GRE Word List 01http://www.majortests.com/gre/wordlist_01

Group 1Abhorhate

Bigotnarrow-minded, prejudiced person

Counterfeitfake; false

Enfranchisegive voting rights

Hamperhinder; obstruct

Kindleto start a fire

Noxiousharmful; poisonous; lethal

Placidcalm; peaceful

Remunerationpayment for work done

Talismanlucky charm

Group 2Abrasiverough; coarse; harsh

Bilkcheat; defraud

Coverthidden; undercover

Engendercause

Hangarstorage area (like garage) for a plane

Knottycomplex; difficult to solve

Nuancesomething subtle; a fine shade of meaning

Plagiarismtaking credit for someone else's writing or ideas

Renownfame

Tangentgoing off the main subject

Group 3Abasementhumiliation; degradation

Billowingswelling; fluttering; waving

Cowerrecoil in fear or servility; shrink away from

Enhanceimprove; make better or clearer

Haranguenoisy, attacking speech

Labyrintha maze

Nullifyto counter; make unimportant

Plaintiffpetitioner (in court of law)

Repletefull

Tangiblecan be touched

Group 4Abrogatecancel; deny; repeal

Blasphemyspeech which offends religious sentiments

Crediblebelievable

Enigmapuzzle; mystery

Harbingersindicators; bringers of warnings

Labyrinthinecomplicated; highly convoluted

Nuzzlecuddle; snuggle

Plauditstatement giving strong praise

Reprehensibleshameful; very bad

Tardyslow; late; overdue; delayed

Group 5Absolutionforgiveness; pardon; release

Blatantobvious

Creditablepraiseworthy

Ensconceestablish firmly in a position

Hastenhurry; accelerate; rush

Lacerationa cut

Obduratestubborn

Plausiblecan be believed; reasonable

Reprievea respite; postponement of a sentence

Tawdryof little value; gaudy

Group 6Abstaindesist; go without; withdraw

Blighteddamaged; destroyed; ruined

Credulousgullible; ready to believe anything

Enshroudcover

Haughtinessarrogance; pride

Lachrymosetearful; sad

Obfuscatedeliberately make something difficult to understand

Plethoraan excess

Repudiateshun; eschew

Tediumboredom

Group 7Abstemiousself denying; refraining from indulging

Blithefree-spirited; carefree

Crepuscularactive at dawn and dusk

Enunciationclear pronunciation; accent; articulation

Headstrongstubborn; willful

Lacklusterdull; monotonous; bland

Objectiveunbiased; not subjective

Pliableflexible; not stubborn

Rescindretract; repeal

Temperto moderate; soften

Group 8Abstrusedifficult to understand; obscure

Blunderbuss1. ancient weapon (type of gun); 2. a clumsy person

Cringerecoil; flinch; shy away

Envenomto cause bitterness and bad feeling

Hedonismself indulgence; pleasure-seeking

Laconicusing few words; brief; to the point

Obliqueindirect; slanting

Plumagefeathers of a bird

Resignationacceptance of fate

Tenaciousstubborn; resolute; holding firm to a purpose

Group 9Accoladetribute; honor; praise

Bolstersupport; prop up

Crypticpuzzling; enigmatic

Ephemeralshort-lived

Hedonista pleasure seeker

Lamentationexpression of regret or sorrow

Obliteratedestroy; demolish; eradicate

Plummetfall suddenly and steeply

Resolutiondetermination

Tentativenot certain

Group 10Acquiesceto agree to; give in to

Bombastarrogant, pompous language

Curtailcut short

Epicuresomeone who appreciates good food and drink

Heedlisten to

Lampoonridicule; spoof

Oblivioustotally unaware

Podiumraised platform

Resonantechoing

Tenuousflimsy; not solid

GRE Word List 02

Group 1Acridsharp; pungent (used of smells and tastes)

Boorishill-mannered

Cynicalbelieving that people act only out of selfish motives

Epistlea letter (form of communication)

Heresyagainst orthodox opinion

Lancespear; spike; javelin

Obscuredifficult to understand; partially hidden

Poignantdeeply moving; strongly affecting the emotions

Respitea break; intermission

Terseconcise; to the point

Group 2Acrophobiafear of heights

Bourgeoismiddle class

Debilityweakness; incapacity

Epistolaryconcerned with letters; through correspondence

Hiatusinterruption; pause

Languidtired; slow

Obscuredhidden; covered; buried

Poisedcalm; collected; self-possessed

Resplendentshining; glowing

Therapeuticmedicinal; curative

Group 3Acuitysharpness (mental or visual)

Braggartsomeone who boasts

Debunkingexposing false claims or myths

Epitomizedtypified; characterized; personified

Hideboundrigid in opinions

Languishdecay; fade away; get weaker

Obsequiousservile; submissive

Polemicalcausing debate or argument

Restorativea tonic

Thwartprevent; frustrate

Group 4Adamantforceful; inflexible

Brawnymuscular

Decathlonan athletic competition with ten events

Equivocatespeak ambiguously; avoid telling the truth

Hieroglyphics1. picture writing; 2. writing which is difficult to read or enigmatic

Larcenytheft; robbery; stealing

Obsessiona dominating concern

Ponderousweighty; slow and heavy

Retentionpreservation; withholding

Timorouscowardly; fearful

Group 5Adroitskilful / skillful

Brevitybeing brief

Decorumdignified, correct behavior [decorous (a)]

Errmake a mistake

Hinderobstruct

Largessgenerosity

Obsoleteno longer valid

Pontificatespeak pompously or dogmatically

Reticentrestrained; holding something back; uncommunicative

Tiradestream of verbal abuse

Group 6Adulationstrong admiration; worship

Bristleto show irritation

Decoylure; trap; trick

Erraticwandering; irregular

Histrionictheatrical; exaggerated

Laudpraise

Obstreperousnoisy and boisterous

Portendforetell

Retractionwithdrawal; cancellation of a statement

Tittergiggle quietly

Group 7Adversityhardship

Broachstart to discuss; approach

Deferencerespect

Esotericobscure and difficult to understand

Hoaryold

Lavishon a grand scale; wasteful

Obtusementally dull

Portenta warning sign; omen

Revereworship

Tomelarge book

Group 8Advocatesupport

Brusqueblunt; abrupt

Defoliatecause leaves to fall off

Espousepromote; take up; support

Honesharpen; increase; whet

Laxcareless; not strict

Obviateavoid; make unnecessary

Poseursomeone who puts on an act

Riddledfull of (usually full of holes)

Torpidinactive; lazy; stagnant

Group 9Aestheticconcerning art or beauty

Bulwarkfortification; barricade; wall

Defunctno longer in existence

Etymologythe study of word origins

Hyperbolegrossly exaggerated speech

Legend1. key to map; 2. myth or story

Odioushateful

Posterityfuture generations

Rifecommon

Torpordormancy; sluggishness; inactivity

Group 10Affablefriendly; social; easygoing

Bureaucracyofficialdom

Degradationdeprivation; poverty; debasement

Eulogypraise

Hypochondriaca person obsessed with health; having imaginary illnesses

Legionin large numbers

Officiousdomineering; intrusive; meddlesome

Posthumousafter death

Rigorthoroughness

Totterwalk unsteadily

GRE Word List 03

Group 1Alacrityeagerness; enthusiasm; quickness

Burgeongrow; flourish; put forth new shoots

Deleteriousharmful

Euphemisma polite phrase to cover something unpleasant

Hypocriticalinsincere

Lethargictired; without energy

Oglestare at; observe in an obvious manner

Postulatehypothesize; propose

Robuststrong; healthy; tough

Tractableobedient; dutiful; polite

Group 2Alchemymedieval chemistry; attempt to change base metal into gold

Burnishpolish

Deliberateto think over deeply

Euphonypleasant sounds

Iconoclastperson who opposes orthodoxy

Levityflippancy; joking about serious matters

Olfactoryconcerned with the sense of smell

Potablesuitable for drinking

Rotundround

Tranquilpeaceful

Group 3Alibian excuse that shows someone was not at a crime scene

Buttressstrengthen; support

Delineationdemarcation; explanation; definition; outlining

Evacuatevacate; empty; abandon

Idiosyncrasya personal peculiarity; something unique to an individual

Libertariansomeone who opposes tyranny

Ominousthreatening

Potentpowerful; compelling; strong

Ruminatethink over something; ponder

Transcribecopy

Group 4Allayto lessen

Bylinethe line that tells you who wrote an article

Demurhesitate; refuse

Exacerbatemake worse

Ignominiousshameful

Linimentsoothing lotion

Omnipotentall-powerful

Pragmaticpractical

Rusetrick; stratagem

Transgressgo astray; disobey; commit a sin

Group 5Alleviatemake less severe

Cacophonydiscordant loud noises

Denouncecondemn; speak out against

Exasperatedfrustrated; annoyed

Ignominyshame [ignominious (a) = shameful]

Litheflexible; supple

Omniscientall-knowing

Pragmatistpractical person; one who is concerned with usefulness

Saccharinfalsely sweet

Transientshort-lived; ephemeral

Group 6Aloofdistant; detached; cold

Cajolecoax

Depleteuse up; lessen

Exceptionablevery bad (something which we should object to)

Illuminateto light up or make clear

Lividvery angry

Onerousburdensome; hard to undertake

Preambleintroductory material

Sacrosanctvery holy; inviolable

Traverseto move across

Group 7Altruismputting others first; being self-sacrificing

Caldronhuge cooking pot

Deploreregret

Exculpatefree someone from blame; pardon; acquit

Illusorydeceptive; false; misleading

Lobbyistperson who tries to persuade someone to support a particular cause

Onusburden

Precariousunstable; risky

Sagaciouswise

Trepidationfear

Group 8Amassaccumulate

Callowimmature

Depravitymoral corruption

Execrablevery, very bad

Immoderateexcessive; extreme

Loftysnooty; arrogant; haughty

Opaquedoes not let light through

Precedenta previous occurrence used as a guide

Sagea wise person

Trinketsomething of little value; knick-knack

Group 9Ambiguityuncertainty; vagueness

Candidfrank; honest

Deprecatecriticize; denounce

Exegesisscholarly explanation or interpretation

Immutableunchanging; permanent

Longevitylong life

Opulentwealthy; rich; magnificent

Preceptguiding principle

Salaciouslecherous; erotic

Triteunoriginal; dull

Group 10Ambiguousunclear in meaning; can be interpreted in different ways

Candorfrankness; openness

Derideridicule; make fun of; mock

Exemplaryoutstandingly good; setting a fine example

Impartialunbiased; neutral

Loquacioustalkative

Ordain1. destine; 2. confer holy orders on a priest

Precinctdistrict of a city

Sallowyellowish

Trivialunimportant

GRE Word List 04

Group 1Ambivalencelack of clarity; wavering; being undecided

Cantankerousbad-tempered; quarrelsome

Derogatoryuncomplimentary

Exemplifyto serve as a good example

Impecunioushaving no money

Lucidclear

Ornatehighly decorated

Precipicesteep slope

Salubrioushealth-giving

Truantshirker; someone absent without permission

Group 2Ambulatoryable to walk around (used of hospital patients)

Capaciousspacious

Desecrateto damage or pollute a holy place

Exhaustivecomplete and thorough

Impiouswicked; profane

Ludicrousridiculous; silly

Orthodoxconventional

Precipitousdone in a hurry

Salutarysomething which teaches you a lesson; beneficial

Truncatecut short

Group 3Amelioratemake better

Capitulatesurrender; give in to

Desecrationspoiling something holy

Exoneratesacquits; absolves; removes blame

Impoverisheddestitute; poor

Lukewarm1. unenthusiastic; 2. neither hot nor cold

Ossify1. turn to bone; 2. become fixed and rigid

Precludeprevent or make impossible

Sanctimonioushypocritically holy

Tumultuproar; noise

Group 4Ameliorationimprovement

Carpingconstant criticism

Desiststop; discontinue; cease

Exorcismgetting free/rid of; eliminating (especially demons)

Impromptuunrehearsed; spontaneous

Lummoxclumsy person

Ostentatiousshowy

Precociousdeveloping early

Sanctiongive approval to

Turpitudedepravity

Group 5Amiablefriendly

Cartographerperson who makes maps

Despondenthaving no hope; miserable

Expatriaterefugee; emigrant; someone living away from his own country

Inadvertentnot intentional

Lusciousjuicy; moist; succulent

Oustpush out of a position

Predecessorone who came before

Sanguinarybloodthirsty; bloody

Tyronovice; beginner

Group 6Amityfriendship

Castigatescold strongly

Destitutionhardship; poverty; misery

Expedientconvenient; practical

Incantationchant; invocation; prayer

Lynchassassinate; kill; illegal hanging

Overtobvious; not hidden

Predicamentdilemma; difficult situation

Sanguineoptimistic; cheerful

Ubiquitousfound everywhere; omnipresent

Group 7Amorphouslacking in shape

Catharsispurging of pent-up emotions

Deterput off; prevent

Expeditemake faster

Incarcerationputting in prison

Machinationsplots and plans

Overwroughtworked up; in an emotional state

Preeminentfamous; outstanding

Sardonicmocking

Unalloyedundiluted; total

Group 8Analgesicmedicine to combat pain

Caucustype of private political meeting

Deteriorateworsen; decline

Expositionclear explanation

Incessantwithout stopping

Maelstromwhirlpool; storm in the ocean

Palatablegood to eat; agreeable

Prerogativeright or privilege

Savantperson with knowledge

Unctuousoily; using excessive flattery

Group 9Analogouscomparable

Causticburning

Detrimentalharmful

Extolpraise

Incipientjust beginning

Magnanimousgenerous; big-hearted

Palisadefence made of posts

Prescienthaving fore-knowledge

Scaleto climb

Undermineddamaged; attacked

Group 10Anarchychaos; lack of government

Cavalcadeprocession of vehicles

Devouredgreedily eaten/consumed

Extraditedeport from one country back to the home country

Inclinationtendency; a leaning toward

Magnatepowerful businessman

Palliativea remedy that improves but doesn't cure

Presentimenta feeling that something might happen

Scapegoatperson on whom blame is placed for faults of others

Underscoreemphasize

GRE Word List 05

Group 1Anecdotea brief amusing story

Celerityspeed

Dexterousskilful with hands

Extraneousirrelevant

Incoherentnot clear

Maladroitclumsy; unskillful

Pallidpale

Presumptuousassuming too much; arrogant

Scrupulouscareful; diligent; painstaking

Unequivocalclear; obvious

Group 2Animosityhatred; antagonism

Censoriousdisapproving; critical

Dichotomya division into two parts

Extrapolateextend; predict on the basis of known data

Incongruousnot fitting in; out of place

Maladyillness

Palpableeasily felt; easily perceived

Pretentiouspompous; self-important

Scrutinizeexamine carefully

Unfetterset free

Group 3Annex(n)a building which is an addition to an existing building

Censureblame

Didacticintended to teach; instructive

Extrinsicirrelevant; on the outside

Inconsequentialunimportant; insignificant; negligible

Maledictiona curse

Panacearemedy for all ills

Prevaricatespeak misleadingly and evasively

Scuttlesink

Unfrockto remove a priest from his position

Group 4Annex(v)take possession of; seize; capture

Cerebralintellectual

Diffidentlacking confidence

Fallaciousfalse

Inconspicuousnot easily seen; subtle; not noticeable

Malefactora wrong-doer

Paradigm1. example; 2. model; 3. way of looking at things

Pristineunspoiled

Seminaryan institution in which priests are trained

Unprecedentednever having happened before

Group 5Anomalysomething which does not fit in a pattern; irregularity

Certitudecertainty

Digresswander off the subject

Falterhesitate; waver

Indeliblecannot be wiped out

Malingerdeliberately avoid work; shirk

Paradoxapparently contradictory statement

Proclivitytendency towards

Sensuousappealing to the senses

Unscathedunharmed; intact; without a scratch

Group 6Antagonismhostility; strong opposition

Charlatantrickster who claims knowledge he doesn't have

Dikedam; embankment

Fanaticalobsessive; fixated

Indifferent1. neutral; 2. not outstanding

Malingererperson who deliberately tries to avoid work

Paragona perfect example

Procrastinatedelay; put off

Sentinelguard; sentry

Unwittingnot deliberate; unconscious

Group 7Antagonisticopposed; hostile; aggressive

Charywary of; cautious about; reluctant to give

Dilatoryslow; falling behind with one's work

Fanaticismpassion; excessive devotion

Indigenousnative to a particular area

Malleableflexible; can be shaped

Paramountof supreme importance

Prodigalwasteful; extravagant

Sequesterisolate

Upbraidscold; tell off; reprimand

Group 8Antediluvianoutdated; prehistoric; very old-fashioned

Chastisespunishes

Dilemmapuzzling situation

Fastidiousoverly particular; finicky

Indolencelaziness

Mallet1. wooden hammer; 2. stick used for polo

Parasite1. scrounger; 2. animal which takes digested food from another

Prodigiousvery large

Serendipityfortunate coincidence; unsought discovery

Uproarioushilarious; hysterical; very funny

Group 9Anthologya book which is a collection of poems or stories

Chicanerytrickery

Dilettanteperson who dabbles in a subject without serious study

Fatuoussilly; foolish

Inducteenovice; beginner

Manipulatableinfluencable; controllable

Parcheddried up

Profaneunholy

Serenecalm; peaceful

Upshotoutcome

Group 10Anthropocentrismputting man at the center of one's philosophy

Chimericalchangeable; unstable

Diligenthard-working

Feasiblepossible and practicable

Indulgentpampering; satisfying desires

Marreddamaged; spoiled

Pariahan outcast from society

Profanityswearing; cursing

Serratedjagged; saw-like

Urbanesophisticated; suave

GRE Word List 06

Group 1Antiquatedoutdated; old fashioned

Cholericeasily angered

Dioramamodel of a scene

Fecundfertile

Inebriationdrunkenness; intoxication

Marshalto gather together

Parityequality

Profoundhaving deep meaning

Servileoverly submissive; groveling

Usurptake someone's position (usually by force)

Group 2Apatheticindifferent; uninterested; lethargic

Chroniclerperson who records historical information

Dirgemournful song

Felicitousapt

Ineffablecannot be expressed in words

Marsupialpouched mammal (like a kangaroo)

Parochialnarrow-minded; concerned only with local matters

Profunditydepth

Skepticaldoubting; not gullible

Utilitarianuseful

Group 3Apathylack of interest or emotion

Circuitousindirect

Disapprobationdisapproval

Fervorpassion; enthusiasm

Ineptincompetent; unskilled; useless

Martinetperson who believes in strict discipline

Parodya mockery; imitation for ridicule; spoof

Proletarianmember of the working class

Skirmishminor battle

Utopiana believer in an ideal world

Group 4Apocryphalof doubtful origin

Circumlocutionusing too many words; long-windedness

Discernto distinguish one thing from another

Fickleunpredictable; whimsical; easily swayed

Inertiainactivity; lethargy

Masochistperson who intentionally inflicts pain on himself

Parryward off; avoid

Prolificproducing a lot

Sluggardslow-moving; lethargic person

Vacillatewaver; hesitate

Group 5Appeasepacify; soothe; calm down; make peace with

Circumscribelimit

Discorddisagreement

Finesseskill

Inevitablecannot be avoided

Matriarchysociety governed by women

Parsimoniouseconomical; frugal; thrifty

Proponentspromoters; supporters

Smeltrefine an ore

Vacuousempty; silly; meaningless

Group 6Apprehensiveworried; fearful

Circumspectcautious; considering all sides

Discordancycacophony; harshness; jarring

Fitfulnot continuous; stopping and starting

Inexorablerelentless

Mavericka loner

Parsimonystinginess; frugality; cost-cutting

Prosaicdull; boring; ordinary

Smorgasborda Swedish buffet of cold dishes

Vagrantperson wandering without a home

Group 7Arablecan be cultivated

Circumventavoid

Discrepancysomething which does not match up; inconsistency

Flagrantclearly wrong

Inexpedientnot advisable

Meagerin short supply

Partisanbiased; one-sided; committed to one group

Proscribeforbid

Solacecomfort for grief

Vapiddull; uninspiring

Group 8Arbitraryrandom; for no definite reason

Clairvoyantpsychic; mystic

Discriminateto make a clear distinction; see the difference

Flamboyantshowy; ornate

Infallibleperfect; flawless; cannot make mistakes

Meanderwander from side to side

Pathosevoking sadness or pity

Prosodystudy of versification

Solicitto ask for; seek

Variegatedmulticolored; speckled

Group 9Arcaneobscure; known only to a few people

Clamorshout; scream

Discursivenesslong windedness; indirectness

Flauntshow off; display in a showy manner

Infamousfamous for something bad

Mellowsoft; melodious; ripe

Patronone who give support (usually financial)

Prostration1. lying face down; 2. be overcome with extreme weakness

Somnambulistsleepwalker

Vehemenceviolence; fervor; forcefulness

Group 10Archaicancient; outdated; old fashioned

Clandestinesecret; covert; stealthy

Disdaincontempt; strong dislike

Flippantmaking jokes about serious matters

Inferdeduce; conclude

Menageriecollection of animals

Patronizecondescend to; behave in an arrogant manner towards

Protagonistmain character in film, book, play etc.

Soothsayerfortuneteller

Vehementforceful

GRE Word List 07

Group 1Archetypeclassic example of

Clemencymercy

Disinterestedunbiased

Floutdefy; reject

Ingnuenave, unsophisticated person

Mendaciousgiven to lying

Paucityshortage

Proteanchangeable

Sophomoricjuvenile; immature

Venalcorrupt; can be bribed

Group 2Archivescollections of old records; place of storage of old documents

Clichoverused expression; something unoriginal

Disparagecriticize; belittle

Flusteredworked-up; not calm

Ingrateungrateful person

Mercenaryconcerned only with money

Peccadillominor weakness; trivial offence

Protgperson under protection of, or guided by another

Soporificinducing sleep

Veneersurface coating

Group 3Articulateclear; lucid; eloquent

Clientelecustomers

Disparityan inequality

Fly-by-nightunreliable; disreputable

Inimicalhostile

Mercurialvolatile; changeable

Pedantperson who insists on strict adherence to rules or narrow learning

Protocolprocedure; code of behavior

Sparsespare; bare; meager

Veneraterevere; worship

Group 4Artificedeception; trickery

Coalescecome together; merge

Dispassionateneutral; objective

Forensicconcerned with argument or debate (esp. for legal evidence)

Innateinherited; inborn

Mergecome together

Pedestriancommon; mundane; banal

Provincialunsophisticated; narrow-minded

Speciousfalse

Venialminor; unimportant

Group 5Artisancraftsman

Coddlepamper; fuss over; indulge

Disseminatingcirculating; broadcasting; spreading (information)

Fortitudebravery

Innocuousharmless; inoffensive

Metaphoricallysymbolically; figuratively

Peerlesswithout equal

Prudentcautious; wise

Speckledspotted; freckled; dotted

Veracitytruthfulness

Group 6Asceticwithout luxuries; severely simple

Coercionforce

Diurnalactive in daytime

Fortuitoushappening by chance

Innovatecreate; introduce something new

Meticulousvery careful; painstaking

Pejorativederogatory

Puerilechildish

Sporadicnot continuous; intermittent

Verbosetalkative; long-winded; rambling

Group 7Assiduousthorough; diligent

Cogentlucid; well argued

Divert1. entertain; 2. distract; 3. cause a detour

Fractiousirritable; difficult to control

Inscrutablemysterious; impenetrable

Mettlecourage; bravery; valor

Pellucidtransparently clear

Punctiliouspaying attention to small details

Spuriousfalse

Verbosityusing too many words

Group 8Assuageto calm

Cogitatethink over something; ponder

Docilegentle and easily lead

Fraudulentfake; false

Insentientunfeeling

Milieuenvironment

Pensivein a thoughtful mood; thinking deeply

Purloinsteal

Stagnantstill; not moving

Vertigodizziness

Group 9Astuteperceptive; sharp-witted

Collagepicture made from fragments of other pictures

Dogmatichaving stubbornly held opinions

Frivolousnot serious

Insipiddull; bland; boring

Mireswamp; muddy ground

Penurypoverty

Pusillanimouscowardly

Staiddull; sober; serious

Vestigialnot developed

Group 10Asylumplace of refuge or safety

Collatearrange in order

Doltstupid person

Frugaleconomical; not wasting anything

Instigateto start; provoke

Misanthropehater of the rest of mankind

Perceptiveobservant

Pyromaniacompulsion to start fires

Stanzasection of a poem

Vignettesmall sketch

SAT GRE* GMAT Word Lists MAT

GRE Word List 08

Group 1Atheistperson who does not believe in God

Colloquiallocal and informal (used of language)

Dotardfoolish old man

Furrowgroove

Instigatortroublemaker; person who entices others to do something

Misnomerwrong name

Percipientperceptive; insightful

Quaffdrink down quickly

Staunchloyal; faithful; dependable

Vilificationblackening someone's name

Group 2Atrophywaste away from lack of use

Collusionplotting and planning

Drawlspeak slowly with words running together

Furtivehidden and secret

Insurgenta rebel

Misogynisthater of women

Perditiondamnation

Quagmiremarsh; bog

Stereotypefixed image

Vindicateprove right; remove blame

Group 3Attenuateweaken

Commandeertake possession of

Drivelnonsense

Futileuseless; hopeless

Interminablenever-ending

Misrepresentationdeliberately deceiving

Peremptoryin a commanding manner

Quaintpicturesque

Stevedoredockworker

Virtuosoan accomplished musician

Group 4Augmentincrease; make bigger

Complacentself-satisfied; smug

Drolldryly amusing

Galleonancient type of sailing ship

Intermittentsporadic; irregular

Mitigatelessen; make less severe

Perfidytreachery

Quandarydilemma; puzzle

Stiflesuppress

Virulentdangerous; harmful

Group 5Auspiciousfavorable; promising to turn out well

Complianteasy to control; submissive

Drone1. monotonous noise(n); 2. to speak with no emotion(v); 3.male bee

Gambolfrolic; leap; bound

Intransigencestubbornness

Modicumsmall amount

Perfunctorysuperficial; cursory

Quarantineisolation to prevent the spread of disease

Stoicknown for fortitude; indifferent to pleasure or pain

Vitalessential; alive; important

Group 6Austereseverely plain

Concatenatelink together

Dubiousdoubtful

Garbledistort; confuse; muddle

Intransigentstubborn; unyielding

Momentousvery important

Peripateticnomadic; moving from place to place

Quarry1. something that is hunted; 2. mine for stone

Stokeadd fuel to; strengthen

Vitrioliccorrosive; strongly attacking

Group 7Aversiona dislike of

Concatenationlinking into chains

Dupeto fool someone

Garishgaudy

Intrepidbrave

Monotonousdull; unvarying

Peripheralon the edge; not important

Querulousalways complaining

Stolidimpassive; dull; indifferent

Vivacityliveliness; animation

Group 8Balkhinder and prevent; hesitate over

Conciliateto bring together; end a dispute

Dynamiclively; vibrant; energetic

Garnergather; collect

Inveteratehabitual

Moratoriumtemporary prohibition or halt to activity

Perjurytelling lies under oath

Quirkoddity

Stratagemplot; plan; trick

Vivifyenliven

Group 9Banalcommon; dull

Concisestated in few words

Ebullientvery lively; cheerful; jovial; happy

Garruloustalkative

Invidiousarousing envy

Moribundon the point of death

Perniciousdestructive; harmful

Ramblewander aimlessly

Stridentloud and harsh

Vociferousnoisy; loud in speech

Group 10Banalityordinariness; dullness

Condescendtalk down to

Eccentricunusual; quirky; odd

Gauntemaciated; bony and angular

Inviolablecannot be invaded

Morosegloomy; bad tempered

Persnicketyfastidious; fussy

Ramificationsbranches; subdivisions of a complex system; outcomes

Stringentstrict or severe

Volatiledangerously unstable; evaporates easily

GRE Word List 09

Group 1Banetroublesome influence

Condonetacitly support; overlook

Eclectictaking things from different sources

Genrea category; type

Irascibleeasily angered

Mundaneordinary; worldly

Perpetuatedcaused to continue

Rancorresentment; animosity; bad feeling

Strutswagger; show off

Volubletalkative

Group 2Bardpoet

Condoningoverlooking; disregarding; ignoring

Edificebuilding; structure; construction

Germanerelevant

Ireanger [irate (a)= very angry]

Munificentgenerous; charitable

Perpetuityeternity

Rantuse bombastic language

Stupefyingastonishing; shocking; stunning into silence

Voluminousvery large; spacious

Group 3Bastionfortress; stronghold

Conflagrationbig fire

Effacewipe out; remove all trace of

Germinaljust growing; not developed; immature

Irksomeannoying; infuriating

Mutinousvery rebellious

Personableattractive

Ratifyapprove; consent

Subpoenasummons to court

Voraciousravenous

Group 4Befuddleconfuse

Confoundconfuse

Effigya model of a person

Gibberingmaking meaningless noises

Ironicsatiric; unexpected

Myriadin large numbers

Perspicaciousinsightful; sharp; wise

Raucousrough and unpleasant (of sounds)

Substantiategive supporting evidence

Waivesurrender; give up

Group 5Begrudgeresent

Congealto solidify

Effusivegushing; demonstrative

Glacialhostile; unfriendly; cold; icy

Irrationalunreasonable; absurd

Navigablesuitable for sailing

Perspicacityinsight

Razedestroy; demolish; tear down

Subterfugea trick

Wanegrow less

Group 6Beguilemislead; lure

Congenitalpresent from birth

Egalitarianismbelief in equality

Goadprod; urge

Irreproachablecannot be criticized; perfect

Nebulousvague

Pertinentrelevant

Rebuttaldenial

Subtlenot obvious

Waryhesitant; cautious

Group 7Belaborexplain in unnecessary detail

Connoisseurperson with refined taste and good judgment

Egregiousoutstandingly, obviously bad

Grate(v)1. to annoy; aggravate; vex; 2. shred

Irrevocablecannot be cancelled; unchangeable

Nefariouswicked; immoral; disreputable

Peruseread carefully

Recantdisclaim; retract statement

Subversiverebellious; revolutionary

Waxto increase; to grow

Group 8Beleaguerbesiege; attack

Consecratededicate

Egressexit

Gratisfree of charge; without payment

Itinerantnomadic; wandering from place to place

Negatecancel; deny

Pervasivespreading everywhere

Recapitulatesummarize

Succinctconcise

Waylayaccost; stop; approach; hinder

Group 9Beliecontradict

Consensusgeneral agreement

Eloquentfluent and persuasive in speech

Gratuitousunwarranted

Jadedtired; bored; worn out

Negligencecarelessness

Petrify1. terrify; 2. turn to stone

Receptaclecontainer; vessel; holder

Suffragistsomeone who campaigns for voting rights

Weightyserious

Group 10Belittleto demean

Conspicuouseasily seen; prominent

Elucidatemake clear

Gravityseriousness

Jargonspecialized language used by experts

Neologismnewly coined word

Petulantsulky; peevish

Reclusesomeone who cuts himself off from life

Superciliousproud and haughty

Whelpyoung dog

GRE Word List 10

Group 1Bellicosewar-like; aggressive

Consummatecomplete; total; supremely good

Elusivehard to pin down

Gregariousextroverted; sociable; outgoing

Jaundicedcynical; pessimistic

Nettleannoy

Phenomenonan event or happening (plural: phenomena)

Recuperateget better after illness

Superlativeextremely good; the best

Whetsharpen

Group 2Belligerentaggressive; ready to fight

Contemporaryliving or happening at the same time

Emaciatedvery thin; withered

Grittycoarse; granular

Jauntshort pleasure trip

Niggardlymiserly; stingy

Philanthropycharity; love of mankind

Red tapeformalities; paperwork; official procedure

Surlygrumpy; rude

Whimsicalcapricious; changeable

Group 3Bemoancomplain about

Contritesorry

Emancipateset free

Guffawsudden loud laughter

Jeopardizeput at risk; endanger

Nomadicwandering from place to place

Philistineuncultured person

Redolentsmelling of; giving off odors

Surreptitioussecret; sneaky; stealthy

Willfulstubborn

Group 4Benevolentkindly

Contritionsorrow and repentance

Embezzledefraud; steal

Guilecunning; craftiness

Jingoisticextremely patriotic; nationalistic

Nonchalancean appearance of indifference; calm and composed

Phlegmaticcalm; imperturbable

Redressput right something that was wrong

Surreptitiouslysecretly; furtively; stealthily

Wilycunning

Group 5Benignkindly; harmless

Contumaciousstubborn

Embroilinvolve in hostility or argument

Guilelessfrank; straightforward; honest

Jocularin a joking manner

Nondescripthaving no special features; dull and ordinary

Pillageplunder

Redundantunnecessary; superfluous

Susceptiblevulnerable

Wispyflimsy; frail; delicate

Group 6Benignitycompassion; gentleness; fondness

Contusiona bruise

Emergecome out; appear

Gullibilityunwariness; trustfulness; being easily fooled

Jollitygaiety; happiness

Nonentitya person of no importance; not famous

Pinnacletopmost point

Referendumpublic vote

Suspectdoubtful

Wistfulmelancholy; pensive; expressing a longing for

Group 7Bequeathleave something in one's will to be given after one's death

Conundruma puzzle

Emulateto imitate something admired

Gullibleeasily fooled

Jubilantecstatic; delighted; rejoicing

Nostalgialonging for the past

Piousvery religious

Refutedisprove

Sybaritelover of luxury

Zanycrazy; wacky

Group 8Beratescold; criticize

Conventionalusual; customary; common

Endorsegive support or approval to

Gustatoryconcerned with the sense of taste

Judiciouscorrect in judgment; wise

Notorietyinfamy; known for wrong doing

Pivotalof central importance

Regaleentertain

Sycophantbootlicker; flatterer

Zealenthusiasm

Group 9Berettype of cap

Corpulentfat

Endurancestaying power; patience; stamina

Hackneyedcommon and over-used

Jurisprudencescience or study of law

Novelnew; unusual

Placatepacify; soothe; calm

Relegatedismiss to a lower position

Taciturnquiet; saying little

Zealotfanatic

Group 10Bestialbehaving like a beast; brutal

Corrugatedhighly folded

Enduringlasting

Hallowedworshipped; consecrated

Juxtaposeplace next to

Novicea beginner; tyro

Placeboharmless medicine with no effect; dummy medicine

Remorseregret; sorrow; contrition

Tactileconcerned with the sense of touch

Zenithsummit

GRE Word List 11

Group 1Abatereduce in intensity

Abjurerenounce; swear to refrain from something

Blandishmentwords used to coax or flatter [blandish (v)]

Boorill-mannered person [boorish (a)]

Cardinal1. high ranking church official; 2. major, important

Deliberate1. slow(a); 2. to think over(v); 3. on purpose(a)

Equivocationspeaking ambiguously [equivocate (v), equivocal (a)]

Fecklessfeeble; helpless; lacking in initiative

Imperturbabilityquality of being calm and not easily disturbed [imperturbable (a)]

Meretriciousfalsely attractive; tawdry

Group 2Auguryprediction, looking for omens [augur (v)]

Boycottrefuse to have dealings with

Glibslick; superficial esp. in speech

Incisecut into [incision (n); incisive (a)]

Moralisticconcerned with morals [moralize (v)]

Ostracismshunning; social isolation [ostracize (v)]

Penchantinclination; leaning; tendency; predilection

Rarefymake less dense [rarefaction (n)]

Repinefret; be discontented

Stipulatespecify [stipulation (n)]

Group 3Diaphanoustransparent; thin and delicate

Feintpretended attack; a move intended to deceive

Inuredhardened; habituated

Mettlesomespirited [mettle (n)]

Puissancepower

Reconditeobscure

Stygianvery dark

Toutingadvertising; supporting [tout (v)]

Virtuosityskill, expertise [virtuoso (n); virtuosi (n.pl)]

Volubilityexcessive talkativeness [voluble (a)]

Group 4Caretpunctuation mark signifying omission

Contiguousadjacent; touching; abutting [contiguity (n)]

Damp(used of vibration) reduce in extent

Ellipsisomission of essential words

Extirpationwiping out; complete destruction [extirpate (v)]

Foppishbehaving or dressing like a dandy; excessively concerned with fashion

Gaffeblunder; social mistake

Hortatoryencouraging; exhorting

Opprobriousexpressing great scorn [opprobrium (n)]

Recumbentreclining; lying down

Group 5Ambidextrousable to use both left and right hands equally well

Culpabilityguilt [culpable= blameworthy]

Discernmentjudgment; perceptiveness

Encomiumpraise

Inveiglecoax; cajole; wheedle; entice

Minatorythreatening

Ossifiedturned to bone; become rigid [ossification (n)]

Plumbmeasure depth of(v); exact(a. slang)

Quintessentialmost typical; the perfect example of [quintessence (n)]

Runicmysterious; magical

Group 6Accretionaccumulation of matter; growth produced by adding from the outside

Anachronisticoccurring in the wrong time period [anachronism (n)]

Chroniclong lasting (often used for diseases in which case the opposite isacute)

Churlishnessrudeness; ill-mannered behavior

Demagoguemob leader (who appeals to base instincts) [demagogy/demagoguery (n)]

Effronterydaring; audacity (has a negative connotation)

Idyllstory or incident in peaceful or ideal setting [idyllic (a)]

Interregnuminterval between reigns or governments

Nugatoryof minor significance; futile

Sinecurejob which pays salary but requiring little effort

Group 7Anodizedelectroplated; coated with thin layer of metal

Aphoristicexpressed tersely [aphorism (n) = short statement; maxim]

Canonicalorthodox [canon (n) = set of accepted works]

Commensurateequal in significance

Dexterityskill, esp. with hands [dexterous (a)]

Extantstill in existence (opposite of extinct)

Impugnedchallenged; called into question

Probityuprightness; honesty

Raconteurperson who relates a story

Solicitouskindly; expressing care and concern

Group 8Amalgamatejoin; consolidate [amalgamation (n)]

Balefulevil

Coerceforce [coercion (n); coercing (a)]

Inchoateundeveloped; nascent

Iniquitousevil; unjust [iniquity (n)]

Libertinedissolute person; prodigal

Millineryhats and hat-making

Nattyneat; dapper; smart

Occludedobscured; blocked

Siderealof or related to stars

Group 9Avariciousgreedy for money

Extirpatewipe out totally

Halcyonpeaceful and happy; calm (esp. of summer weather)

List(v)1. to lean to one side; 2. to write in order

Maudlinsad; sentimental; inclined to weep

Refulgentglowing; radiant

Subliminalbelow the threshold of consciousness

Testinessirritability; irascibility [testy (a)]

Vituperateattack bitterly

Whittle1. carve with knife; 2. reduce step by step

Group 10Colanderbowl with holes used to drain vegetables etc.

Cumbersomebulky; difficult to carry [encumber= to burden]

Diaphanoustransparent; thin and delicate

Dispatch1. send(v); 2. speed; celerity(n)

Epistemologytheory of knowledge

Frowardstubborn; wayward; disobedient

Supinelying flat on ones back

Throwbackexhibiting primitive, or ancestral, traits

Untowardunexpected

Verisimilartrue to life; giving the appearance of reality

GRE Word List 12

Group 1Abysmalvery deep; very bad

Approbationapproval [opp. disapprobation]

Bent(n)inclination; aptitude

Cadgeget by begging

Debacledisaster

Extemporizespeak without preparation or rehearsal [extemporaneous (a)]

Incumbentsoccupiers of a job or position

Lambasteattack verbally

Noisomedisgusting

Pastichework (usually artistic) which imitates, or is composed of parts taken from varied sources

Group 2Arborealliving in trees; concerned with trees

Centrifugedevice to separate substances by spinning them at high speed

Cloisteredisolated

Disabusemake someone aware of an error in thinking

Engenderingcausing; bringing into being [engender (v)]

Intemperateexcessive; immoderate [intemperance (n)]

Lugubrioussad; gloomy

Nonplussedconfused

Pedagogyscience of education; teaching

Satiatesatisfy; fill completely [satiable (a); satiation (n)]

Slakequench; satisfy

Group 3Artlesswithout effort; without trickery; simple

Comelinessbeauty; prettiness [comely (a)]

Dofftake off (esp. of a hat)

Donput on (esp. of clothes)

Eruditionlearning; scholarly knowledge [erudite (a)]

Plaintivesad; mournful

Subornbribe

Tendentiousdogmatic; biased

Tortuousindirect; winding

Verbiageexcessive or meaningless wordiness

Group 4Atonementmaking amends for sin or crime [atone (v)]

Complaisanceflexibility; willingness to please [complaisant (a)]

Daguerreotypeforerunner of the photograph

Fawnbehave in a sycophantic way; grovel [fawning (a)]

Gregariousnesssociability; liking for crowds [gregarious (a)]

Nascentemerging; newly formed

Paeanpraise; tribute (esp. in song)

Reproofscolding; criticism [reprove (v)]

Scurvy1. disease due to lack of vitamin C; 2. contemptible; rascally

Tutelaryserving as a guardian [tutelage (n)]

Group 5Abscissioncutting; process causing leaves to fall off

Contentiouscausing argument [contention (n); contend (v)]

Debilitatingweakening [debilitate (v)]

Foiblequirk; minor weakness

Importunebeg; solicit [importunate (a)]

Pertainbe relevant to [pertinent (a)]

Slewglut; excess

Toadysycophant; flatterer

Torridhot and steamy

Veracioustrue [veracity (n)]

Group 6Asperityusing harsh or critical tone

Blowhardboastful person

Disingenuouscrafty

Evanescentshort-lived [evanescence (n)]

Intangiblecannot be touched; abstract [intangibility (n)]

Labilechanging rapidly; unstable

Malapropismuse of similar sounding but incorrect word

Posture(v)to put on an act

Proximateimmediate; nearest

Pugnaciousaggressive, ready to fight [pugnacity (n)]

Group 7Foreshadowedindicated a future event [foreshadow (v)]

Gaucherieawkwardness [gauche (a)]

Heterodoxunorthodox

Inscrutabilityquality of being difficult to comprehend [inscrutable (a)]

Limerickshort amusing poem

Manneredstylized; pretentious

Pluck(n)courage

Sedulouspersevering; eager and thorough

Syllogismtype of logical reasoning

Vicissitudeunexpected change in fortune or circumstances

Group 8Acolytedisciple; follower or attendant

Admonitoryscolding [admonition (n)]

Capriceswhimsies; fancies

Cornucopiasymbol (horn filled with fruit etc.) denoting natural abundance

Deferentialshowing respect [deference (n); defer (v)]

Intractabilitystubbornness; resistance [intractable (a)]

Luminaryeminent person

Minionunderling; servant

Undergirdsupport; strengthen

Vitiateweaken; sap energy

Group 9Coterieclique; small group with common interests

Denigratedecry; criticize; belittle

Empiricalfound by experiment or practice

Gainsaycontradict

Hyperboleexaggeration [hyperbolic (a)]

Modest1. bashful; unpretentious; 2. not excessive

Prolixitywordiness [prolix (a)]

Rebuspuzzle in which pictures give clues

Serewithered; old

Vulpinelike a fox [compare withbovine(cow-like);porcine(pig-like), etc.]

Group 10Corroborategive supporting evidence [corroboration (n)]

Exacerbatedmade worse [exacerbate (v); exacerbation (n)]

Exact(v)to demand; extort

Faddishwhimsical; following a fashion

Haplessunlucky

Misconstrueput a wrong interpretation on something

Perenniallong-lasting

Renttorn (past participle of the verbto rend)

Shardfragment of pottery

Xenophobeperson afraid of foreigners

GRE Word List 13

Group 1Alleviatedmade less severe [alleviation (n); alleviate (v)]

Apostrophe1. punctuation mark; 2. appeal to someone not present (a figure of speech)

Centurionroman soldier (commander of a company of 100 soldiers)

Emollientsoftening(a); something which softens(n)

Fusilladelong burst of gunfire

Inerrancyinfallibility; inability to make mistakes [inerrant (a)]

Mince1. chop into small pieces; 2. walk with tiny steps, 3. speak in an affected manner

Palpatemedical term meaning to examine with the hands

Platitudeunoriginal, obvious saying

Quibble1.(v)to argue about minor matters; to play on words when finding fault; 2.(n)a minor verbal point in an argument

Group 2Apprehensionslight fear; sense of something unfavorable

Connivingcunning; scheming [connive (v)]

Derisionmockery [deride (v)]

Epigramshort, witty saying

Lassitudelack of energy; weariness

Pedanticover-insistent on matters of book-learning [pedant (n)]

Phenomenologybranch of science concerned with things as they are perceived; not directly derived from theory

Precipitate1. hurried(a); 2. insoluble product of a reaction in chemistry(n), 3. to instigate or speed up an action(v)

Renegego back on promise or retract statement

Group 3Armadafleet of ships

Dawdlerslow person who falls behind others [dawdle (v)]

Drosssomething worthless; impurities left after refining

Expiateatone; make amends for

Hack1. chop roughly; 2. person who writes to earn money, 3. hired horse

Prone1. vulnerable to; 2. horizontal

Propensitytendency; inclination

Scabbardcover for a sword

Skiffsmall boat

Umbrage1. shadow; 2. offence; sense of injury

Group 4Dilettantismdabbling esp. in the arts [dilettante (n)= person who dabbles]

Enervateweaken

Malevolenthaving evil intentions [malevolence(n)]

Neophytenew convert; tyro

Panegyricspeech praising someone; laudatory words

Presageforewarn of; indicate

Serrationjagged edge

Slight1. minor(a); 2. perceived insult(v)and(n)

Tare1. weed; 2. allowance made for container when weighing

Unprepossessingunattractive

Group 5Aberrationdeviation from the normal

Cantinsincere talk

Disinterdig up [oppositeinter= bury]

Faade1. front elevation of building, 2. false appearance or demeanor

Impedinghindering [impede (v); impediment (n)]

Lacunagap; missing part [plural =lacunae]

Monolithicunited in purpose; forming a single unit

Piedmulticolored

Rosterlist of names

Seemlyappropriate (of behavior); decorous

Group 6Analogue1. something similar; 2. output proportional to input (engineering)

Codapiece of music at the end of a musical work; finale; final part of document

Comminglemix

Equivocalambiguous; open to interpretation [equivocate (v), equivocation (n)]

Falliblecapable of making mistakes [fallibility (n)]

Hallowrespect; worship

Indigencepoverty

Papyrusmaterial used for writing on before paper was invented

Pique1. annoyance(n); 2. to stimulate interest; to annoy(v)

Sap1. liquid inside plants(n); 2. to drain; to undermine(v); 3. a fool(n)

Group 7Arbitratormediator; person appointed to judge a dispute [arbitrate (v)]

Descryto see (esp. at a distance); catch sight of

Facetiousnot intended to be taken seriously

Indecorousunseemly; inappropriate (of behavior)

Proliferategrow and spread [proliferation (n)]

Scotch(v)to prevent; stop; disable

Strut1. supporting rod(n); 2. to walk in an arrogant manner; show off(v)

Toy(v)to play with

Usurylending money at high interest rates

Wag(n)a witty person

Group 8Atavismreappearance of ancestral traits; regression [atavistic (a)]

Filibusterdelaying tactics

Gambitopening move; transaction

Mitigationmaking less severe [mitigate (v)]

Obligatecompulsory

Predilectionleaning; interest; talent

Propitiateappease; try to gain favor [propitiation (n)]

Stanchto stop

Travestyparody; ridiculous error

Waftdrift smoothly(v); whiff; smell(n)

Group 9Foragesearch for food

Lumber1. walk in an ungainly way; 2. timber (wood)

Muse1. think; meditate(v); 2. a source of inspiration(n)[in mythology, a goddess who gives inspiration]

Prescienceforeknowledge

Prune1. to trim; 2. a dried plum

Ready(used of wit) quick

Resolvefirmness(n)

Squaliddirty and demeaning

Sulliedmade dirty or impure [oppositeunsullied; sully (v)]

Venerationworship; respect [venerable (a), venerate (v)]

Group 10Demurobject; hesitate to accept

Duplicitycunning; deception; double dealing

Exigencyurgent matter; pressing need

Expostulateoffer strong objections; remonstrate

Gossamerdelicate; filmy; like gauze

Inefficaciousineffective

Pine1. type of evergreen tree; 2. grieve

Prudishnarrow-minded; excessively concerned with morals [prudery (n), prude (n)]

Quixoticimpractically idealistic

Stipplecover with dots of paint etc.

GRE Word List 14

Group 1Abrasion1. damage to skin caused by scraping; 2. process of scraping or rubbing [abrade (v)]

Adumbrateoutline; indicate

Cognitiveconcerned with thinking or perceiving [cognition (n)]

Deigncondescend

Fervidpassionate

Gall1. bitterness (bad feeling); 2. confidence; 3. abnormal growth on a plant

Levee1. raised bank of a river; 2. morning reception held by a monarch

Preternaturalunnatural; abnormal

Quellsuppress

Score(n)written form of music

Group 2Abutto adjoin

Consternationworry and concern

Gaveljudges hammer

Lienright to sell property held as a security; legal hold on job etc.

Parenthesisremarks deviating from the main point [parenthesesare round brackets in punctuation]

Sinewyvigorous; having well-developed muscles [asinewis a tendon]

Steep(v)to soak in water

Tampto plug; press loose matter down tightly (e.g. pack explosives into a hole)

Venturing1. hazarding; risking; putting forward; 2. going somewhere [venturesomemeans courageous or willing to take risks]

Wry1. twisted or bent to one side; 2. dryly humorous

Group 3Arduoushard

Decimatedkill or destroy a large part of (originally one tenth)

Fledge1. grow feathers; 2. leave nest [fledgling (n)= an inexperienced person or a baby bird]

Gougecut or dig out

Picayuneinsignificant; of little value

Rivetingfascinating [to rivetliterally means to fix metal plates using metal pins]

Soliloquysolo speech

Supplicantperson who requests or begs for something [supplicate (v)]

Transcendentalsupernatural; going beyond normal experience [transcendent (a)]

Veritabletrue; genuine [verity (n)]

Group 4Condescensiontalking down to someone [condescending (a)]

Divestremove; take off

Eddycircular current

Epauletshoulder decoration

Fallacywrong idea [fallacious (a)]

Fringe1. decorative border with tassels(n); 2. to form an edge(v)

Leavento make light; modify; cause bread to rise using yeast etc.

Patronize1. to talk down to; condescend; 2. to be a customer of

Prominent1. eminent; 2. protruding; 3. obvious

Statutelaw [statutory(a)]

Group 5Antipathyhatred

Averaffirm

Expatiatespeak or write at great length

Flag(v)1. to lose energy; 2. to signal

Flail1. tool used to thresh grain; 2. to thresh (separate grain from chaff); 3. to wave arms about wildly

Indictedaccused (of crime)

Lolllaze around; hang out (when used of the tongue)

Malignslander

Secure(v)1. to fix firmly; 2. to obtain

Talonlong pointed nail or claw

Group 6Abeyancestate of inactivity; disuse

Disarm1. take away weapons; 2. win over to ones side [disarming (a)]

Elaborate1. complex and detailed(a); 2. to expand on(v)

Foment1. stir up; 2. bathe with hot liquids (medical)

Jockeyingmaneuvering; struggling to get ahead of others [jockey (v)]

Minutiaesmall details

Rueregret [rueful (a)]

Somaticconcerned with the body

Stintingholding back; limiting the supply (of supplies/money etc.) [stint (v)]

Temperatemoderate

Group 7Allure1. attraction(n); 2. to attract(v)

Caulktreat with substance such as tar to make water-tight

Conscript1. person enlisted compulsorily into the armed forces; 2.(v)to enlist compulsorily

Desultoryaimless; inconsistent in effort

Elegypoem concerned with death; praise of a dead person

Fallowuncultivated

Forbearingtolerant [forbear (v); forbearance (n)]

Hegemonypolitical domination; complete authority

Improbitylack of honesty or integrity

Qualmhesitation or fear

Group 8Assay1. try; 2. assess purity

Chauvinistsomeone excessively patriotic [chauvinism (n)]

Discreteseparate; discontinuous (not to be confused withdiscreet- prudent; diplomatic]

Enlist1. sign up for the army; 2. obtain

Fabricatedmade up; false; manufactured [fabricate (v); fabrication(n)]

Fulminate1. attack loudly in words; denounce thunderously; 2. explode noisily

Hawserthick rope or cable

Jibeagree with; complement; match up with (in British usagejibemeans mock)

Peer1. an equal; 2. to stare at; 3. nobleman

Sticklerone who is strict about rules or details

Group 9Clotureclosure; terminating a debate by voting

Congruentmatching [congruency (n)]

Dallywaste time; flirt

Dissembleavoid the truth

Dotebe excessively fond of [doting (a)]

Errant1. wandering; 2. wrong; 3. straying from accepted standards

Ferventpassionate

Stomach(v)to tolerate

Synapsejunction between two nerve cells

Undercuttingoffering a lower price; undermining

Group 10Arsondeliberate, criminal starting of fires

Carriondead flesh; carcasses

Intelligiblecan be understood

Ironcladcannot be altered; firm

Lintfluff; soft material used to cover wounds

Pretensionassumed attitude of superiority; arrogance

Punditexpert

Pyreceremonial fire

Satesatisfy

Syncopationtype of musical rhythm with missed beats

GRE Word List 15

Group 1Abradedworn away; eroded [abrade (v); abrasion (n)]

Appositefitting; suitable

Diatribetirade; violent denunciation; stream of criticism

Gerontocracygovernment by the aged

Maculatedspotted

Quislingtraitor

Sedulitythoroughness; perseverance [sedulous (a)]

Seinetype of fishing net

Tenderto offer

Waffletalk nonsense

Group 2Burlesque1. comic play; 2. lampoon

Exemplarmodel type [exemplary (a)]

Homileticsart of preaching and giving sermons

Impugnchallenge; question someones honor etc.

Incubusencumbrance; nightmarish thing

Loperun with long strides

Maceratesoften or break up by soaking; weaken

Nostrumremedy

Saw1. tool for cutting; 2. wise saying

Sibylprophetess

Group 3Brook1. small stream; 2. tolerate

Embossdecorate with a raised design

Eschewshun; avoid

Limpidtransparently clear

Liturgyform of worship

Nexusconnection

Odometerinstrument to measure distance covered

Purchase1. grip; 2. buy

Quotidiandaily; routine

Seminalessential; formative

Group 4Agogamazed; wide-eyed with enthusiasm

Amortizepay off a debt in installments

Curmudgeongrumpy person

Dormancystate of inactivity

Efficacyeffectiveness

Epithetphrase used as a label or to express the essential nature of

Figureheadsymbol of power; nominal leader

Fracasfight; disturbance

Jambdoor post

Milkto squeeze; obtain by application of pressure

Group 5Choralessimple hymns

Dissonancediscord; disagreement

Friezedecorative border

Gistessence; main point

Latenthidden; real but undeveloped

Partialitybias

Ploddingwalking slowly and heavily; uninspired

Rekindlerelight; revive

Symphonytype of musical composition

Tarnishedmade dull; spoil (reputation)

Group 6Compromised1. damaged or put in doubt (esp. of reputation); 2. reached an agreement by giving up part of a claim

Drabnessdullness

Endowgive gift; provide with money etc.

Esotericaobscure details

Faltershesitates

Prattlemindless talk

Prohibitive1. prohibiting; 2. exorbitantly expensive

Puristconservative; one who insists on correct forms of language etc.

Quackcharlatan; fake

Tauntmock; tease

Group 7Arresting(a)attracting attention; striking

Barrageextended gunfire to cover an attack; dam across river; deluge or information etc.

Chanteytype of song sung by sailors

Ferrousconcerned with iron or its compounds

Manipulativescheming

Oratespeak in a pompous manner

Psychosissevere mental disturbance

Savorenjoy

Table(v)put down for future discussion

Underwritegive guarantee, insure

Group 8Dissidentperson who disagrees [dissidence (n)]

Enigmaticpuzzling [enigma (n)]

Foolhardyreckless [foolhardiness (n)]

Homogeneityevenness; uniformity

Personification1. represent something as a person; 2. a concrete example of

Plaque1. surface deposit on teeth or in artery etc.; 2. decorative plate or sign

Plausibilitybelievability [plausible (a)]

Resilienceresistance; ability to spring back [resilience (a)]

Trilogyset of three (literary works etc.);tetralogy= set of four

Vagarysomething unaccountable; freak

Group 9Aislecorridor; passageway (esp. between rows of seats)

Discountenancedisallow

Imperativemust be obeyed

Indigentpoor; needy [indigence (n)]

Nadirlowest point

Paranoiamental state characterized by delusions or excessive fear

Prudencecaution; wisdom

Resuscitationrevival from unconsciousness [resuscitate (v)]

Shirkavoid (esp. work)

Teetotalismtotal abstinence from alcohol

Group 10Balmsoothing ointment or anything soothing [balmy (a)]

Calibratemark an accurate scale on a device

Cataclysmicviolently disruptive [cataclysm (n)]

Improprietyinappropriate behavior

Pithcenter; soft part of stem; essence

Primordialpresent from the beginning of time

Reconnaissanceexamination or survey conducted in advance [reconnoiter (v)]

Sinistralleft-handed (or counterclockwise) [dextral- right handed]

Tempersmoderates

Underminesubvert; attempt to overthrow