OR EXCESS OR SHORTAGE OR EXCESS OR SHORTAGE
CAPACIOUS
CAVALCADE
CLOYING
CORNUCOPIA
DEARTH
DEFECT
DEFICIENT
DILATE
DISTEND
EFFUSIVE
FAMINE
F M G H T
GLUT
INSUFFICIENCY
MANIFOLD
MEAGER
MULTIFARIOUS
M Y W
OPULENCE
OVERABUNDANCE
PAUCITY
PLETHORA
POVERTY
PREPONDERANCE
PRIVATION
PRODIGIOUS
PROFUSION
REPLETE
SCANTINESS
SCARCITY
STINTING
SUPERABUNDANCE
SUPEREROGATORY
SUPERFLUITY
SURFEIT
Notice that all the words that start with SUPER have to do with excess.
GROW SHRINK
ABATE
ACCRETE
AGGRANDIZE
AMPLIFY
APPEND
AUGMENT
BURGEON
CONSTRICT
CORRODE
DWINDLE
EBB
ERODE
ESCALATE
UPSURGE
WAX
WANE
Here you might want to think of cliched phrases. For instance, an ebb tide is a tide that's going out. A
burgeoning debt is a debt that's increasing at a healthy rate. And the moon has waxing (growing) and waning
(shrinking) phases.
GRAND PErrY GRAND PETP/
AND IMPORTANT OR UNIMPORTANT AND IMPORTANT OR UNIMPORTANT
ABJECT 0
APOTHEOSIS 0
A S T W 0
AUGUST 0
CONSEQUENTIAL 0
CONSIDEWLE 0
DEBASED 0
ELEVATED 0
ELOQUENT 0
EXALTED 0
FRIVOLOUS 0
GRANDIOSE 0
IGNOBLE 0
INCONSEQUENTIAL 0
INGLORIOUS 0
L o r n 0
MEANINGFUL 0
MOMENTOUS
NEGLIGIBLE
NIGGLING
NONENTITY
OVERWEENING
PALTRY
PICAYUNE
PIDDLING
PRETENTIOUS
REGAL
SALIENT
SERVILE
SPLENDID
STATELY
SUBLIME
SUBSTANTIAL
WEIGHTY
This is another list in which common phrases can help you figure out the meaning of words. For instance, if
someone makes a salient point, it's central to an argument. In physics, certain forces, such as air resistance, are
often considered negligible, or ignored.
UNLIMITED OR FREE
CIRCUMSCRIBED
DURESS
EMANCIPATED
ENCUMBRED
FETTERED
HERMETIC
IMMURE
INCOMMUNICADO
INDENTURE
INSULAR
LATITUDE
L m I n
LICENSE
MANUMISSION
MAVERICK
OCCLUSION
STRICTURE
STYMIE
THRALL
TRAMMELED
UNBRIDLED
UNFETTERED
UNTRAMMELED
YOKE
LIMITED OR CLOSED
Notice that trammeled and fettered are joined on this list by untrammeled and unfettered. Also, notice that all
the ~vordsw ith UN are free.
YOUTH OR IMMATURITY
ABIDING
ANTEDELUVIAN
CALLOW
DOTAGE
GERIATRIC
GREEN
HOARY
INVETERATE
JUVENILE
NEOPHYTE
PUERILE
SENESCENT
SOPHOMORIC
STRIPLING
SUPERANNUATED
TYRO
OLD AGE OR MATURITY
This list is full of roots to help you figure things out: NEO means "new." GERI means "old." Senescent comes
from the Latin senex, which means "old man." Superannuated has to do with lots of years.
PRAISE
m
m
m
m
m
m
m
3
m
0
0
0
0
0
0
m
ACCLAIM
ACCOLADE
ADULATORY
APPLAUSE
APPROBATION
BOUQUET
CELEBRATE
CENSURE
COMMEND
DEFAME
DEMEAN
DENIGRATE
DENOUNCE
DENUNCIATE
DEPRECATE
ENCOMIUM
CRITICISM PRAISE
EULOGIZE
EXALT
EXTOL
HAIL
HOMAGE
HONOR
IMPUGN
KUDOS
LAUD
PAEAN
PANEGYRIC
PEJORATIVE
PLAUDIT
TRIBUTE
VENERATE
CRITICISM
In this exercise, every word that uses DE, which can mean "down," as a prefix is negative. For instance,
denounce means "to speak down" or "to criticize."
SWIFTNESS OR BRIEFNESS DELAY OR SLOWNESS
ALACRITY
CELERITY
CURSORY
DALLY
DILATORY
EPHEMERAL
EVANESCENT
EXTEMPORANEOUS
IMPROMPTU
LAGGARD
MERCURIAL
PERFUNCTORY
PERPETUITY
PRECIPITOUS
PROCRASTINATION
PROTRACTED
RETARD
SLUGGISH
TORPID
TRANSIENT
Mercurial is a word based on a mythological figure. Mercury was the messenger of the gods who traveled with
winged sandals. Thus, mercurial is fast.
SUBTLE OR SLIGHT OBVIOUS
BLATANT
EGREGIOUS
FLAGRANT
GOSSAMER
MANIFEST
MODICUM
NUANCE
OSTENTATIOUS
OVERT
PATENT
RAREFY
REFINED
SCINTILLA
This list has several words that you can probably recognize from when they are used in context. For instance,
people often refer to an "egregious error" or a "ntodicum of respect."
RUDENESS
m
m
m
m
0
m
0
0
m
m
0
0
0
3
m
m
0
m
m
0
0
m
m
m
ASOCIAL
BOORISH
CHEEKY
CHURLISH
CrVIL
CRASS
DEFERENTIAL
DEMURE
EARTHY
EFFRONTERY
GALLANT
GENTEEL
OBEISANCE
OBLIGING
OBSTREPEROUS
PHILISTINE
PUNCTILIOUS
RAW
SCABROUS
SOLICITOUS
TACTFUL
UNGRACIOUS
UNPOLISHED
WLGAR
POLITENESS
The word Philistine comes from a reference to the ancient people of Philistia. These people had a reputation
for being smug and ignorant, particularly in the area of art and culture.
der
INTELLIGENCE STUPIDITY INTELLIGENCE STUPIDITY
AND ABILITY AND CLUMSINESS AND ABILITY AND CLUMSINESS
ACUMEN
ASININE
ASTUTE
DERANGED
DOLTISH
FATUOUS
FINESSE
FLAIR
GAUCHE
GULLIBLE
IGNORAMUS
IMPOLITIC
INANE
INCISIVE
INGENIOUS
KEN
MALADROIT
OMNISCIENT
PERCIPIENT
PERSPICACIOUS
PRECOCIOUS
PUNDIT
SAGACIOUS
SAPIENT
SIMPLE
UNWITTING
VACUOUS
VAPID
Many of these words have roots that can lead you to the answer. MAL means "bad," so maladroit deals with
clumsiness. OMNI means "all," and SCI means "knowing:' so omniscient means "all-knowing."
LOUD, LONG,
OR A LOT OF SPEECH
BOMBAST
CURT
DUMB
ELOQUENT
GARRULOUS
GRANDILOQUENT
LACONIC
LOQUACIOUS
MUTE
OROTUND
PLANGENT
PROLIX
RETICENT
STENTORIAN
SUCCINCT
TACIT
TACITURN
TERSE
TURGID
VERBOSE
QUIET, SHORT.,
OR ABSENCE OF SPEECH
Notice that there are three different words with the root LOQU in this list. LOQU means "word, speech," so
these three words all have to do with a lot of speech.
CLEAN DIRTY
ABLUTION
BESMEAR
BESPATTER
DEFILE
GRIMY
GRUBBY
IMMACULATE
PRISTINE
SLOVENLY
SMUTTY
SULLY
UNSOILED
UNSULLIED
VIRGINAL
In this case, the sound of the words tell you a lot about the words themselves. If the word sounds dirty, as the
words besmear, bespatter, defile, or slovenly do, you can bet that's what it means.
TOGETHER SEPARATE
OR CONTINUOUS OR DISCONTINUOUS
ABUT
AGGREGATION
ASUNDER
BIFURCATE
CABAL
COLLATE
COLLOQUY
COLLUSION
CONCATENATE
CONCOMITrWT
CONFLUENCE
CONJOIN
CONSENSUS
CONSONANCE
COTERIE
DIFFUSE
TOGETHER SEPARATE
OR CONTINUOUS OR DlSCONTlNUOUS
DISCRETE
DISJOINTED
DISPERSE
DISSIPATE
DIVERGE
ESTFWNGE
. . TTUY
INCONGRUOUS
INTERREGNUM
INTERSTICE
RIFT
SCHISM
SEQUESTERED
SYNCHRONOUS
SYNTHESIS
TANDEM
This list is full of roots. SYNmeans "same"; CON, COM, and COLL mean "with"; and DIS means "away from"
or "apart." Use your knowledge of these roots to make your decisions.
STUBBORN
ACCEDE
ACCOMMODATING
ACQUIESCE
AhIENABLE
CAPITULATE
COMPLY
CONCEDE
CONTUMACIOUS
DOGMATIC
HIDEBOUND
INTRANSIGENT
OBDURACY
OBLIGING
OBSTINATE
OSSIFIED
PERTINACIOUS
RECALCITRANT
REFRACTORY
UNBENDING
UNSWAYABLE
AGREEABLE
UN means "not," so unswayable and unbending both mean "stubborn."
GRE MIN-IDICTIONARY
This Minidictionary provides you with the definitions of many common GRE words. Use this
list not only when you work with the vocabulary exercises but whenever you encounter an
unfamiliar word anywhere-such as in released tests or everyday reading.
A
ABANDON (n) total lack of inhibition
ABASE to humble, disgrace
ABASH to embarrass
ABATEMENT decrease. reduction
ABDICATE to give up a position, right, or power
ABERMNT atypical, not normal
ABERRATION something different from the usual
or normal
ABET to aid, act as accomplice
ABEYANCE temporary suppression or suspension
ABHOR to loathe, detest
ABIDING enduring, continuing
ABJECT miserable, pitiful
ABJURE to reject, abandon formally
ABLUTION act of deansing
ABNEGATE to deny, renounce
ABOLITIONIST one who opposes the practice of
slavery
ABOMINATE to hate
ABORTIVE interrupted while incomplete
ABRIDGE to condense. shorten
ABROGATE to abolish or invalidate by authority
ABRUPT sudden, unexpected
ABSCOND to depart secretly
ABSOLVE to forgive, free from blame
ABSTAIN to refrain deliberately from something
ABSTEMIOUS moderate in appetite
ABSTRACT (adj) theoretical; complex, difficult
ABSTRUSE difficult to comprehend
ABUT to touch, to be in contact with
ABYSS an extremely great depth
ACCEDE to express approval; agree to
ACCESSIBLE attainable, available; approachable
ACCESSORY attachment, ornament; accomplice,
partner
ACCLAJM praise
ACCOLADE praise, distinction
ACCOMMODATING helpful
ACCORD to reconcile, come to an agreement
ACCOST to approach and speak to someone
ACCRETION growth in size or increase in amount
ACCRUE to accumulate, grow by additions
ACERBIC bitter, sharp in taste or temper
ACIDULOUS sour in taste or manner
ACME highest point, summit
ACQUIESCE to agree, comply quietly
ACQUITTAL release from blame
ACRID harsh, bitter
ACRIMOW bitterness, animosity
ACUITY sharpness
ACUlMEN sharpness of insight
ACUTE sharp, pointed
ADAGE old saying or proverb
ADAhlANT uncompromising, unyielding
ADAPT to accommodate, adjust
ADHERE to cling or to fouow without deviation
ADIACENT next to
ADJUNCT something added, attached, or joined
ADMONISH to caution or reprimand
ADROIT skillful, accomplished, highly competent
ADULATION high praise
ADULTERATE to corrupt or make impure
ADUhfBRATE to sketch, outline in a shadowy way
ADIrAXTAGEOUS favorable, useful
ADVENTITIOUS accidental
ADVERSARIAL antagonistic, competitive
AD\'ERSE unfavorable, unlucky, harmful
ADVOCATE to speak in favor of
AERIAL having to do with the air
AERIE nook or nest built high in the air
AERODYNAMIC relating to objects moving through the air
AESTHETIC pertaining to beauty or art
AFFABLE friendly, easy to approach
AFFECTED (adj) pretentious, phony
AFFINITY fondness, liking; similarity
AFFLUENT rich, abundant
AFFRONT (n) personal offense, insult
AGENDA plan, schedule
AGGRANDIZE to make larger or greater in power
AGGREGATE (n) collective mass or sum; total
AGGRIEVE to afflict, distress
AGILE well coordinated, nimble
AGITATION commotion, excitement; uneasiness
AGNOSTIC one doubting that people can know God
AGRARIAN relating to farming or rural matters
ALACRITY cheerful willingness, eagerness; speed
ALCHEMY medieval chemical philosophy based on quest to
change metal into gold
ALGORITHM mechanical problem-solving procedure
ALIAS assumed name
ALIENATED distanced, estranged
ALIGNED precisely adjusted; committed to one side or
Party
ALLAY to lessen, ease, or soothe
ALLEGORY symbolic representation
ALLEVlATE to relieve, improve partially
ALLITERATION repetition of the beginning sounds of
words
ALLOCATION allowance, portion, share
ALLURE (v) to entice by charm; attract
ALLUSION indirect reference
ALLUSIVENESS quality of making many indirect
references
ALOOF detached, indifferent
ALTERCATION noisy dispute
ALTRUlShl unselfish concern for others' welfare
Ah4ALGAM mixture, combination, alloy
AMBIDEXTROUS able to use both hands equally well
AMBIGUOUS uncertain; subject to multiple interpretations
AMBIVALENCE attitude of uncrrtainty, conflicting
emotions
AMBULATORY itinerant; related to walking around
MvlUlORATE to make better, improve
AMENABLE apeable, cooperative
AMEND to improve or correct flaws in
AMENITY pleasantness; something increasing comfort
AMIABLE friendly, pleasant, likable
AMICABLE friendly, agreeable
AMITY friendship
AMORAL unprincipled, unethical
AMOROUS strongly attracted to love; showing love
AMORPHOUS having no definite form
AMORTIZE to diminish by installment payments
AMPHIBIAN (n) creature equally at home on land or in
water
AMPHITHEATER arena theater with ruing tiers around a
central open space
AMPLE abundant, plentiful
AMPLIFY to increase, intensify
AMULET ornament worn as a charm against evil spirits
ANACHRONISM something chronologically inappropriate
ANACHRONISTIC outdated
ANALGESIA a lessening of pain
ANALOGOUS comparable, parallel
ANARCHY absence of government or law; chaos
ANATHEMA ban, curse; something shunned or disliked
ANCILLARY accessory, subordinate, helping
ANECDOTE short, usually funny account of an event
ANGULAR characterized by sharp angles; lean and gaunt
ANIMATION enthusiasm, excitement
ANIMOSITY hatred, hostility
ANNUL to cancel, nullify, declare void, or make legally
invalid
ANODYNE something that calms or soothes pain
ANOINT to apply oil to, esp. as a sacred rite
ANOMALY irregularity or deviation from the norm
ANONYMITY condition of having no name or an unknown
name
ANTAGONIST foe, opponent, adversary
ANTECEDENT (adj) coming before in place or time
ANTEDATE dated prior to the actual occurrence
ANTEDILUVIAN prehistoric, ancient beyond
measure
ANTEPENULTIMATE third from last
ANTERIOR preceding, previous, before, prior (to)
ANTHOLOGY collection of literary works
ANTHROPOMORPHIC attributing human qualities to
nonhumans
ANTIPATHY dislike, hostility; extreme opposition or
aversion
ANTIQUATED outdated, obsolete
ANTIQUITY ancient times; the quality of being old or
ancient
ANTITHESIS exact opposite or direct contrast
APACE done quiddy
APATHETIC indifferent, unconcerned
APATHY lack of feeling or emotion
APERTURE an opening or hole
APHASIA inability to speak or w words
APHELION point in a planet's orbit that is farthest from the
sun
APHORISM old saying or short pxthy statement
APLOMB poise, confidence
APOCRYPHAL not genuine; fictiond
APOSTATE (n) one who renounces a religious faith
APOSTROPHE speech to the reader or someone not
present; a superscript sign (')
APOTHEGM a short, instructive saying
APOTHEOSIS glorification; glorified ideal
APPEASE to satisfy, placate, calm, pacify
APPEND to attach
APPLAUSE praise
APPRAISE to evaluate the value of something
APPREHENSION the act of comprehending; fear,
foreboding
APPRISE to give notice of; inform
APPROBATION praise; officiab approval
APPROPRIATE (v) to take possession of
AQUATIC belonging or living in water
ARABLE suitable for cultivation
ARBITRARY depending solely on individual will;
inconsistent
ARBITRATOR mediator, negotiator
ARBOREAL relating to trees; living in trees
ARBORETUM place where trees are displayed and studied
ARCANE secret, obscure, known only to a few
ARCHAIC antiquated, from an earlier time; outdated
ARCHIPELAGO large group of islands
ARDEhT passionate, enthusiastic, fervent
ARDOR great emotion or passion
ARDUOUS extremely difficult, laborious
ARID extremely dry or deathly boring
ARRAIGN to call to court to answer a charge
ARROGATE to demand, claim arrogantly
ARSENAL ammunition storehouse
ARTICULATE (adj) well-spoken, expressing oneself clearly
ARTIFACT historical relic, item made by human craft
ARTISAN craftsperson; expert
ARTLESS open and honest
ASCEND to rise or climb
ASCENDANCY state of rising, ascending; power or control
ASCERTAIN to determine, discover, make certain of
ASCETIC (adj) self-denying, abstinent, austere
ASCRIBE to attribute to, assign
ASHEN resembling ashes; deathly pale
ASININE lacking intelligence or sound judgment
ASKANCE scornfully
ASKEW crooked, tilted
ASOCIAL unable or unwilling to interact socially
ASPERITI harshness, roughness
ASPERSION false rumor, damaging report, slander
ASPIRE to have great hopes; to aim at a goal
ASSAIL to attack, assault
ASSAY to analyze or estimate
ASSENT (v) to express agreement
ASSERT to affirm, attest
ASSIDUOUS diligent, persistent, hardworking
ASSIGNATION appointment for lovers' meeting;
assignment
ASSIMILATION act of blending in, becoming similar
ASSONANCE resemblance in sound, especially in vowel
sounds; partial rhyme
ASSUAGE to make less severe, ease, relieve
ASTRAL exalted, elevated in position; relating to the stars
ASTRINGENT harsh, severe, stem
ASTUTE having good judgment
ASUNDER (adv) into different pans
ASYMMETRICAL not corresponding in size, shape,
position, etcetera
ATONE to make amends for a wrong
ATROCIOUS monstrous, shocki_ely bad, wicked
ATROPHY (v) to waste away, wither from disuse
ATTAIN to accomplish, gain
ATTENUATE to make thin or slender; weaken
ATTEST to testify, stand as proof of, bear witness
AUDACIOUS bold, daring, fearless
AUDIBLE capable of being heard
AUDIT (n) formal examination of financial records
AUDITORY having to do with hearing
AUGMENT to expand, extend
AUGURY (adj) prophecy, prediction of events
AUGUST dignified, awe-inspiring, venerable
AUSPICIOUS having favorable prospects, promising
AUSTERE stern, strict, unadorned
AUTHORITARIAN extremely stria, bossy
AUTOCRAT dictator
AUTONOMOUS separate, independent
AUXILIARY supplementary, reserve
AVARICE greed
AVENGE to retaliate, take revenge for an injury or crime
AVER to dedare to be true, affirm
AVERSE being disinclined toward something
AVERSION intense dislike
AVERT to turn (something) away; prevent
AVIARY large endosure housing birds
AVOW to state openly or dedare
AWRY crooked, askew, amiss
AXIOM premix, postulate, self-evident truth
B
BACCHANALIAN drunkenly festive
BALEFUL harmful, with evil intentions
BALK (v) to refuse, shirk; prevent
BALLAD folk song, narrative poem
BALM soothing, healing influence
BAN (v) to forbid, outlaw
BANAL trite and overly common
BANE something causing ruin, death, or destruction
BANTER playful conversation
BASE being of low value or position
BASTION fortification, stronghold
BAY (v) to bark. especially in a deep, prolonged way
BEATIFIC appearing to be saintly, angelic
BECALhI to make calm or still; keep motionless by lack of
wind
BECLOUD to confuse; darken with clouds
BEGUILE to deceive, mislead; charm
BEHEMOTH huge creature
BELABOR to insist repeatedly or harp on
BELATED late
BELEAGUER to harass, plague
BELFRY bell tower, room in which a bell is hung
BELIE to misrepresent; expose as false
BELITTLE to represent as unimportant, make light of
BELLICOSE warlike, aggressive
BELLIGERENT hostile, tending to fight
BELLOW to roar, shout
BEMUSE to confuse, stupefy; plunge deep into thought
BENCHMARK standard of measure
BENEFACTOR someone giving aid or money
BENEFICIAL advantageous
BENEFICENT kindly, charitable; doing good deeds;
producing good effects
BENIGHTED unenlightened
BENIGN kindly, gentle or harmless
BENISON blessing
BENT a natural inclination toward something
BEQUEATH to give or leave through a will; to hand down
BERATE to xold harshly
BEREAVED suffering the death of a loved one
BESEECH to beg, plead, implore
BESMEAR to smear
BESPATTER to spatter
BESTIAL beastly, animal-like
BESTOW to give as a gih
BETOKEN to indicate, signify, give evidence of
BEVY group
BUS prejudice. slant
BIBLIOGRAPHY list of books
BIBLIOPHILE book lover
BICKER to have a petty argument
BIFURCATE divide into two parts
BILATERAL two-sided
BILIOUS bad-natured
BILK to cheat, defraud
BILLET board and lodging for troops
BIPED two-footed animal
BISECT to cut into two (usually equal) parts
BLANCH to pale; take the color out of
BLANDISH to coax with flattery
BLASPHEMOUS cursing, profane, irreverent
BLATAST glaring, obvious, showy
BLIGHT (v) to afflict, destroy
BLITHE joyful, cheerful, or without appropriate thought
BLUDGEON to hit as with a short heavy club
BLUSTER to boast or make threats loudly
BOISTEROUS rowdy, loud, unrestrained
BOLSTER to support; reinforce
BOh4BASTIC using high-sounding but meaningless
language
BONkUL4 extremely large amount; something profitable
BONHOMIE good-natured geniality; atmosphere of good
cheer
BOOK blessing, something to be thankful for
BOOR crude person, one lacking manners or taste
BOTAYIST scientist who stud~esp lants
BOUhTIFUL plentiful
BOUQUET a bunch of cut flowers
BOURGEOIS middle-class
BO\'IKE relating to cows
BRAZEN bold, shameless, impudent; of or like brass
BREACH act of breaking, violation
BRE\'ITY the quality of being brief in time
BRIGASD bandit, outIaw
BROACH to mention or suggest for the first time
BROMIDE a dull, commonplace person or idea
BRUSQUE rough and abrupt in manner
BUFFET (v) to strike, hit
BUFFOON down or fool
BULWARK defense wall; anything serving as defense
BURGEON to sprout or flourish
BURLY brawny, husky
BURNISH to polish, make smooth and bright
BURSAR treasurer
BUSTLE commotion, energetic activity
BUTT person or thing that is object of ridicule
BUTTRESS (v) to reinforce or support
BYM'AY back road
C
CABAL a secret group seeking to overturn something
CACOPHONOUS jarring, unpleasantly noisy
CADAVER dead body
CADENCE rhythmic flow of poetry; marching beat
CAJOLE to flatter, coax, persuade
CALAMITOUS disastrous, catastrophic
CALLOUS thick-skinned, insensitive
CALLOW immature, lacking sophistication
CALUMNY false and malicious accusation, misrepresentation,
slander
CANARD a lie
CANDID frank or fair
CANDOR honesty of expression
CANNY smart; founded on common sense
CANONIZE to decIare a person a saint; raise to highest
honors
CANVASS to examine thoroughlr, conduct a poll
CAPACIOUS large, roomy; extensive
CAPITULATE to submit completely, surrender
CAPRICIOUS impulsive, whimsical, without much thought
CARDlOLOGIST physician specializing in diseases of the
heart
CAREEN to lean to one side
CARlCATURE exaggerated portrait, cartoon
CARNAL of the flesh
CARNIVOROUS meat-eating
CAROM to strike and rebound
CARP (v) to find fault, complain constantly
CARTOGRAPHY science or art of making maps
CAST (n) copy, replica
CAST (v) to fling, to throw
CASTIGATE to punish, chastise, criticize severely
CATACLYSMIC disastrous
CATALYST something causing change without being
changed
CATEGORICAL absolute, without exception
CATHARSIS purification, deansing
CATHOLIC universal; broad and comprehensive
CAUCUS smaller group within an organization; a meeting
of such a group
W L K to make watertight
CAUSALITY cause-and-effect relationship
CAUSTIC biting, sarcastic; able to burn
CAVALCADE a procession
CAVALIER (adj) carefree, happy; with lordly disdain
CAVIL to raise trivial objections
CAVORT to frolic, frisk
CEDE to surrender possession of something
CELEBRITY fame, widespread acclaim
CELERITY quick moving or acting
CENSORIOUS severely critical
CENSURE to criticize or Find fault with
CENTRIPETAL directed or moving toward the
center
CERTITUDE assurance, certainty
CESSATION temporary or complete halt
CESSION act of surrendering something
CHAGRIN shame, embarrassment, humiliation
CHALICE goblet, cup
CHAMP (v) chew noisily
CHAMPION (v) to defend or support
CHAOS confusion
CHAOTIC extremely disorderly
CHARLATAN quack, fake
CHARM compelling attractiveness
CHARY watchful, cautious, extremely shy
CHASTLSE to punish, discipline, xold
CHAlTEL piece of personal property
CHAUVINIST someone prejudiced in the belief of their
kind's superiority
CHEEKY lacking prudence or discretion
CHERUBIC sweet, innocent, resembling a cherub angel
CHICANERY trickery, fraud, deception
CHIDE to xold, express disapproval
CHIMERICAL fanciful, imaginary, visionary; impossible
CHOICE (adj) specially selected, preferred
CHOLERIC easily angered, short-tempered
CHORTLE to chuckle
CHROMATIC relating to color
CHRONICLER one who keeps records of historical events
CHURLISH rude
CIRCUITOUS roundabout
CIRCUMFERENCE boundary or distance around a circle or
sphere
CIRCUMLOCUTION roundabout, lengthy way of saying
something
CIRCUMNAVIGATE to sail completely around
CIRCUMSCRIBE to encircle; set limits on, confine
CIRCUMSPECT cautious, wary
CIRCUMVENT to go around; avoid
CISTERN tank for rainwater
CITADEL fortress or stronghold
CIVIL polite; relating to citizens
CMLITY courtesy, politeness
CLAIRVOYANT (adj) having ESP, psychic
CLAMOR (n) noisy outcry
CLAMOR (v) to make a noisy outcry
CLANDESTINE secretive, concealed for a darker purpose
CLARITY dearness; clear understanding
CLAUSTROPHOBl.4 fear of small, confined places
CLEAVE to split or separate; to stick, cling, adhere
CLEMENCY merciful leniency
CLEMENT mild
CLOISTER (v) to confine, seclude
CLOYING indulging to excess
COAGULATE to clot or change from a liquid to a solid
COALESCE to grow together or cause to unite as one
CODDLE to baby, treat indulgently
COERCE to compel by force or intimidation
COFFER strongbox, large chest for money
COGENT logically forceful, compelling, convincing
COGNATE related, similar, akin
COGNITlON mental process by which knowledge is
acquired
COGNOMEN family name; any name, especially a
nickname
COHABIT to live together
COHERENT intelligible, lucid, understandable
COLLATE to arrange in an order
COLLATERAL accompanying
COLLECTED acting calm and composed
COLLOQUIAL characteristic of informal speech
COLLOQUY dialogue or conversation, conference
COLLUSlON collaboration, complicity, conspiracy
COMELINESS physical grace and beauty
COMMEND to compliment, praise
COMMENSURATE proportional
COMhlISSION fee payable to an agent; authorization
COMMODIOUS roomy, spacious
COMMONPLACE ordinary, found every day
COMMUNICABLE transmittable
COMMUTE to change a penalty to a less severe one
COMPATRIOT fellow countryman
COMPELLING (adj) having a powerful and irresistible
effect
COMPENDIOUS summarizing completely and briefly
COMPENSATE to repay or reimburse
COMPLACENT self-satisfied, smug, affable
COMPLAISANT agreeable, friendly
COMPLEMENT to complete, perfect
COMPLIANT submissive and yielding
COMPLICITY knowing partnership in wrongdoing
COMPOSED acting calm
COMPOSURE a calm manner or appearance
COMPOUND (adj) complex; composed of several parts
COMPOUND (v) to combine, add to
COMPRESS (v) to reduce, squeeze
COMPULSIVE obsessive, fanatic
COMPUNCTlOUS feeling guilty or having misgivings
COMPUNCTION feeling of uneasiness caused by guilt or
regret
CONCATENATE linked together
CONCAVE curving inward
CONCEDE to yield, admit
CONCEPTUALlZE to envision, imagine
CONCERN a matter of importance or worthy of
consideration
CONCERTO musical composition for orchestra and
soloist(s)
CONCILIATORY overcoming distrust or hostility
CONCOMITANT accompanying something
CONCORD agreement
CONCUR to agree
CONDONE to pardon or forgive; overlook, justify, or excuse
a fault
CONDUIT tube, pipe, or similar passage
CONFECTION something sweet to eat
CONFISCATE to appropriate, seize
CONFLAGRATION big, destructive fire
CONFLUENCE meeting place; meeting of two streams
CONFOUND to baffle, perplex
CONGEAL to become thick or solid, as a liquid freezing
countenance
CONGENIAL similar in tastes and habits
CONGENITAL existing since birth
CONGLOMERATE collected group of varied things
CONGRESS formal meeting or assembly
CONGRUITY correspondence, harmony, agreement
CONJECTURE speculation, prediction
CONJOIN to join together
CONJUGAL pertaining to marriage
CONJURE to evoke a spirit, cast a spell
CONNIVE to conspire, scheme
CONNOISSEUR a person with refined taste
CONSANGUINEOUS i, %?ssa me origin; related by blood
CONSCIENT!OGS governed by conscience; careful and
thorough
CONSECRATE to declare sacred; dedicate to a goal
CONSENSUS unanimity, agreement of opinion or attitude
CONSEQUENTIAL important
CONSIDERABLE significant, worth considering
CONSIGN to commit, entrust
CONSISTENT containing no contradict~onsb, eing
harmonious
CONSOLATION something providing comfort or solace for
a loss or hardship
CONSOLIDATE to combine, incorporate
CONSONANT (adj) consistent with, in agreement with
CONSTANT completely uniform and unchanging
CONSTITUENT component, part; citizen, voter
CONSTRAINED forced, compelled; confined, restrained
CONSTRAINT something that forces or compels; something
that restrains or confines
CONSTRICT to inhibit
CONSTRUE to explain or interpret
CONSUMMATE (adj) accomplished, complete, perfect
CONSUMMATE (v) to complete, fulfill
CONTEND to battle, clash; compete
CONTENTIOUS quarrelsome, disagreeable, belligerent
CONTINENCE self-control, self-restraint
CONTRADICT to deny or oppose
CONTRAVENE to contradict, deny, act contrary to
CONTRITE deeply sorrowful and repentant for a wrong
CONTUMACIOUS rebellious
CONTUSION bruise
CONUNDRUM riddle, puzzle or problem with no solution
CONVALESCENCE gradual recovery after an illness
CONVENE to meet, come together, assemble
CONVENTIONAL typical, customary, commonplace
CONVEX curved outward
CONVIVIAL sociable; fond of eating, drinking, and people
CONVOKE to call together, summon
CONVOLUTED twisted, complicated, involved
COPIOUS abundant, plentiful
COQUETTE woman who flirts
CORNUCOPIA abundance
CORPOREAL having to do with the body; tangible, material
CORPULENCE obesity, fatness, bulkiness
CORRELATION association, mutual relation of two or
more things
CORROBORATE to confirm, verify
CORRODE to weaken or destroy
CORRUGATE to mold in a shape with parallel grooves and
ridges
COSMETIC (adj) relating to beauty; affecting the surface of
something
COSMOGRAPHY science that deals with the nature of the
universe
COSMOPOLITAN sophisticated, free from local prejudices
COSSET to pamper, treat with great care
COTERIE group of people with a common interest or purpose
COTERIE small group of persons with a similar purpose
COUNTENANCE (n) facial expression; look of approval or
support
COUNTENANCE (v) to favor, support
COUNTERMAND to annul, cancel, make a contrary order
COUNTERVAIL to counteract, to exert force against
COVEN group of witches
COVERT hidden; secret
COVET to strongly desire something possessed by another
COWER to cringe in fear
CRASS crude, unrefined
CRAVEN cowardly
CREDENCE acceptance of something as true or real
CREDIBLE plausible, believable
CREDULOUS gullible, trusting
CREED statement of belief or principle
CRESCENDO gradual increase in volume of sound
CRINGE to shrink in fear
CRITERION standard for judging, rule for testing
CRYPTIC puzzling
CUISINE characteristic style of cooking
CULMINATION climax, final stage
CULPABLE guilty, responsible for wrong
CULPRIT guilty person
CUMULATIVE resulting from gradual increase
CUPIDITY greed
CURATOR caretaker and overseer of an exhibition, esp. in a
museum
CURMUDGEON cranky person
CURSORY hastily done, superficial
CURT abrupt, blunt
CURTAIL to shorten
CUTLERY cutting instruments; tableware
CYGNET young swan
CYNIC person who distrusts the motives of others
D
DALLY to act playfully or waste time
DAUNT to discourage, intimidate
DEARTH lack, scarcity, insufficiency
DEBASE to degrade or lower in quality or stature
DEBAUCH to corrupt, seduce from virtue or duty; indulge
DEBILITATE to weaken, enfeeble
DEBUNK to discredit, disprove
DEBUTANTE young woman making debut in high society
DECADENCE dedie or decay, deterioration
DECAMP to leave suddenly
DECAPITATE to behead
DECATHLON athletic contest with ten events
DECIDUOUS losing leaves in the fall; short-lived,
temporary
DECLIVITY downward slope
DECOROUS proper, tasteful, socidy correct
DECORUM proper behavior, etiquette
DECRY to belittle, openly condemn
DEFACE to mar the appearance of, vandalize
DEFAMATORY slanderous, injurious to the reputation
DEFAME to disgrace or slander
DEFECT an imperfection or shortcoming
DEFENDANT person required to answer a legal action or
suit
DEFER to submit or yield
DEFERENCE respect, honor
DEFERENTIAL respectful and polite in a submissive way
DEFICIENT defective, not meeting a normal standard
DEFILE to make unclean or dishonor
DEFINITIVE dear-cut, explicit or decisive
DEFLATION decrease, depreciation
DEFORM to disfigure, distort
DEm skillful, dexterous
DEFUNCT no longer existing, dead, extinct
DELECTABLE appetizing, delicious
DELEGATE (v) to givc powers to another
DELETERIOUS harmful, destructive, detrimental
DELINEATION depiction, representation
DELTA tidal deposit at the mouth of a river
DELUGE (n) flood
DELUGE (v) to submerge, overwhelm
DEMAGOGUE leader or rabble-rouser who usually uses
appeals to emotion or prejudice
DEMARCATION borderline; act of defining or marking a
boundary or distinction
DEMEAN to degrade, humiliate, humble
DEMISE death
DEMOGRAPHICS data relating to study of human
population
DEMOTE to reduce to a lower grade or rank
DEMOTION lowering in rank or grade
DEMUR to express doubts or objections
DEMYSTIR to remove mystery from, clarify
DENIGRATE to slur or blacken someone's reputation
DENOUNCE to accuse, blame
DENUDE to make bare, uncover, undress
DENUNCIATION public condemnation
DEPICT to describe, represent
DEPLETE to use up, exhaust
DEPLORE to express or feel disapproval of; regret strongly
DEPLOY to spread out strategically over an area
DEPOSE to remove from a high position, as from a throne
DEPRAVITY sinfulness, moral corruption
DEPRECATE to belittle, disparage
DEPRECIATE to lose value gradually
DERANGED to be disturbed or insane
DERIDE to mock, ridicule, make fun of
DERISIVE expressing ridicule or scorn
DERIVATNE copied or adapted; not original
DERIVE to originate; take from a certain source
DEROGATE to belittle, disparage
DESCRY to dixover or reveal
DESECRATE to abuse something sacred
DESICCATE to dry completely, dehydrate
DESIST to stop doing something
DESPONDENT feeling discouraged and dejected
DESPOT tyrannical ruler
DESTITUTE very poor, poverty-stricken
DESULTORY at random, rambling, unmethodical
DETACHED separate, unconnected
DETER to discourage; prevent from happening
DETERMINATE having defined limits; conclusive
DETESTATION extreme hatred
DETRACTOR one who takes something away
DETRIMENTAL causing harm or injury
DEVIATE to stray, wander
DEVIATION departure, exception, anomaly
DEVOID totally lacking
DEVOUT deeply religious
DEXTEROUS skilled physically or mentally
DIABOLICAL fiendish; wicked
DIALECT regional style of speaking
DIAPHANOUS allowing light to show through; delicate
DIATRIBE bitter verbal attack
DICHOTOMY division into two parts
DICTUM authoritative statement; popular saying
DIDACTIC excessively instructive
DIFFER disagree
DIFFERENTIATE to distinguish between two items
DIFFIDENCE shyness, lack of confidence
DIFFRACT to cause to separate into parts, esp. light
DIFFUSE widely spread out
DIGRESS to turn aside; to stray from the main point
DILAPIDATED in disrepair, run-down, neglected
DILATE to enlarge, swell, extend
DILATORY slow, tending to delay
DILETTANTE an amateur
DILUVIAL relating to a flood
DIMINUTIVE small
DlPLOhlACY discretion, tact
DIRGE funeral hymn
DISABUSE to free from a misconception
DISAFFECTED discontented and disloyal
DISARRAY clutter, disorder
DISBAND to break up
DISBAR to expel from legal profession
DISBURSE to pay out
DISCERN to perceive something obscure
DISCLAIM to deny, disavow
DISCLOSE to confess, divulge
DISCOMFIT to cause perplexity and embarrassment
DISCOMPOSE to disturb the composure or serenit).
DISCONCERTING bewildering, perplexing, slightly
disturbing
DISCONSOLATE unable to be consoled; extremely sad
DISCORDANT harsh-sounding, badly out of tune
DISCREDIT to dishonor or disgrace
DISCREDITED disbelieved, discounted; disgraced,
dishonored
DISCREPANCY difference between
DISCRETE distinct, separate
DISCRETIONARY subject to one's own judgment
DISCURSIVE wandering from topic to topic
DISDAIN to regard with scorn and contempt
DISDAINFUL contemptuous, scornful
DISENGAGED disconnected, disassociated
DISGORGE to vomit, discharge violently
DISHEVELED untidy, disarranged, unkempt
DISINCLINED averse, unwilling, lacking desire
DISINGENUOUS sly and crafty
DISINTEREST lack of interest or a disadvantage
DISJOINTED lacking coherence or order, being separated
DISPARAGE to belittle, speak disrespectfully about
DISPARATE dissimilar, different in Lnd
DISPARITY contrast, dissimilarity
DISPASSIONATE free from emotion; impartial, unbiased
DISPEL to drive out or scatter
DISPENSE to distribute, administer
DISPENSE WITH to suspend the operation of, do without
DISPERSE to break up, scatter
DISPIRIT to dishearten, make dejected
DISPUTE to debate, to quarrel
DISQUIETED feeling anliiet\: being disturbed, lacking peace
DISREGARD to neglect, pay no attention to
DISREPUTE disgrace, dishonor
DISSEMBLE to pretend, disguise one's motives
DISSEMINATE to spread far and wide
DISSENSION difference of opinion
DISSlhlULATE to disguise or put on a false appearance
DISSIPATE to scatter; to pursue pleasure to excess
DISSOCIATE to separate; remove from an association
DISSONANT harsh and unpleasant sounding
DISSUADE to persuade someone to alter original intentions
DISTAFF the female branch of a family
DISTEND to sweU, inflate, bloat.
DISTRAUGHT very worried and distressed
DISTRUST (n) disbelief and suspicion
DITHER (v) to move or act confusedly or without clear
purpose
DIURNAL daily
DIVERGE to move in different directions, to deviate from a
source
DIVERSE differing
DIVERT to turn from one course to another
DNEST to get rid of
DMNE (v) to foretell or know by inspiration
DMSIVE creating disuaity or conflict
DOCILE tame, willing to be taught
DOCIXINAIRE rigidly devoted to theories
DOGGED (adj) persistent, stubborn
DOGMATIC rigidly fixed in opinion, opinionated
DOLDRUMS a period of despondency
DOLEFUL sad, mournful
DOLOR sadness
DOLT idiot, dimwit, foolish person
DOMINEER to rule over something in a ty~annicawl ay
DONOR benefactor, contributor
DORMANT at rest, inactive, in suspended animation
DOTAGE senile condition, mental decline
DOTARD senile old person
DOTING excessively fond, loving to excess
DOUGHTY courageous
DOUR sullen and gloomy; stern and severe
DOWRY money or property given by a bride to her
husband
DRAFT (v) to plan, outline; to recruit, conscript
DRAW to attract, to pull toward
DRIVEL stupid talk; slobber
DROLL amusing in a wry. subtle way
DROSS waste produced during metal smelting; garbage
DUDGEON angry indignation
DULCET pleasant sounding, soothing to the ear
DUMB unable to speak
DUPE (n) fool, pawn
DUPE (v) to deceive, trick
DUPLICITY deception, dishonesty, double-dealing
DUWILITY strength, sturdiness
DURATION period of time that something lasts
DURESS threat of force or intimidation; imprisonment
DWINDLE to shrink or decrease
DYSPEPTIC suffering from indigestion; gloomy and
irritable
E
EARTHY crude
EBB (v) to fade away, recede
EBLILIENT exhilarated, fulI of enthusiasm and high spirits
ECLECTIC selecting from various sources
ECSTATIC joyful
EDDY air or wind current
EDICT law, command, official public order
EDIFICE building
EDIFY to instruct morally and spiritually
EDITORIALIZE to express an opinion on an issue
EFFACE to erase or make illegible
EFFERVESCENT bubbly, lively
EFFICACIOUS effective, efficient
EFFIGY stuffed doll; likeness of a person
EFFLUVIA outpouring of gases or vapors
EFFRONTERY impudent boldness; audacity
EFFULGENT brilliantly shining
EFFUSIVE expressing emotion without restraint
EGOCENTRIC acting as if things are centered around
oneself
EGREGIOUS conspicuously bad
EGRESS exit
ELATION exhilaration, joy
ELEGY mournful poem, usually about the dead
ELEYATED high in status, exalted
ELICIT to draw out, provoke
ELOQUENCE fluent and effective speech
ELL'CIDATE to explain, clarify
EhMCIATED skinny, scrawny, gaunt, esp. from hunger
EXUNCIPATE to set free, liberate
WlBELLISH to ornament, make attractive with decoration
or details; add details to a statement
EhIBEZZLE to steal money in violation of a trust
EhIBROIL to involve in; cause to fall into disorder
EMEND to correct a text
EMINENT celebrated, distinguished; outstanding, towering
EMOLLIENT having soothing qualities, esp. for skin
EMOTIVE appealing to or expressing emotion
EMPATHY identification with another's feelings
EMULATE to copy, imitate
ENCHANT to charm or attract
ENCIPHER to translate a message into code
ENCOMIUM warm praise
ENCORE additional performance, often demanded by
audience
ENCUMBER to hinder, burden, restrict motion
ENDEhlIC belonging to a particular area, inherent
ENDOGAMOUS marrying within a specific group due to
law or custom
ENDURANCE ability to withstand hardships
ENERVATE to weaken, sap strength from
ENGENDER to produce, cause, bring about
ENIGMATIC puuling, inexplicable
ENJOIN to urge, order, command; forbid or prohibit, as by
judicial order
ENMITY hostility, antagonism, ill-will
ENNUI boredom, lack of interest and energy
ENORMITY state of being gigantic or terrible
ENSCONCE to settle comfortably into a place
ENSHROUD to cover, enclose with a dark cover
ENTAIL to involve as a necessary result, necessitate
ENTHRALL to captivate, enchant, enslave
ENTICE to lure or tempt
ENTITY something with its own existence or form
ENTOMOLOGIST scientist who studies insects
ENTREAT to plead, beg
ENTRENCHED established solidly
ENUMERATE to count, list, itemize
ENUNCIATE to pronounce clearly
EON indefinitely long period of time
324
EPHEMERAL momentary, transient, fleeting
EPICURE person with refined taste in food and wine
EPIGRAM short, witty saying or poem
EPIGRAPH quotation at the beginning of a literary work
EPILOGUE concluding section of a literary work
EPITHET an abusive word or phrase
EPITOhlE representative of an entire group; summary
EPOCHAL very significant or influential; defining an epoch
or time period
EQUANIMITY calmness, composure
EQUESTRIAN (n) one who rides on horseback
EQUINE relating to horses
EQUITABLE fair
EQUITY justice, fairness
EQUIVOCAL ambiguous, open to two interpretations
EQUIVOCATE to use vague or ambiguous language
intentionally
ERADICATE to erase or wipe out
ERODE to diminish or destroy over a period of time
ERRANT straying, mistaken, roving
ERRATIC wandering and unpredictable
ERRONEOUS in error; mistaken
ERSATZ fake
ERUDITE learned, scholarly
ESCALATE to increase the intensity or scope of
ESCHEW to abstain From, avoid
ESOTERIC understood only by a learned few
ESPOUSE to support or advocate; to marry
ESTIMABLE admirable
ESTRANGE to alienate, keep at a distance
ESURIENT hungry, greedy
ETHEREAL not earthly, spiritual. delicate
ETHICAL moral, abiding by an accepted code of
conduct
ETHOS beliefs or character of a group
ETYMOLOGY origin and history of a word; study of words
EULOGY high praise, often in a public speech
EUPHEMISM use of an inoffensive word or phrase in place
of a more distasteful one
EUPHONY pleasant, harmonious sound
EUPHORIA feeling of well-being or happiness
EURYTHMICS art of harmonious bodily movement
EUTHANASIA mercy killing; intentional, easy and painless
death
EVADE to avoid, dodge
EVANESCENT momentary, transitory, short-lived
EVICT to put out or force out
EVIDENT clear, able to be understood
EVINCE to show clearly, display, signify
EVOKE to inspire memories; to produce a reaction
EXACERBATE to aggravate, intensify the bad qualities of
EXALT to glorify, to elevate
EXASPERATION irritation
EXCERPT (n) selection from a book or play
EXCOLIXIUNICATE to bar from membership in the church
EXCORIATE to denounce
EXCRUCIATING agonizing, intensely painful
EXCULPATE to clear of blame or fault
EXECRABLE utterly detestable
EXEhtPLARY sewing as an example, commendable
EXHILARATION state of being energetic or filled with
happiness
EXHORT to urge or incite by strong appeals
EXHUXIE to remove from a grave; uncover a secret
EXIGENT urgent; excessively demanding
EXONERATE to clear of blame
EXORBITANT extravagant, greater than reasonable
EXORCISE to expel evil spirits
EXOTIC foreign; romantic, excitingly strange
EXPANSIVE sweeping, comprehensive; tending to expand
EXPATIATE to wander; to discuss or describe at length
EXPATRIATE (n) one who lives outside one's native land
EXPATRIATE (v) to drive someone from hislher native land
EXPEDIENT (adj) convenient, efficient, practical
EXPIATE to atone for, make amends for
EXPIRE to come to an end; die; breathe out
EXPLICABLE capable of being explained
EXPLICIT clearly defined, specific; forthright in expression
EXPLODE to debunk, disprove; blow up, burst
EXPONENT one who champions or advocates
EXPOUND to elaborate; to expand or increase
EXPUNGE to erase, eliminate completely
EXPURGATE to censor
EXTEMPORANEOUS unrehearsed, on the spur of the
moment
EXTENUATE to lessen thc X. ~uusnesss, trength, or effect of
EXTINCTION end of a living thing or species
EXTOL to praise
EXTORT to obtain something by threats
EXTRANEOUS irrelevant, unrelated, unnecessary
EXTRAPOLATE to estimate
EXTREhtITl outermost or farthest point
EXTRICATE to free from, disentangle, free
EXTRINSIC not inherent or essential, coming from without
EXTROVERT an outgoing person
EXUBERANT lively, happy, and full of good spirits
EXUDE to give off, ooze
EXULT to rejoice
F
FABRICATE to make or devise; construct
FABRICATED constructed, invented; faked, falsified
FACADE face, front; mask, superficial appearance
FACETIOUS witty in an inappropriate way
FACILE very easy
FACILITATE to aid, assist
FACILITY aptitude, ease in doing something
FACSIMILE an exact copy
FALL4CIOUS wrong, unsound, illogical
FALLIBLE capable of failing
FALLOW uncultivated, unused
FAMINE extreme scarcity of iood
FANATICISM extreme de\.oiion to a cause
FARCICAL absurd, ludicrous
FASTIDIOUS careful with details
FATHOM (v) to measure the depth of, gauge; to understand
FATUOUS stupid; foolishly df-satisfied
FAULT break in a rock formation; mistake or error
FAWN (v) to flatter excessiwl!; seek the favor of
FAZE to bother, upset, or disoncert
FEALT1' intense loyalty
FEASIBLE possible, capable of being done
FECKLESS ineffective, careless, irresponsible
FECUSD fertile, fruitful, productive
FEDER4TION union of or_eanlzations; union of several
states, each of which retains local power
FEIGN to pretend, give a false impression; to invent falsel!.
FEISTY excitable, easily d r a w into quarrels
FELICITOUS suitable, appropriate; well-spoken
FELICITY feeling great happiness
FELL (v) to chop, cut down
FELL cruel
FERVID passionate, intense zealous
FETID foul-smelling, putrid
FETTER to bind, chain, confine
FEUD a prolonged quarrel between families
FEY otherworldly; doomed
FIASCO disaster, utter failure
FICKLE unreliable
FICTIi'E fictional, irnaginan
FIDELITY loyalty
FIENDISH excessively bad or cruel
FILCH to steal
FILIAL appropriate for a child
FILIBUSTER use of obstructi\.e tactics in a legislative
assembly to prevent adoption of a measure
FINESSE refinement or skill at a task or in a situation
FINICKY fuss); difficult to please
FISSION process of splitting into two parts
FISSURE a crack or break
FITFUL intermittent, irregular
FIXITY being fured or stable
FLACCID limp, flabby, weak
FLAG to loose energy and strength
FLAGRANT outrageous, shameless
FLAIR a natural inclination toward something
FLAMBOYANT flashy. garish; exciting, dazzling
FLAhlhlABLE combustible, being easily burned
FLAUXT to show off
FLEDGLING young bird just learning to fly; beginner,
novice
FLIPPAYT disrespectful, casual
FLORA plants
FLORID gaudy, extremely ornate; ruddy, flushed
FLOUNDER to falter, waver; to muddle, struggle
FLOUT to treat contemptuously, scorn
FLUCTUATE to alternate, waver
FLURRIED to become agitated and confused
FLUSTER to agitate or confuse
FODDER raw material; feed for animals
FOIBLE minor weakness or character flaw
FOIL (v) to defeat, frustrate
FOIST to pass off as genuine
FOLIATE to grow, sprout leaves
FOMENT to arouse or incite
FORAGE to wander in search of food
FORBEARANCE patience, restraint, leniency
FORD (v) to cross a body of water at a shallow place
FOREBODING dark sense of evil to come
FORECLOSE to rule out; to seize debtor's property for lack
of payments
FORENSIC relating to legal proceedings; relating to debates
FORENSICS study of argumentation and debate
FORESTALL to prevent, delay; anticipate
FORETHOUGHT anticipation, foresight
FORFEND to prevent
FORGO to go without, refrain from
FORLORN dreary, deserted; unhappy; hopeless, despairing;
pitiful in appearance
FORMULATE to conceive, devise; to draft, plan; to express,
state
FORSAKE to abandon, withdraw from
FORSWEAR to repudiate, renounce, disclaim, reject
FORTE (n) strong point, something a person does well
FORTNIGHT two weeks
FORTUITOUS happening by luck, fortunate
FOSTER (v) to nourish, cultivate, promote
FOUNDATION groundwork, support; institution established
by donation to aid a certain cause
FOUNDER (v) to fall helplessly; sink
FRACAS noisy dispute
FRACTIOUS unruly, rebellious
FRAGMENTATION division, separation into parts, disorganization
FRANK honest and straightforward
FRATRICIDE the killing of a brother or sister
FRAUD deception, hoax
FRAUDULENT deceitful, dishonest, unethical
FRAUGHT full of, accompanied by
FRENETIC wildly frantic, frenzied, hectic
FRENZIED feverishly fast, hectic, and confused
FRIVOLOUS petty, trivial; tlippant, silly
FROND Ieaf
FRUGAL. thrifty; cheap
FULMINATE to explode with anger
FULSOME excessive, overdone, sickeningly abundant
FUNEREAL mournful, appropriate to a funeral
FUROR rage, fury
FURTIVE secret, stealthy
FUSION process of merging things into one
G
GAINSAY to deny
GALL (n) bitterness; careless nerve
GALL (v) to exasperate and irritate
GALLANT a very fashionable young man
GAMBOL to dance or skip around playfully
GAME (adj) courageous
GARGANTUAN giant, tremendous
GARNER to gather and store
GARRULOUS very talkative
GAUCHE crude, socially awkward
GAUCHERIE a tactless or awkward act
GAUNT thin and bony
GAVEL mallet used for commanding attention
GENRE type, dm. category
GENTEEL stylish, elegant in manner or appearance
GERMTRIC relating to old age or the process of aging
GERMINATE to begin to grow (as in a seed or idea)
GESTATION growth process from conception to birth
GIBE (v) to make heckling, taunting remarks
GIRTH distance around something
GLIB fluent in an insincere manner; offhand, casual
GLOBAL involving the entire world; relating to a whole
GLOWER to glare, stare angrily and intensely
GLUTTONY eating and drinking to excess
GNARL to make knotted, deform
GNOSTIC having to do with knowledge
GOAD to prod or urge
GOSSAMER something light, delicate, or tenuous
GOUGE scoop out; extort
GRADATION process occurring by regular degrees or
stages; variation in color
GRANDILOQUENCE pompous talk, fancy but meaningless
language
GRANDIOSE magnificent and imposing; exa~erateda nd
pretentious
GRANULAR having a grainy texture
GRASP (v) to perceive and understand; to hold securely
GRATIS free, costing nothing
GRATUITOUS free, voluntary; unnecessary and unjustified
GRATUITY something given voluntarily, tip
GREGARIOUS outgoing, sociable
GRIEVOUS causing gief or sorrow; serious and distressing
GRI51ACE facial expression showing pain or disgust
GRIhlY dirty, filthy
GROSS (adj) obsccr~I~)l. itant, flagrant
GROSS (n) total before deductions
GROVEL to humble oneself in a demeaning way
GRUBBY dirt? sloppy
GUILE trickery, deception
GULLIBLE easily deceived
GUSTATORY relating to sense of taste
GYRATE to move in a circular motion
H
HABITAT dwelling place
HACKNEYED worn out by over-use
HAIL to greet with praise
HALLOW to make holy; treat as sacred
HAMLET small village
HAPLESS unfortunate, having bad luck
HARAhlGUE a pompous speech
HARBINGER precursor, sign of something to come
HARDY robust, vigorous
HARMONY accord, tranquillity, agreement
HARROWING extremely distressing, terrifying
HASTEN to hurry, to speed up
HAUGHTY arrogant and condescending
HEADLONG recklessly
HEADSTRONG reckless; insisting on one's own way
HEATHEN pagan; uncivilized and irreligious
HECTIC hasty, hurried, confused
HECTOR a bully, brasart
HEDONISM pursuit of pleasure as a goal
HEGEMONY leadership, domination, usually by a country
HEIGHTEN to raise
HEINOUS shocking, wicked, terrible
HEMICYCLE semicircular form or structure
HEhfORRHAGE (n) heavy bleeding
HEMORRHAGE (1.1 to bleed heavily
HERETICAL opposed to an established religious orthodov
HERMETIC tightly sealed
HETERODOX unorthodox, not widely accepted
HETEROGENEOUS composed of unlike parts, different,
diverse
HEW to cut with an ax
HIATUS a gap or a break
HIDEBOUND excessively rigid; dry and stiff
HINDER to hamper
HINDSIGHT perception of events after they happen
HINTERLAND wilderness
HOARY very old; whitish or gray from age
HOLISTIC emphasizing importance of the whole and interdependence
of its parts
HOLOCAUST widespread destruction, usually by fire
HOMAGE public honor and respect
HOMOGENEOUS composed of identical parts
HOMONYM word identical in pronunciation but different
in meaning
HONE to sharpen
HONOR (v) to praise, glorify, pay triiute to
HUMANE merciful, kindly
HUSBAND (v) to farm; manage carefully and thriftily
HUTCH pen or coop for animals; shack, shanty
HYDMTE to add water to
HYGIENIC clean, sanitary
HYMN religious song, usually of praise or thanks
HYPERBOLE purposeful exaggeration for effect
HYPERVENTILATE to breathe abnormally fast
HYPOCHONDRIA unfounded belief that one is often ill
HYPOCRITE person claiming beliefs or virtues he or she
doesn't really possess
HYPOTHERMW abnormally low body temperature
HYPOTHESIS assumption subject to proof
HYPOTHETICAL theoretical, speculative
I
ICONOCIAST one who attacks traditional beliefs
IDEALISXI pursuit of noble goals
IDIOSYNCRASY peculiarity of temperament, eccentricity
IGNOBLE dishonorable, not noble in character
IGNOhIlNIOUS disgraceful and dishonorable
IGNOFPAIUS an ignorant person
ILK type or kind
ILLICIT illegal, improper
ILLIMITABLE limitless
ILLUSORY unreal, deceptive
ILLUSTRIOUS famous, renowned
IMBUE to infuse; dye, wet, moisten
IMMACULATE spotless; free from error
IMMATERIAL extraneous, inconsequential, nonessential;
not consisting of matter
IhlXlENSE enormous, huge
IMhtERSE to bathe, dip; to engross, preoccupy
lMhlOBILE not moveable; still
IMMUNE exempt; protected from harm or disease;
' unresponsive to
IMMUNOLOGICAL relating to immune system
IMMURE to imprison
IMMUTABLE unchangeable, invariable
ILIPAIR to damage, injure
IhIPASSE blocked path, dilemma with no solution
IXIPASSIONED with passion
IhiPASSIVE showing no emotion
IMPEACH to charge with misdeeds in public office; accuse
IMPECCABLE flawless, without fault
IXIPECUNIOUS poor, having no money
IMPEDIMENT barrier, obstacle; speech disorder
IMPERATIVE essential; mandatory
IMPERIOUS arrogantly self-assured, domineering, overbearing
IhIPERTINENT rude
IXIPERTURBABLE not capable of being disturbed
Ihf PERVIOUS impossible to penetrate; incapable of being
affected
IhIPETUOUS quick to act without thinking
IMPIOUS not devout in religion
IMPLACABLE inflexible, incapable of being pleased
IMPLANT to set securely or deeply; to instill
IMPLAUSIBLE improbable, inconceivable
IXIPLICATE to involve in a crime, incriminate
IhIPLICIT implied, not directly expressed
IMPOLITIC unwke
IXIPORTUNE to ask repeatedly, beg
IMPOSE to inflict, force upon
IhiPOSING dignified, grand
IMPOTENT powerless, ineffective, lacking strength
IXfPOUND to seize and confine
IXIPOVERISH to make poor or bankrupt
IMPRECATION curse
IMPREGNABLE totally safe from attack, able to resist defeat
IMPRESSIONABLE easily infl~lencedo r affected
IMPROMPTU spontaneous, without rehearsal
IMPROVIDENT without planning or foresight, negligent
IMPRUDENT unwise
IMPUDEhT arrogant and rude
IMPUGN to call into question, attack ~erbally
IMPULSE sudden tendency, indination
IMPULSIVE spontaneous, unpredictable
INADVERTENTLY unintentionally
INANE foolish, silly, lacking significance
INAUGURATE to begin or start officially; to induct into
office
INCANDESCENT shining brightly
INCARCERATE to put in jail; to confme
INCARCERATION imprisonment
INCARNADINE blood-red in color
INCAILNATE having bodily form
INCENDIARY combustible, flammable, burning easily
INCENSE (v) to infuriate, enrage
INCEPTION beginning
INCESSANT continuous, never ceasing
INCHOATE just begun; disorganized
INCIPIENT beginning to exist or appear; in an initial stage
INCISIVE perceptive, penetrating
INCLINATION tendency towards
INCLUSI\'E comprehensive, all-encompassing
INCOGNITO in disguise, concealing one's identity
INCOMMUNICADO lacking a means to communicate
INCONCEIVABLE impossible, unthinkable
INCONGRUOUS incompatible, not harmonious
INCONSEQUENTlAL unimportant, trivial
INCONTROVERTIBLE unquestionable, beyond dispute
INCORRIGIBLE incapable of being corrected
INCREDULOUS skeptical, doubtful
INCULCATE to teach, impress in the mind
INCULPATE to blame, charge uith a crime
r
INCUMBENT (adj) holding a specified office, often
political; required, obligatory
INCURSION sudden invasion
INDEFATIGABLE never tired
INDEFENSIBLE inexcusable, unforgivable
INDELIBLE permanent, not erasable
INDEhTURE bound to another by contract
INDICATIVE showing or pointing out, suggestive of
INDICT to accuse formally, charge with a crime
INDIGENOUS native, occurring naturally in an area
INDIGES'T very poor
INDIGNANT angry, incensed, offended
INDISPUTABLE not disputed, unquestioned
INDOLENT habitually lazy, idle
INDOMITABLE fearless, unconquerable
INDUBITABLE unquestionable
INDUCE to persuade; bring about
INDUCT to place ceremoniousiy in office
INDULGE to give in to a craving or desire
INDUSTRY business or trade; diligence, energy
INEBRIATED drunk, intoxicated
INEPT clumsy, awkward
INERT unable to move, tending to inactivity
INESTIMABLE too great to be estimated
INEVITABLE certain, una\oidable
INEXORABLE inflexible, un~ielding
INEXTRICABLE incapable of being disentangled
INFALLIBLE incapable of making a mistake
INFAMY reputation for bad deeds
INFANTILE childish, immature
INFATUATED strongly or foolishly attached to, inspired
with foolish passion, overly in love
INFER to condude, deduce
INFERNAL hellish, diabolical
INFILTRATE to pass secretly into enemy territory
INFINITESIMAL extremely tiny
INFIRMITY disease, ailment
INFNNGE to encroach, trespass; to transgress, violate
INFUNATE to anger, provoke, outrage
INFURIATING provoking anger or outrage
INGENIOUS original, clever, inventive
INGENUOUS straightfornard, open; naive and
unsophisticated
INGLONOUS lacking fame or honor, shameful
INGRAINED an innate quality, deep-seated
INGRATE ungrateful person
INGRATIATE to bring oneself purposely into another's
good graces
INGRESS entrance
INHIBIT to hold back, prevent, restrain
INIMICAL hostile, unfriendly
INIQUITY sin, evil act
INITIATE to begin, introduce; to enlist, induct
INJECT to force into; to introduce into conversation
INJUNCTION command, order
INJURIOUS causing injury
INKLING hint; vague idea
INNATE natural, inborn
INNATENESS state of being natural or inborn
INNOCUOUS harmless; inoffensive
INNOVATE to invent, modernize, revolutionize
INNUENDO indirect and subtle criticism, insinuation
INNUMERABLE too many to be counted
INOFFENSIVE harmless, imocent
INOPERABLE not operable; incurable by surgery
INQUEST investigation; court or legal ~roceeding
INQUISITIVE curious
INSATIABLE never satisfied
INSCRUTABLE impossible to understand fully
INSENTIENT unfeeling, unconscious
INSIDIOUS sly, treacherous, devious
INSINUATE to suggest, say indirectly, imply
INSIPID bland, Lacking flavor; lacking excitement
INSOLENT insulting and arrogant
INSOLUBLE not able to be solved or explained
INSOLVENT bankrupt, unable to pay one's debts
INSTIGATE to incite, urge, agitate
INSUBSTANTIAL modest, insignificant
INSUFFICIENCY lacking in something
INSULAR isolated, detached
INSUPERABLE insurmountable, unconquerable
INSURGENT (adj) rebellious, insubordinate
INSURRECTION rebellion
INTEGRAL central, indispensable
INTEGRATED unified
INTEGRITY decency, honest; wholeness
INTEMPERATE not moderate
ISTER to bury
INTERDICT to forbid, prohibit
INTERJECT to interpose, insert
INTERLOCUTOR someone taking part in a dialogue
INTERLOPER trespasser; meddler in others' affairs
INTERMINABLE endless
INTERMITTENT starting and stopping
INTERNECINE deadly to both sides
INTERPOLATE to insert; change by adding new words or
material
INTERPOSE to insert; to intervene
INTERREGNUM interval between reigns
INTERROGATE to question formally
INTERSECT to divide by passing through or across
INTERSPERSE to distribute among, mix with
INTERSTICE a space between things
INTIMATION clue, suggestion
INTR4CTABLE not easily managed
INTRAMURAL within an institution like a school
INTRANSIGENT uncompromising, refusing to be
reconciled
INTREPID fearless
INTRIGUED interested, curious
INTRINSIC inherent, internal
INTROSPECTIVE contemplating one's otvn thoughts and
feelings
INTROKRT someone given to self-analysis
INTRL.31ON trespass, invasion of another's privacy
INTUITI\'E instinctive, untaught
INUND.4TE to cover with water; overwhelm
INURE to harden; accustom; become used to
INVALIDATE to negate or nullih
IN\'ARIABLE constant, not changing
INVECTIVE \,erbal abuse
IIWEIGH protest strongly
INVESTITURE ceremony conferring authority
INVETER4TE confirmed, long-standing, deeply
rooted
INVIDIOL'S likely to provoke ill will, offensive
INVINCIBLE invulnerable, unbeatable
INVIOLABLE safe from violation or assault
IhTVOKE to call upon, request help
IOTA very tiny amount
IRASCIBLE easily angered
IRIDESCENT showing many colors
IRRESOLVABLE unable to be resolved; not analpble
IRREVERENT disrespectful
IRREVOCABLE conclusive, irreversible
ITINERANT wandering from place to place, unsettled
ITINERARY route of a traveler's ,journey
J
IADED tired by excess or overuse; slightly cynical
JANGLING clashing, jarring; harshly unpleasant (in sound)
JARGON nonsensical talk specialized language
JAUh'DICE yello\cish discoloration of skin
JAUNDICED affected by jaundice; prejudiced or embittered
JETTISON to cast off, throw cargo overboard
JIBE to shift suddenly from one side to the other
JlNGOlShl belligerent support of one's country
JOCULAR jovial, playful, humorous
JUBILEE special anniversary
JCDICIOLIS sensible, showing good judgment
JUGGERNAUT huge force destro!ing e\,erything in its path
JUSCTURE point where two thinss are joined
lURlSPRCDENCE philosophy of law
JUVENILE young or childish acting
JUXTAPOSITION side-hy-side placement
K
KEEN ha\.ing a sharp edge; intellectually sharp, perceptive
KERNEL innermost, essential part: seed grain, often in a
shell
KEYNOTE note or tone on which a musical key is founded;
main idea of a speech, program, etcetera
KINDLE to set fire to or ignite; excite or inspire
KISETIC relating to motion; characterized by movement
KISMET fate
KNELL sound of a funeral beU; omen of death or failure
KUDOS fame, glory, honor
L
LABYRIhTH maze
LACERATION cut or wound
LACHRYMOSE tearful
LACKADAISICAL idle, lazy apathetic, indifferent
LACKLUSTER dull
LACONIC using few words
LAGGARD dawdler, loafer, lazy person
LAMBASTE disapprove angrily
LAMENT (v) to deplore, grieve
LAMPOON (v) to attack with satire, mock harshly
LANGUID lacking energy, indifferent, slow
LANGUOR listlessness
LAP (v) to drink using the tongue; to wash against
LAPIDARY relating to precious stones
LARCENY theft of property
LARDER place where food is stored
LARGESS generosity; gift
LARYNX organ containing vocaI cords
LASCIVIOUS lewd, lustful
LASSITUDE lethargy, sluggishnc.j:.
LATENT present but hidden; potential
LATITUDE freedom of action or choice
LAUDABLE deserving of praise
LAVISH to give plentiful amounts of
LAXITY carelessness
LEERY suspicious
LEGERDEMAIN trickery
LEGIBLE readable
LEGISLATE to decree, mandate, make laws
LEGITIMATE adhering to the law, rightful
LENIENT easygoing, permissive
LETHARGY indifferent inactivity
LEVITATE to rise in the air or cause to rise
LEVITY humor, frivolity, gaiety
LEXICON dictionary, list of words
LICENSE freedom to act
LICENTIOUS immord; unrestrained by society
LIEN right to possess and sell the property of a debtor
LIMPID clear and simple; serene; transparent
LINEAGE ancestry
LINGUISTICS study of language
LINIXIENT medicinal liquid used externally to ease pain
LIONIZE to treat as a celebrity
LISSOME easily flexed, limber, agile
LISTLESS lacking energy and enthusiasm
LITERAL word for word; upholding the exact meaning of a
word
LITERATE able to read and write; well-read and
educated
LITHE mo\.ing and bending with ease; gracehl
LITIGATION lawsuit
LIVID discolored from .I bruise; reddened with anger
LOATHE to abhor, despise, hate
LOCOItOTION movement from place to place
LODGED fixed in one position
LOFTY noble, elevated in position
LOGO corporate symbol
LOITER to stand around idly
LOQUACIOUS talkative
LOW (v) to make a sound like a cow, moo
LUCID clear and easily understood
LUDICROUS laughable, ridiculous
LUGUBRIOUS sorrowful, mournful
LULL to soothe
LUMBER (v) to move slowly and awkwardIy
LUMINARY bright object; celebrity; source of inspiration
LIBERAL (adj) tolerant, broad-minded; generous, lavish LUMINOUS bright, brilliant, glowing
LIBERATION freedom, emancipation LUNAR relating to the moon
LIBERTARIAN one who believes in unrestricted freedom LURID harshly shocking, sensational; glowing
LIBFRTINE one without moral restraint LURK to prowl, sneak
LIBIDINOUS lustful
LUSCIOUS very good-tasting
LUXURIANCE elegance, lavishness
LYRICAL suitable for poetry and song; expressing feeling
M
>lACABRE gruesome, producing horror
AIACHISATION plot or scheme
AlACROBIOTICS art of prolonging life by specla1 diet of
organic, nonnleat substances
MACROCOSM system regarded as an entity with
subsystems
~~AELSTROMw hirlpool; turmoil; agitated state of mmd
AIAGSASIMOUS generous, noble in spirit
AIAGNATE po\verful or influentla1 person
11AGNITL'DE extent, greatness of size
11AINST.Q' chief support
hlALADROIT clumsy, tactless
hl.4L4DY illness
11ALAPROPISXl humorous misuse of a \cord
1lALCOSTEh'T discontented person, one who holds a
grudge
IrZALEDICTION curse
11ALEFACTOR evd-doer; culpr~t
hlALE\'OLENT ill-wdled; causing evil or harm to others
AIALFCSCTION (n) breakdom, fadure
1l.4LFLSCTION (v) to fall to work
.\!ALICE anlmosih; spite, hatred
AIALISGER to evade responsibil~tyb y pretending to be 111
MALLEABLE capable of being shaped
MALNUTRITION undernourishment
MALODOROUS foul-smelling
MANDATORY necessary, required
MANIFEST (ad)) ob\.ious
MANIFOLD diverse, varied, comprised of many parts
MANNERED artificial or stilted in character
MANUAL (adj) hand-operated; physical
MANUMISSION release from slavery
MAR to damage, deface; spoil
MARGINAL barely sufficient
MARITIME relating to the sea or sailing
MARTIAL warlike, pertaining to the military
hlARTINET strict disciplinarian, one \rho rig~dly f ollow^
rules
MARTYR person dying for hislher beliefs
MASOCHIST one who enjoys pain or humiliation
MASQUERADE disguise; action that conceals the truth
MATERIALISM preoccupation with material things
MATRICULATE to enroll as a member of a college or
university
MATRILINEAL tracing ancestry through mother's line
rather than father's
MAUDLIN overly sentimental
MAVERICK a person who resists adherence to a group
MAWKISH sickeningly sentimental
MEAGER scanty, sparse
MEANDER to wander aimlessly without direction
MEANINGFUL significant
MEDDLER person interfering in others' affairs
MEDIEVAL relating to the Middle Ages
MEGALITH huge stone used in prehistoric structures
MEGALOMANIA mental state with delusions of wealth and
power
MELANCHOLY sadness, depression
MELODIOUS having a pleasing melody
MELODY pleasing musical sounds; tune
MENAGERIE various animals kept together for
exhibition
MENDACIOUS dishonest
MENDACITY a lie, falsehood
MENDICANT beggar
MENTOR experienced teacher and wise adviser
MERCENARY (adj) motivated only by greed
MERCENARY (n) soldier for hire in foreign countries
MERCURIAL quick, shrewd, and unpredictable
MERETRICIOUS gaudy, falsely attractive
MERIDIAN cirde passing through the two poles of the
earth
MERITORIOUS deserving reward or praise
METAMORPHOSIS change, transformation
METAPHOR figure of speech comparing two different
things
METICULOUS extremely careful, fastidious, painstaking
METRONOME time-keeping device used in music
METnE courageousness; endurance
MICROBE microorganism
MICROCOSM tiny system used as analogy for larger system
MIGRATORY wandering from place to place with the
seasons
MILITATE to operate against, work against
MILLENNIUM one thousand years
MINATORY menacing, threatening
MINIMAL smallest in amount, least possible
MINUSCULE very small
MIRTH frivolity, gaiety, laughter
MISANTHROPE person who hates human beings
MISAPPREHEND to misunderstand, fail to know
MISCONSTRUE to misunderstand, fail to discover
MISCREANT one who behaves criminally
MISERLINESS extreme stinginess
MISGIVING apprehension, doubt, sense of foreboding
MISHAP accident; misfortune
MISNOMER an incorrect name or designation
MISSIVE note or letter
MITIGATE to soften, or make milder
MNEMONIC relating to memory; designed to assist
memory
MOBILITY ease of movement
MOCK (v) to deride, ridicule
MODERATE (adj) reasonable, not extreme
MODERATE (v) to make less excessive, restrain; regulate
MODICUM a small amount
MOLLIFY to calm or make less severe
MOLLUSK sea animal with a soft body
MOLT (v) to shed hair, skin, or an outer layer periodically
MOMENTOUS important
MONASTIC extremely plain or seduded, as in a monastery
MONOCHROMATIC having one color
MONOGAMY custom of mdrriage to one person at a time
MONOLITH large block of stone
MONOLOGUE dramatic speech performed by one actor
MONOTONY lack of variation; wearisome sameness
MONTAGE composite picture
MOOT debatable; previously decided
MORBID gruesome; relating to disease; abnormally gloomy
MORDACIOUS caustic, biting
MORDANT sarcastic
MORES customs or manners
MORIBUND dying, decaying
MOROSE gloomy, sullen, or surly
MORSEL small bit of food
MOTE small particle, speck
MOTLEY many-colored; composed of diverse parts
MOTTLE to mark with spots
MULTIFACETED having many parts, many-sided
MULTIFARIOUS diverse
MUNDANE worldly; commonplace
MUNIFICENT generous
MUNITIONS ammunition
MUTABILITY changeability
MUTE unable to speak
MYOPIC near-sighted
MYRIAD immense number, multitude
N
NADIR lowest point
NAIVE lacking sophistication
NARETE a lack of worldly wisdom
NAFXATIVE account, story
SASCEST starting to develop, coming into existence
NATAL relating to birth
NEBULOUS vague, cloudy
NECROhZANCY black magic
NEFARIOUS vicious, evil
NEGLIGENT careless, inattentive
NEGLIGIBLE not worth considering
NEhIESIS a formidable, often victorious opponent
SEOLOGISM new word or expression
NEOSATE newborn child
NEOPH\TE novice, beginner
NETHER located under or below
KETTLE (v) to irritate
NELTRALITY disinterest, impartiality
SEUTILALIZE to balance, offset
SICETY elegant or delicate feature; minute distinction
NICHE recess in a wall; best position for something
NlGG.4RDLY stingy
NIGGLlSG trifle, petty
NIHILISM belief that existence and all traditional values are
meaningless
NOBLE illustrious, moral
NOCTURNAL pertaining to night; active at night
NOISOME stinking, putrid
NOhZADIC moving from place to place
NOMENCLATURE terms used in a particular science or
discipline
NOMINAL existing in name onl).; negligible
NON SEQUITUR conclusion not f o l l o ~ b gfr om apparent
evidence
NONCHALANT unconcerned, indifferent
NONDESCRIPT lacking interesting or distinctive qualities;
dull
NONENTITY an insignificant person
NOTORIETY fame; unfavorable fame
NOVICE apprentice, beginner
NOVITIATE period of being a beginner or novice
NOXlOUS harmful, unwholesome
NUANCE shade of meaning
NULLIFY to make legally invalid; to counteract the effect of
NUMISMATICS coin collecting
NUPTIAL relating to marriage
NUTRITIVE relating to nutrition or health
0
OBDURATE stubborn
OBEISANCE a show of respect or submission
OBFUSCATE to confuse, obscure
OBJURGATE scold
OBLIGING accommodating, agreeable
OBLIQUE indirect, evasive; misleading, devious
OBLITERATE demolish completely, wipe out
OBLIVIOUS unaware, inattentive
OBLOQUY abusive language; ill repute
OBSCURE (adj) dim, unclear; not well known
OBSCURITY place or thing that's hard to perceive
OBSEQUIOUS overly submissive, brownnosing
OBSEQUY funeral ceremony
OBSESSIVE preoccupying, all-consuming
OBSOLETE no longer in use
OBSTINATE stubborn
OBSTREPEROUS troublesome, boisterous, unruly
OBTRUSNE pushy, too conspicuous
OBTUSE insensitive, stupid, d d
OBVIATE to make unnecessary; to anticipate and prevent
OCCLUDE to shut, block
ODIOUS hateful, contemptible
OFFICIOUS too helpful, meddlesome
OFFSHOOT branch
OMINOUS menacing, threatening, indicating misfortune
OMNIPOTENT having unlimited power
OMNISCIENT having infinite knowledge
OMNIVOROUS eating everything; absorbing everything
ONEROUS burdensome
ONTOLOGY theory about the nature of existence
OPALESCENT iridescent, displaying colors
OPAQUE impervious to light; difficult to understand
OPER4TIVE functioning, working
OPINE to express an opinion
OPPORTUNE appropriate. fitting
OPPORTUNIST one who takes advantage of circumstances
OPPROBRIOUS disgraceful, contemptuous
OPTIMUXI the most favorable degree
OPULENCE wealth
ORACLE person who foresees the future and gives advice
ORATION lecture, formal speech
ORATOR lecturer, speaker
ORB spherical body; eye
ORCHESTRATE to arrange music for performance; to
coordinate, organize
ORDAIN to make someone a priest or minister; to order
ORIFICE an opening
ORNITHOLOGIST scientist who studies birds
OROTUND pompous
OSCILLATE to move back and forth
OSSIFY to turn to bone; to become rigid
OSTENSIBLE apparent
OSTENTATIOUS showy
OSTRKISXI exclusion, temporary banishment
OUSTER expulsion, ejection
OVERABUNDANCE excess, surfeit
OVERSTATE to embellish, exaggerate
OVERT in the open, obvious
OVERTURE musical introduction; proposal, offer
OVERWEENING arrogant
OVERWROUGHT agitated, overdone
P
PACIFIC calm, peaceful
PACIFIST one opposed to war
PACIFY to restore calm, bring peace
PAEAN a song of praise or thanksgiving
PALATIAL like a palace, magnificent
PALAVER idle talk
PALEONTOLOGY {tudv of past geological eras through
fossil remains
PALETTE board for mining paint\; range of colors
PALISADE fence made up of stakes
PALL (n) covering that darkens or obscures; coffin
PALL (v) to lose strength or interest
PALLIATE to make less serious, ease
PALLID lacking color or liveliness
PALPABLE obvious, real, tangible
PALPITATION trembling, shaking, irregular beating
PALTRY pitifully small or worthless
PANACEA cure-all
PANACHE flamboyance, vewe
PANDEMIC spread over a whole area or country
PANEGYRIC elaborate praise; formal hymn of praise
PANOPLY impressive array
PANORAMA broad view; comprehensive picture
PARADIGM ideal example, model
PARADOX contradiction, incongruity; dilemma, puzzle
PARADOXICAL self-contrad~ctoryb ut true
PARAGON model of excellence or perfection
PX%%MOUNT supreme, dominant, primary
aze
PARAPHRASE to reword, usually in simpler terms
PARASITE person or animal that lives at another's expense
PARCH to dry or shrivel
PARE to trim
PARIAH outcast
PARITY equality
PARLEY discussion, usually between enemies
PAROCHIAL. of limited scope or outlook, provincial
PARODY humorous imitation
PAROLE conditional release of a prisoner
PARRY to ward off or deflect .
PARSIMONY stinginess
PARTISAN (adj) biased in favor of
PARTISAW (n) strong supporter
PASTICHE piece of literature or music imitating other
works
PATEhT (adj) obvious, unconcealed
PATE5T (n) official document giving excl~si\~rieg ht to sell
an invention
PATERh'lTY fatherhood; descent from father's ancestors
PATHOGENIC causing disease
PATHOS pity, compassion
PATRICIAN aristocrat
PATRICIDE murder of one's father
PATRIMONY inheritance or heritage derived from one's
father
PATRONIZE to condescend to, disparage; to buy from
PAUCITY scarcity, lack
PAUPER very poor person
PAVILION tent or light building used for shelter or
exhibitions
PECCADILLO minor sin or offense
PECULATION theft of money or goods
PEDAGOGUE teacher
PEDANT one who pays undue attention to book learning
and rules; one who displays learning ostentatiously
PEDESTRIAN (adj) commonpIace
PEDIATRICIAN doctor specializing in children and their
ailments
PEDIMENT triangular gable on a roof or facade
PEER (n) contemporary, equal, match
PEERLESS unequaled
PEIORATIVE having bad connotations; disparaging
PELLUCID transparent; translucent; easily understood
PENANCE voluntary suffering to repent for a wrong
PENCHANT inclination
PENDING (prep) during, while anaiting
PENITENT expressing sorrow for sins or offenses, repentant
PENSIVE thoughtful
PENULTlhL4TE next to last
PENUMBRA partial shadow
PENURY extreme poverty
PERAMBULATE walk about
PERCIPIEXT discerning, able to perceive
PERDITION complete and utter loss; damnation
PEREGRINATE to wander from place to place
PEREMPTORY imperative; dictatorial
PERENNIAL present throughout the years; persistent
PERFIDIOUS faithless, disloyal, untrustworthy
PERFUNCTORY done in a routine way; inditterent
PERIHELION point in orbit nearest to the sun
PERIPATETIC moving from place to place
PERIPHRASTIC containing too many words
PERJURE to tell a lie under oath
PERMEABLE penetrable
PERNICIOUS very harmful
PERPETUAL endless, lasting
PERPETUITY continuing forewr
PERPLEXING puzzling, bewildering
PERSONIFICATION act of attributing human qualities to
objects or abstract qualities
PERSPICACIOUS shrewd, astute, keen-witted
PERT lively and bold
PERTINACIOUS persistent. stubborn
PERTINENT applicable, appropriate
PERTURBATIOZ; disturbance
PERUSAL close examination
PERV.ASIVE present throughout
PERVERT ( v ) to cause to change in immoral way; to misuse
PESTILENCE epidemic, plague
PETTISH fretful
PETULANCE rudeness, peevishness
PHALANX massed group of soldiers, people, or things
PHILASDERER pursuer of casual love affairs
PHILANTHROPY love of humanity; generosity to worthy
c311XS
PHILISTISE n.~rrow-minded person, someone Ixking
appreciation for art or culture
PHILOLOGY study of words
PHLEGLI coldness or indiffcrenic
PHLEGLIATIZ calm in temperament; sluggish
PHOBIA ~nxictyh, orror
PHOENIX mythical, immortal bird that lives for 500 ).em.
burns itself to death, and rises from its ashes
PHONETICS study of speech sounds
PHONIC relating to sound
PICAYLTNE petty, of little value
PIDIII.ING trivial
PIETY cicvoutness
PILFER to steal
PILLAGE to loot, especially during a war
PILLORY ridicule and abuse
PIXNACLE peak, highest point of development
PIOUS dedicated, devout, extremely religious
PIQCE fleeting feeling of hurt pride
PITHY profound, substantial; concise, succinct, to the point
PITTANCE meager amount or wage
PLACATE to soothe or pacify
PLACID calm
PLAGIARIST one who steals words or ideas
PLAINTIFF injured person in a lawsuit
PLUXTIVE expressing sorrow
PLAIT to braid
PL.4SGEST loud sound; wailing sound
PLASTIC flexible; pliable
PLATITUDE stale, overused expression
PLAUDIT applause
PLEBEIAN crude, vulgar; low-class
PL ESITUDE abundance, plenty
PLETHORA excess, overabundance
PLI;\NT pli~bley. ielding
PLLCK to pull strings on musical instrument
PLUCKY courageous, spunky
PLL-LILIET to fall, plunge
PLCRALISTIC including a variety of groups
PLY ( v ) to use diligently; to engage; to join together
PSF.CLIATIC relating to air; worked by compressed air
PO.ACH to steal game or fish; cook in boiling liquid
PODIUM platform or lectern for orchestra conductors or
speakers
POIGNANT emotionally moving
POLAR relating to a geographic pole; exhibiting
contrast
POL.ARIZE to tend towards opposite extremes
POLELIIC controvers): argument; verbal attack
POLITIC shrewd and practical; diplomatic
POLYGLOT speaker of many languages
POLIPOUS self-important
PONDEROUS weighty, heavy, large
PONTIFICATE to speak in a pretentious manner
PORE (v) to study closely or meditatively
POROUS full of holes, permeable to liquids
PORTENT omen
PORTLY stout, dignified
POSIT to put in position; to suggest an idea
POSTERIOR bottom, rear
POSTERITY future generations; all of a person's
descendants
POTABLE drinkable
POTEXTATE monarch or ruler rvith great powr
POVERTY lacking money or possessions
PRAGblATIC practical; moved by facts rather than abstract
ideals
PRATTLE meaningless, foolish talk
PRECARIOUS uncertain
PRECEPT principle; law
PRECIPICE edge, steep overhang
PRECIPIT.TE (adj) sudden and unexpected
PRECIPITATE (v) to throw d0ts.n from a height; to cause to
happen
PRECIPITOL'S hasty quickly, with too little caution
PRECIS short summary of facts
PRECISION state of being pre-~' s ee;x actness
PRECLUDE to rule out
PRECOCIOUS unusually advanced at an early age
PRECURSOR forerunner, predecessor
PREDATOR one that preys on others, destroyer, plunderer
PREDESTlSE to decide in advance
PREDIC.LLI1EST difficult situation
PREDICATE (v) to found or base on
PREDICTNE relating to prediction, indicative of the future
PREDILECTION preference, liking
PREDISPOSITION tendency, inclination
PREEMINENT celebrated, distinguished
PREFACE introduction to a book; introductory remarks
to a speech
PREMEDITATE to consider, plan beforehand
PREMONITION forewarning: presentiment
PREPONDERANCE majority in number; dominance
PREPOSSESSISG attractive, engaging, appealing
PREPOSTEROUS absurd, illogical
PRESAGE to foretell, indicate in advance
PRESClElVT having foresight
PRESCRIBE to set down a rule; to recommend a treatment
PRESENTISIEST premonition, sense of foreboding
PRESTIDIGITATION sleight of hand
PRESUMPTUOUS rude, improperly bold
PKETENTIOUS showy, self-important
PRETEXT excuse, pretended reason
PREVALEST widespread
PRE\'ARICATE to lie, evade thc truth
PRlhlE\'AL ancient, primitive
PRIhlORDI.%L original, existing iron1 the beginning
PRISTINE untouched, uncorrupted
PRI\'ATION lack of usual necessities or comforts
PROBITY honesty, high-niirldedness
PROCLl\'lTY tendency, inclination
PROCRASTISATION putting o f something that must be
done
PROCRASTISATOR one who continually and unjustifiably
postpones
PROCURE to obtain
PRODIGAL \ ~ ~ . t e f uelx,t ravagant, lavish
PRODIGIOUS vast, enormous, extraordinary
PROFASE impure; contrary to religion; sacrilegious
PROFICIENT expert, shlled in a certain subject
PROFLIGATE corrupt, degenerate
PROFUNDITY great depth
PROFUSE lavish, extravagant
PROGENITOR originator, forefather, ancestor in a direct
line
PROGEh?' offspring, children
PROGNOSIS prediction of disease outcome; any prediction
PROGNOSTICATE to predict
PROGRESSIVE favoring progress or change; moving
fowwd
PROLIFERATION propagation, reproduction; enlargement,
expansion
PROLIFIC productive, fertile
PROLIX tedious; wordy
PROLOGCE introductoy section of a literary work or play
PUOlIOSTORY piece of land or rock higher thdn its
surroundings
PRO1IVLG.ATE to make known publicly
PROPAGi\l-E to breed
PROPESSITY inclination. tendenq
PROPISQCIT1' nearnc'ss
PROI'ITI:\TE to win over. appease
I'I:OPI~I'IOCS !.1vc1rable, adtmtageous
11 18 ' , ~ : ' ~ l Y E S: ~l ~d v i ~ ~tfeen,d er, supporter
I'I:Ol'I
PI
I'I
PROTESTATION declaration
PROTOCOL ceremony and manners observed by diplomats
I'I
I'IPROL'lSClhL rustic, unsophisticated, limited in scope
PROL'OC.AT[O~' cause, incitement to act or respond
PRO\\.ESS br'iver): skill
PROSIIIITY nearness
PROSY power to act as substitute for another
PRL'DE one who is excessively proper or modest
PRUDENT careful, cautious
PRURIENT lustful, exhibiting lewd desires
PRY to intrude into; force open
PSECDONYM pen name; fictitious or borrowed name
PSYCHlC (adj) having to do with the mind; perceptive of
nonmaterial, spiritual forces
PCDGY chubby, overweight
PCERILE childish, immature, silly
PCGILISM boxing
PVGSACIOUS quarrelsome, eager and ready to fight
PCLCHRITUDE beauty
PCLL'ERIZE to pound, crush, or grind into powder; destroy
PCIIIIEL to pound, beat
PCSCTILIOUS caref~llin observing r~1lr.so f behavior or
ceremony
PCSDII' an authority or critic
PCSGENT strong or sharp in smell or taste
PCSITI\'E having to do with punishment
PCRG.ATlON process of cleansing, purification
PCRGE (v) to cleanse or free from impurities
PCRITANICAL adhering to a rigid moral code
PCRPORT to profess, suppose, claim
PCSILLANIMOUS cowardly
PUTRID rotten
Q
QC.\CK ( n ) bker; one who falsely cl~imtso have mediid
skill
QC.ADRILATERAl. four-sided polygon
QCXDRUPED animal having four feet
QCAFF to drink heartily
QCAGMIRE marsh; difficult situation
QC.ALIFY to provide with needed skills; m o d i ~l,im it
QC.\SDAKY dilemma, difficulty
QC.ARANTINE isolation period, originally 40 days, to
prevent spread of disease
QUATERXARY consisting of or relating to four units or
members
QUELL to crush or subdue
QUERULOUS inclined to complain, irritable
QUERY (n) question
QUIBBLE to argue about insignificant and irrelevant details
QUICKEN to hasten, arouse, excite
QUIESCENCE inactivity, stillness
QUIESCENT inactive, at rest
QUINTESSENCE most t p i d example; concentrated
essence
QUIVER (v) to shake slightly, tremble, vibrate
QUIXOTIC overly idealistic, impractical
QUOTIDIAN occurring daily; comn~onplace
R
RACONTEUR witty, skillful storyteller
RADICAL (adj) fundamental; drastic
RAGING violent, wild
RAIL (v) to scold with bitter or abusive language
RAILLERY lighthearted jesting
RALLY (v) to assemble; recover, recuperate
RAMBLE (v) to roam, wander; to babble, digress
RAMIFICATION implication, outgrowth, or consequence
RAMPANT unrestrained
RAMSHACKLE likely to collapse
RANCID spoiled, rotten
RANCOR bitter hatred
RANT to harangue, rave, forcefully scold
RAPACIOUS greedy; predatory
RAPPORT relationship of trust and respect
RAPPROCHEMENT having a cordial relationship
RAPT deeply absorbed
RAREFY to make thinner, purer, or more refined
RASH (adj) caieless, hasty, reckless
RATIFY to approve formdy, confirm
RATIOCINATION methodical, logical reasoning
RATION (n) portion, share
RATION (v) to supply; to restrict consumption of
RATIONAL logical, reasonable
RATIONALE line of reasoning
MULOUS harsh-sounding; boisterous
RAVAGE to destroy, devastate
RAVENOUS extremely hungry
RAVINE deep, narrow gorge
RAIY vulgar, coarse
RAZE to tear down. demolish
REACTIONARY (adj) marked by extreme conservatism, esp.
in politics
REBARBATI\'E irritating; repellent
REBUFF (n) blunt rejection
REBUKE (v) to reprimand, scold
REBUT to refute by evidence or argument
RECALCITRANT resisting authorin or control
RECANT to retract a statement, opinion, etcetera
RECAPITULATE to review with a brief summary
RECEPTIVE open to others' ideas; congenial
RECIDIVISM tendency to repeat pre\lous behavior
RECIPROCATE to show or feel in return
RECLUSIVE shut off from the world
RECONDITE relating to obscure learning; known to only a
few
RECOUh'T (v) to describe facts or ewnts
RECREANT disloyal; cowardly
RECRUIT (v) to draft, enlist; to seek to enroll
RECTIFY to correct
RECTITUDE moral uprightness
RECURRENCE repetition
REDRESS (n) relief from wrong or injury
REDUNDANCY unnecessary repetition
REFECTORY room where meals are served
REFLECTION image, likeness; opinion, thought, impression
REFORM (v) to change, correct
REFRACT to detlect sound or light
REFRACTORY obstinately resistant
REFUGE escape, shelter
REFURBISH to renovate
REFUTE to contradict, dimed~t
REGAL magnificent, splendid, fit for royalty
REGARD high esteem
REGIMES government rule; systematic plan
REGRESS to move backward; revert to an earlier form or
state
REHABILIT.TE to restore to good health or condition;
reestabl~sha person's good reputation
REITERATE to say again, repeat
REJOISDER response
REJWESATE to make young again; renew
RELEGATE to assign to a class, especially to an inferior one
RELENT to become gentler in attitude
RELINQCISH to renounce or surrender something
RELISH (v) to enjoy greatly
REXIEDIABLE capable of being corrected
REXIEDY (v) to cure, correct
REMINISCENCE remembrance of past events
REMISSI(7N lessening, relaxation
REXIIT to send (usually money) as payment
REMONSTRATE to protest or object
REMOTE d~stantI,s olated
REhIUIVERATIOS pay or reward for work, trouble, etcetera
RENASCENT reborn, coming into being again
RENEGADE traitor, person abandoning a cause
RENEGE to go back on one's word
RENITENT resisting pressure, obstinate
REKOUSCE to give up or reject a right, title, person.
etcetera
RENOkVS fame, widespread acclaim
RENT (adj) torn apart
REPAST meal or mealtime
REPEAL to revoke or formally withdraw (often a law)
REPEL to rebuff, repulse; disgust, offend
REPENT to regret a past action
REPENTANT apologetic, guilty, remorseful
REPLETE abundantly supplied
REPLICATE to duplicate, repeat
REPOSE relaxation, leisure
REPREHEND to criticize
REPREHENSIBLE blameworthy, disreputable
REPRESS to restrain or hold in
REPRESSION act of restraining or holding in
REPRISE repetition, esp. of a piece of music
REPROACH (v) to find fault with; blame
REPROBATE morally unprincipled person
REPROVE to criticize or correct
REPUDIATE to reject as having no authority
REPULSE to repel, fend off, sicken, disgust
REQUIELI hymns or religious service for the dead
REQUITE to return or repay
RESCIND to repeal, cancel
RESIDUE remainder, leftover, remnant
RESILIENT able to recover quickly after illness or bad luck;
able to bounce back into shape
RESOLUTE determined; with a clear purpose
RESOLi'E (n) determination, firmness of purpose
RESOLVE (v) to conclude, determme
RESONATE to echo
RESPIRE to breathe
RESPITE interval of relief
RESPLENDENT splendid, brilliant
RESTITUTION act of compensating for loss or damage
RESTIVE impatient, uneasy, restless
RESTORATIVE having the power to renew or revitalize
RESTR41NED controlled, repressed, restricted
RESUSCITATE to revive, bring back to life
RETAIN to hold, keep possession of
RETARD (v) to slow, hold back
RETICEST not speaking freely; reserved
RETISUE group of attendants ~ i t ahn important person
RETlRlSG shy, modest, reserved
RETORT cutting response
RETRACT to draw in or take back
RETRESCH to regroup, reorganize
RETRIE\'E to bring, fetch; reclaim
RETROACTI\'E applying to an earlier time
RETROGRADE having a backward motion or direction
RETROSPECTIVE looking back to the past
RE\'ELRY boisterous festivity
KE\'ERE to worship, regard with a w
RE\'ERT to backslide, regress
RE\'ILE to criticize with harsh language, verbally abuse
RE\'IT.\LIZE to renew; give new energy to
REVOKE to annul, cancel, call back
REVCLSION strong feeling of repugnance or dislike
RHAPSODY emotional literary or musical work
RHETORIC persuasive use of language
RHYTH3I regular pattern or variation of sounds and
stresses
RIBALD humorous in a vulgar \\.ay
RIDDLE !v) to make many holes in; permeate
RIFE widespread, prevalent; abundant
RIFT an open space; to divide
RIGHTEOUS morally right
RIPOSTE a retort
RISQUE bordering on being inappropriate or indecent
ROBUST strong and healthy; hardy
ROCOCO very, highly ornamented
ROIL to disturb or cause disorder
ROOT (v) to dig with a snout (like a pig)
ROOTED to have an origin or base
ROSTRUhl stage for ~ublicsp eaking
ROTUND round in shape; fat
RUE to regret
RUFFLED irritated
RUhIISATE to contemplate, reflect upon
RUSTIC rural
S
SACCHARINE excessively sweet or sentimental
SACROSANCT extremely sacred; beyond criticism
SAGACIOUS shrewd, wise
SALACIOUS lustful
SALIENT prominent or conspicuous
SALLO\4' sickly yellow in color
SALUBRIOUS healthful
SALUTATION greeting
S.ANCTION permission, support; law; pc.1 I '!.
SANCTUARY haven, retreat
SANGUINE ruddy; cheerfully optimistic
SAP (v) to weaken gradually
SAPIENT wise
SARDONIC cynical, scornfully mocking
S.4TIATE to sat is+
S.\USTER to amble; walk in a leisurel!. manner
SA\'.WT learned person
SA\'ORY agreeable in taste or smell
SCABBARD sheath for sword or dagger
SCABROUS dealing with indecent things; blemished
SCALE (v) to climb to the top of
SCANTINESS barely enough, meager
SCARCITY not enough, insufficient
SCATHING harshly critical; painfully hot
SCENARIO plot outline; possible situation
SCHISM a division or separation; disharmony
SCINTILLA very small amount
SCINTILLATE to sparkle, tlash
SCION descendent, child
SCOFF to deride, ridicule
SCORE (n) notation for a musical composition
SCORE (v) to make a notch or scratch
SCRIVENER professional copyist
SCRUPULOUS restrained; careful and precise
SCRUTINY careful observation
SCURRILOUS vulgar, low. indecent
SECANT straight line intersecting a curve at two points
SECEDE to withdraw formally from an organization
SECLUDED isolated and remote
SECTARIAS narrow-minded; relating to 3 group or sect
SECULAR not specifically pertaining to religion
SEDENTARY inactive, stationan.; sluggish
SEDITION behavior promoting rebellion
SEISMOLOGY science ot earthquakes
SELIISAL rel~tlngto the beginning or seeds of something
SENESCENT aging, growing old
SENSUAL s~tisqingo r gratifying the senses; suggesting
sexuality
SENTENTIOUS having a moralizing tone
SENTIENT aware, conscious, able to perceive
SEPULCHRAL typical of a place of burial
SEQUEL anything that follows
SEQUESTER to remove or set apart; put into seclusion
SERAPHIC angelic, pure, sublime
SERENDIPITY habit of making fortunate discoveries by
chance
SERENITY calm, peacefulness
SERPENTINE serpentlike; twisting, winding
SERRATED saw-toothed, notched
SERVILE submissive, obedient
SHARD piece of broken glass or potterv
SHEEPISH timid, meek, or bashful
SHIRK to avoid a task due to laziness or fear
SIDLE to cause to turn sideways; to move along one side
SIGNIFY denote, indicate; symbolize
SIiCiIAN apelike; relating to apes
SISIPER to smirk, smile foolishly
SILIPLE lacking in knowledge or intelligence
SISIULATED fake, m ~ dteo look red
SINCERE genuine, true
SINECURE well-paying job or office that requires little or
no work
SISGE to burn slightly, scorch
SISUOUS winding; intricate, complex
SKEPTICAL doubtful. questioning
SKULK to move in a stealth?, or cautious mmner; sneak
SLAKE to calm down or moderate
SLIGHT to treat as unimportant; insult
SLIPSHOD careless, hasty
SLOTH sluggishness, laziness
SLOUGH to discard or shed
SLOVEXLY untidy, messy
SLUGGARD lazy, inactive person
SLIELT (v) to melt metal in order to refine i t
SXIUTTY obscene, indecent
SNIPPET tiny part, tidbit
SOBRIETY seriousnejs
SOBRIQUET nickname
SODDEN thoroughly soaked; saturated
SOIOURN visit, stay
SOLACE comfort in distress; consolation
SOLARIUhI room or glassed-in area exposed to the sun
SOLECISAI grammatical mistake
SOLICITOUS concerned, attentive; eager
SOLIDARITY unity based on common aims or interests
SOLILOQW literary or dramatic speech by one character,
not addressed to others
SOLIPSISM belief that the self is the only reality
SOLSTICE shortest or longest day of the year
SOLUBLE capable of being solved or dissolved
SOMBER dark and gloomy; melancholy, dismal
SOMNkMBULIST sleepwalker
SOMNOLENT drowsy, sleepy; inducing sleep
SONIC relating to sound
SONOROUS producing a full, rich sound
SOPHIST person good at arguing deviously
SOPHISTRY decept~vere asoning or argumentation
SOPHOMORIC immature and overconfident
SOPORIFIC sleepy or tending to cause sleep
SORDID filthy; contemptible and corrupt
SOVEREIGN having supreme power
SPARTAN austere, severe, grave; simple, bare
SPAWN to generate, produce
SPECIOUS deceptively attractive
SPECULATION contemplation; act of taking business risks
for financial gain
SPECULATIVE involving assumption; uncertain; theoretical
SPLENDID grand, illustrious
S P O h i E O U S on the spur of the moment, impulsive
SPORADIC infrequent, irregular
SPORTIVE frolicsome, playful
SPRIGHTLY livel!; animated, energetic
SPUR (v) to prod
SPURIOUS lacking authenticity; counterfeit, false
SPURN to reject or refuse contemptuously; scorn
SQUABBLE quarrel
SQUALID filthy; morally repulsive
SQUANDER to waste
STACCATO marked by abrupt, clear-cut sounds
STAGNANT immobile, stale
STAID self-restrained to the point of dullness
STALK (v) to hunt, pursue
STALWART strong, unwavering
STAND (n) group of trees
STARK bare, empty, vacant
STASIS motionless state; standstill
STATELY grand, unapproachable
STEADFAST immovable
STEADY stable, unfaltering
STENTORIAN extremely loud
STIFLE to smother or suffocate; suppress
STIGMA mark of disgrace or inferiority
STILTED stiff, unnatural
STINT (n) period of time spent doing something
STINT (v) to be sparing or frugal
STIPEND allowance; fixed amount of money paid regularly
STOCKADE encIosed area forming defensive wall
STOIC indifferent to or unaffected by emotions
STOLID having or showing little emotion
STRATAGEM trick designed to deceive an enemy
STRATIFY to arrange into layers
STRIATE striped, grooved
STRICTURE something that restrains; negative criticism
STRIDENT loud, harsh, unpleasantly noisy
STRINGENT imposing severe, rigorous standards
STRIPLING an adolescent boy
STULTIFY to impair or reduce to uselessness
STUWTED having arrested growth or development
STUPEFY to dull the senses of; stun, astonish
STYLIZE to fashion, formalize
STYMIE to block or thwart
SUAVE smoothly gracious or polite; blandly ingratiating
SUBDUED suppressed, sti5ed
SUBJECTION dependence, obedience, submission
SUBJUGATE to conquer, subdue; enslave
SUBLIMATE to repress impulses
SUBLIME awe-inspiring; of high spiritual or moral value
SUBLIMINAL subconscious; imperceptible
SUBMISSIVE tending to be meek and submit
SUBPOENA notice ordering someone to appear in court
SUBSEQUENT following in time or order
SUBSTANTIAL important, real
SUBTERFUGE trick or tactic used to avoid something
SUBTERRANEAN hidden, secret; underground
.5' .!'-'' ' ' . ! to detect or describe; perceptive
SUBVERT to undermine or corrupt
SUCCINCT terse, brief, concise
SUCCULEST juicy; full of vitality or freshness
SUFFERABLE bearable
SUFffL\GIST one who advocates extended voting rights
SULLEN brooding, gloomy
SULLY to soil, stain, tarnish; taint
SLNPTUOUS lavish, splendid
SUPER4BC'SDASCE excessive
SUPERANKUATED too old, obsolete, outdated
SUPERCILIOUS arrogant, haughty, overbearing,
condescending
SUPEREROGATORY nonessential
SUPERFICIAL hasty; shallow and phony
SUPERFLUOUS extra, more than necessary
SUPERSEDE to take the place of; replace
SUPERVISE to direct or oversee the work of others
SUPPLANT to replace, substitute
SUPPLE tlexible, pliant
SUPPLICANT one who asks humbly and earnestly
SUPPOSITION assumption
SURFEIT excessive amount
SURLY rude and bad-tempered
SUIL\IISE to make an educated guess
SUIL\IOUNT to conquer, overcome
SURPASS to do better than, be superior to
SURPLUS a;cess
SURREPTITIOUS characterized by secrecy
SURVEY (v) to examine in a comprehensive way
SUSCEPTIBLE vulnerable, unprotected
SUSPEND to defer, interrupt; dangle, hang
SUSTAIN support, uphold; endure, undergo
SUSTENANCE supplying the necessities of life
SWARTHY having a dark complexion
SYBARITE person devoted to pleasure and luxury
SYCOPHANT self-serving flatterer, yes-man
SYLLABUS outline of a course
SYMBIOSIS cooperation, mutual helpfulness
SYMPOSIUhf meeting with short presentations on related
topics
SYNCHRONOUS happening at the same time
SYNCOPATIOS temporary irregularit). in musical rhythm
SYNOPSIS plot summary
SYNTHESIS blend, combination
SYNTHETIC artificial, imitation
T
TABLEAU vivid description, striking incident or scene
TACIT silently understood or implied
TACITURN uncommunicative, not inclined to speak much
TACTFUL skillful in dealing with others
TACTILE relating to the sense of touch
TAINT to spoil or infect; to stain honor
TAINTED stained, tarnished; corrupted, poisoned
TALISMAN something producing a magical effect
TALON claw of an animal, esp. a bird of prey
TANDUf acting as a group or in partnership
TANG sharp flavor or odor
TANGENTIAL digressing, diverting
TANGIBLE able to be sensed; perceptible, measurable
TANTAMOUNT equhvalent in value or significance;
amounting to
TARNISHED corroded, discolored; discredited, disgraced
TAM7DRY gaudy, cheap, showy
TAXONOMY science of classification
TECHNOCRAT strong believer in technology; technical expert
TEETER to waver or move unsteadily
TEh4ERITY recklessness
TEMPERANCE restraint, self-control, moderation
TEMPERED moderated, restrained
TEMPESTUOUS stormy, raging, furious
TEMPORAL relating to time; chronological
TENABLE defensible, reasonable
TENACIOUS stubborn, holding firm
TENDENTIOUS biased
TENET belief, doctrine
TENSILE capable of withstanding physical stress
TENUOUS \veal;, insubstantial
TEPID lukewarm; showing little enthusiasm
TER\llNAL (adj) concluding, final; fatal
TERMINAL (n) depot, station
TERRESTRIAL earthly; down-to-earth, commonplace
TERSE concise, brief, free of extra words
TESTAMENT statement of belief; will
TESTIh4ONIAL statement testifying to a truth; something
given in tribute to a person's achievement
TETHER (v) to bind, tie
THEOCR4CY government by priests representing a god
THEOLOGY study of God and religion
THEORETICAL abstract
THERAPEUTIC medicinal
THESAURUS book of synonyms and antonyms
THESIS theory or hypothesis; dissertation or long written
composition
THRALL a person in servitude, enslaved
THRENODY a sad poem or song
THWART to block or prevent from happening; frustrate
TIDINGS news
TIMOROUS timid, shy, full of apprehension
TINGE to color slightly
TIRADE long violent speech; verbal assault
TITAN person of colossal stature or achievement
TOADY flatterer, hanger-on, yes-man
TOLERANCE capacity to respect different values; capacity
to endure or resist something
TOME book, usually large and academic
TONAL relating to pitch or sound
TOPOGRAPHY art of making maps or charts
TORPID lethargic; unable to move; dormant
TORRID burning hot; passionate
TORSION act of twisting and turning
TORTUOUS having many twists and turns; highly complex
TOTTERING barely standing
TOXIN poison
TRACTABLE obedient, yielding
TRAMMEL to impede or hamper
TRANQUIL to calm or steady
TRANSCEND to rise above, go beyond
TRANSCENDENT rising above, going beyond
TRANSCRIPTION copy, reproduction; record
TRANSFIGURATION a change; an exalting change
TRANSFORMATION a change in form or appearance
TRANSGRESS to trespass, violate a law
TRANSIENT (adj) temporary, short-lived, fleeting
TRANSITORY short-lived, existing only briefly
TRANSLATION a change from one state to another;
converting one language into another
TRANSLUCENT partidy transparent
TRANSMUTE to change in appearance or shape
TRANSPIRE to happen, occur; become known
TRAVESTY parody, exaggerated imitation, caricature
TREMULOUS trembling, quivering, fearful, timid
TRENCHANT acute, sharp, incisive; forceful, effective
TREPIDATION fear and anxiety
TRIBUTE a gift or statement showing respect or gratitude
TRIFLING of slight worth, trivial, insignificant
TRITE shallow, superficial
TROUNCE to beat severely, defeat
TROUPE group of actors
TRUCULENT savage and cruel; fierce; ready to fight
TRUISM something that is obviously true
TRUNCATE to cut off, shorten by cutting
TRYING difficult to deal with
TRYST agreement between lovers to meet; rendezvous
TUMULT state of confusion; agitat~on
TUNDRA treeless plain found in Arctlc or subarctic regions
TURBID muddled; unclear
TURBULENCE commotion, disorder
TURGID swollen, bloated
TURPITUDE inherent vileness, foulness, depravity
TYRANNICAL oppressive; dictatorial
TYRO beginner, novice
U
UBIQUITOUS being everywhere simultaneously
UMBRAGE offense, resentment
UNADULTERATED absolutely pure
UNANIhtITY state of total agreement or unity
UNAPPEALING unattractive, unpleasant
UNAVAILING hopeless, useless
UNBENDING infleible, unyielding
UNBRIDLED unrestrained
UNCONSCIONABLE unscrupulous; shockingly unfair or
unjust
UNCTUOUS greasy, oily; smug and falsely earnest
UNDAUNTED resolute even in adversity
UNDERMINE to sabotage, thwart
UNDOCUMENTED not certified, unsubstantiated
UNDULATING moving in waves
UNEQUIVOCAL absolute, certain
UNFAILING not likely to fail, constant, infallible
UNFEnERED free, unrestrained
UKFROCK to strip of priestly duties
UNGRACIOUS rude, disagreeable
UNHERALDED unannounced, unexpected
UNIDIMENSIONAL having one size or dimension
UNIFORM (adj) consistent and unchanging; identical
UNIMPEACHABLE beyond question
UNINITIATED not familiar with an area of study
UNKEMPT uncombed, messy in appearance
UNOBTRUSIVE modest, unassuming
UNPOLISHED lacking s o p h i h a t ~ o n
UNRUFFLED poised. calm
UNSCRUPULOUS dishonest
UNSOILED clean, pure
UNSOLICITED unrequested
UNSTINTING generous
UNSULLIED clean
UNSi\.;\YXBLE unable to change
UNTOiVARD not favorable; unruly
UNTRLVMELED unhampered
UNiVXRRANTED groundless, unjustified
UNiVITTING unconscious; unintentional
UNYIELDING firm, resolute
UPBRAID to scold sharply
UPROARIOUS loud and forceful
UPSURGE sudden rise
URBANE courteous, refined, suave
USURP to seize by force
USURY practice of lending money at exorbitant rates
UTILITARIAN efficient, functional, useful
UTOPIA perfect place
v
VACILLATE to waver, show indecision
VACUOUS empty, void; lacking intelligence, purposeless
VAGRANT poor person with no home
VALIANT brave, courageous
VALIDATE to authorize, certify, confirm
VALOROUS brave, valiant
VANQUISH to conquer, defeat
VAPID tasteless, dull .
VARIABLE changeable, inconstant
VARIEGATED varied; marked with different colors
VAUNTED boasted about, bragged about
\'EHEhtENTLY strongly, urgently
L'ENAL willing to do wrong for money
VENDETTA prolonged feud marked by bitter hostiliy
VENERABLE respected because of age
VENERATION adoration, honor, respect
VENT (v) to express, say out loud
VERACIOUS truthful, accurate
VERACITY accuracy, truth
VERBATIM word for word
VERBOSE wordy
VERDANT green with vegetation; inexperienced
VERDURE fresh, rich vegetation
VERIFIED proven true
VERISIhZILITUDE quality of appearing true or real
VERITY truthfulness; belief viewed as true and enduring
VERMIN small creatures offensive to humans
VERNACULAR everyday language used by ordinary people;
specialized language of a profession
VERNAL related to spring
VERSATILE adaptable, all-purpose
VERVE energy, vitality
VESTIGE trace, remnant
VETO (v) to reject formally
VEX to irritate, annoy; confuse, puzzle
VIABLE workable, able to succeed or grow
VIADUCT series of elevated arches used to cross a valley
VICARIOUS substitute, surrogate; enjoyed through imagined
participation in another's experience
VICISSITUDE change or variation; ups and downs
VIE to compete, contend
VIGILANT attentive, watchful
VIGNETTE decorative design; short literary composition
VILIFY to slander, defame
VIM energy, enthusiasm
VINDICATE to clear of blame; support a claim
VINDICATION clearance from blame or suspicion
VINDICTIVE spiteful, vengeful, unforgiving
VIRGINAL pure, chaste
VIRILE manly, having qualities of an adult male
VIRTUE conforming to what is right
\'IRTUOSO someone with masterly skill; expert musician
L'IRULENT extremely poisonous; malignant; hateful
VISCOUS thick, syrupy and sticky
VITIATE reduce in value or effectiveness
VITRIOLIC burning, caustic; sharp, bitter
VITUPERATE to abuse verbally
VIVACIOUS lively, spirited
VIVID bright and intense in color; strongly perceived
VOCIFEROUS loud, vocal and noisy
VOID (adj) not legally enforceable; empty
VOID (n) emptiness, vacuum
VOID (v) to cancel, invalidate
VOLATILE explosive
VOLITION free choice, free will; act of choosing
VOLLEY (n) flight of missiles, round of gunshots
VOLUBLE speaking much and easily, talkative; glib
VOLUMINOUS large; of great quantity; writing or speaking
at great length
VORACIOUS having a great appetite
VORTEX swirling, resembling a whirlpool
WLGAR obscene; common, of low dass
VULNERABLE defensele~un protected; innocent, naive
W
WAIVE to refrain from enforcing a rule; to give up a legal
right
WALLOW to indulge oneself excessively, luxuriate
WAN sickly pale
WANE to dwindle, to decrease
WANTON undisciplined, unrestrained, reckless
WARRrLYN guarantee of a product's soundness
LVARY careful, cautious
WASPISH rude, behaving badly
LVAVER to show indecision
WAX to increase
WAnVARD erratic, unrestrained, reckless
WEATHER (v) to endure, undergo
LVEIGHN important, momentous
WELTER (n) a confused mass; a jumble
WHET to sharpen, stimulate
WHIMSY playful or fanciful idea
WILY clever, deceptive
WINDFALL sudden, unexpected good fortune
WINSOME charming, happily engaging
WITHDRAL$% unsociable, aloof; shy, timid
WIZENED withered, shriveled, wrinkled
WOE deep suffering or grief
WRAITH a ghost
WRANGLE loud quarrel
WRIT written document, usually in law
WRY amusing. ironic
Y
YOKE (v) to join together
z
ZEALOT someone passionately devoted to a cause
ZENITH highest point, summit
ZEPHYR gentle breeze
ZOOLOGIST scientist who studies animals
X
XENOPHOBIA fear or hatred of foreigners or strangers
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