Shared Flashcard Set

Details

GRE Vocab Level 1
GRE Vocab
157
Language - English
Undergraduate 4
09/27/2012

Additional Language - English Flashcards

 


 

Cards

Term
Espouse
Definition
to take up and support as a cause : become attached to
Term
Descant
Definition

1. a : a melody or counterpoint sung above the plainsong of the tenor

b : the art of composing or improvising contrapuntal part music; also : the music so composed or improvised

2. discourse or comment on a theme

Term
Mandate
Definition
1
: an authoritative command; especially : a formal order from a superior court or official to an inferior one
2
: an authorization to act given to a representative
3

a : an order or commission granted by the League of Nations to a member nation for the establishment of a responsible government over a former German colony or other conquered territory

Term
Burnish
Definition
a : to make shiny or lustrous especially by rubbing
 
b : polish 3
Term
Ingratiate
Definition
to gain favor or favorable acceptance for by deliberate effort —usually used with with
Term
Derogatory
Definition
1
: detracting from the character or standing of something —often used with to, towards, or of
2
: expressive of a low opinion : disparaging
Term
Obsequious
Definition
marked by or exhibiting a fawning attentiveness
Term
Impetuous
Definition
1
: marked by impulsive vehemence or passion
2
: marked by force and violence of movement or action
Term
Ephemeral
Definition
1
: lasting one day only
2
: lasting a very short time
Term
Tedious
Definition
: tiresome because of length or dullness : boring
Term
Emollient
Definition
1
: making soft or supple; also : soothing especially to the skin or mucous membrane
2: making less intense or harsh : mollifying
Term
Cerebral
Definition
1
a : of or relating to the brain or the intellect
b : of, relating to, affecting, or being the cerebrum
2
a : appealing to intellectual appreciation
b : primarily intellectual in nature
Term
Insidious
Definition
1 a : awaiting a chance to entrap : treacherous b : harmful but enticing : seductive 2 a : having a gradual and cumulative effect : subtle b of a disease : developing so gradually as to be well established before becoming apparent
Term
Affable
Definition
: being pleasant and at easein talking to others
2
: characterized by ease and friendliness
Term
Derision
Definition
1
a : the use of ridicule or scorn to show contempt
b : a state of being laughed at or ridiculed : a state of being derided
2
: an object of ridicule or scorn
Term
Sacrilege
Definition
1
: a technical and not necessarily intrinsically outrageous violation (as improper reception of a sacrament) of what is sacred because consecrated to God
2
: gross irreverence toward a hallowed person, place, or thing
Term
Veracity
Definition
1
: devotion to the truth : truthfulness
2
: power of conveying or perceiving truth
3
: conformity with truth or fact : accuracy
4
: something true
Term
Iconoclast
Definition
1
: a person who destroys religious images or opposes their veneration
2
: a person who attacks settled beliefs or institutions
Term
Charlatan
Definition
: one making usually showy pretenses to knowledge or ability : fraud, faker
Term
Burgeon
Definition
1
a : to send forth new growth (as buds or branches) : sprout
b : bloom
2
: to grow and expand rapidly : flourish
Term
Rebuff
Definition
: to reject or criticize sharply : snub
Term
Abdicate
Definition
1
: to cast off : discard
2
: to relinquish (as sovereign power) formally
intransitive verb
: to renounce a throne, high office, dignity, or function
Term
Comport
Definition
intransitive verb
: to be fitting : accord
transitive verb
: behave; especially : to behave in a manner conformable to what is right, proper, or expected
Term
Legerdemain
Definition
: a display of skill or adroitness
Term
Cynic
Definition
: a faultfinding captious critic; especially : one who believes that human conduct is motivated wholly by self-interest
Term
Sycophant
Definition
: a servile self-seeking flatterer
Term
Sepulchre
Definition
1
: a place of burial : tomb
2
: a receptacle for religious relics especially in an altar
Term
Carping
Definition
: marked by or inclined to querulous and often perverse criticism
Term
Onerous
Definition
1
: involving, imposing, or constituting a burden : troublesome
2
: having legal obligations that outweigh the advantages
Term
Choleric
Definition
1
: easily moved to often unreasonable or excessive anger : hot-tempered
2
: angry, irate
Term
Sinuous
Definition
1
a : of a serpentine or wavy form : winding
b : marked by strong lithe movements
2
: intricate, complex
Term
Apocryphal
Definition
: of doubtful authenticity
Term
Superfluous
Definition
a : exceeding what is sufficient or necessary : extra
b : not needed : unnecessary
2
obsolete : marked by wastefulness : extravagant
Term
Diminutive
Definition
1
: indicating small size and sometimes the state or quality of being familiarly known, lovable, pitiable, or contemptible
Term
Immaculate
Definition
1
: having no stain or blemish : pure
2
: containing no flaw or error
3
a : spotlessly clean
b : having no colored spots or marks
Term
Anecdote
Definition
: a usually short narrative of an interesting, amusing, or biographical incident
Term
Blandishment
Definition
: something that tends to coax or cajole : allurement
Term
Epigram
Definition
1
: a concise poem dealing pointedly and often satirically with a single thought or event and often ending with an ingenious turn of thought
2
: a terse, sage, or witty and often paradoxical saying
Term
Quandary
Definition
: a state of perplexity or doubt
Term
Temporize
Definition
1
: to act to suit the time or occasion : yield to current or dominant opinion
2
: to draw out discussions or negotiations so as to gain time
Term
Beget
Definition
1
: to procreate as the father : sire
2
: to produce especially as an effect or outgrowth
Term
Attenuate
Definition
1
: reduced especially in thickness, density, or force
2
: tapering gradually usually to a long slender point
Term
Flaunt
Definition
1 : to display or obtrude oneself to public notice 2 : to wave or flutter showily transitive verb 1 : to display ostentatiously or impudently : parade 2 : to treat contemptuously
Term
Vilify
Definition
1
: to lower in estimation or importance
2
: to utter slanderous and abusive statements against : defame
Term
Commiserate
Definition
intransitive verb
: to feel or express sympathy : condole
transitive verb
: to feel or express sorrow or compassion for
Term
Exigent
Definition
1
: requiring immediate aid or action
2
: requiring or calling for much : demanding
Term
Brook
Definition
: to stand for : tolerate
Term
Incredulous
Definition
1
: unwilling to admit or accept what is offered as true : not credulous : skeptical
2
: incredible 1
3
: expressing incredulity
Term
Dauntless
Definition
: fearless, undaunted
Term
Ingenuous
Definition
1 obsolete : noble, honorable 2 a : showing innocent or childlike simplicity and candidness b : lacking craft or subtlety
Term
Opprobrium
Definition
: something that brings disgrace
2
a : public disgrace or ill fame that follows from conduct considered grossly wrong or vicious
b : contempt, reproach
Term
Heresy
Definition
1
a : adherence to a religious opinion contrary to church dogma
b : denial of a revealed truth by a baptized member of the Roman Catholic Church
c : an opinion or doctrine contrary to church dogma
2
a : dissent or deviation from a dominant theory, opinion, or practice
b : an opinion, doctrine, or practice contrary to the truth or to generally accepted beliefs or standards
Term
Promiscuity
Definition
1
: miscellaneous mingling or selection of persons or things : indiscriminateness
2
: promiscuous sexual behavior
Term
Paroxysm
Definition
1 : a fit, attack, or sudden increase or recurrence of symptoms (as of a disease) : convulsion 2 : a sudden violent emotion or action : outburst
Term
Inveterate
Definition
1 : firmly established by long persistence 2 : confirmed in a habit : habitual
Term
Deleterious
Definition
: harmful often in a subtle or unexpected way
Term
Ostensible
Definition
1 : intended for display : open to view 2 : being such in appearance : plausible rather than demonstrably true or real
Term
Insipid
Definition
1 : lacking taste or savor : tasteless 2 : lacking in qualities that interest, stimulate, or challenge : dull, flat
Term
Reconnoiter
Definition
to have a preliminary survey to gain information; especially : an exploratory military survey of enemy territory
Term
Improvise
Definition
1 : to compose, recite, play, or sing extemporaneously 2 : to make, invent, or arrange offhand 3 : to make or fabricate out of what is conveniently on hand
Term
Venerate
Definition
1
: to regard with reverential respect or with admiring deference
2
: to honor (as an icon or a relic) with a ritual act of devotion
Term
Censure
Definition
1 : a judgment involving condemnation
2
archaic : opinion, judgment
Term
Litany
Definition
1 : a prayer consisting of a series of invocations and supplications by the leader with alternate responses by the congregation 2 a : a resonant or repetitive chant b : a usually lengthy recitation or enumeration c : a sizable series or set
Term
Peregrination
Definition
intransitive verb
: to travel especially on foot : walk
transitive verb
: to walk or travel over : traverse
Term
Duress
Definition
1
: forcible restraint or restriction
2
: compulsion by threat; specifically : unlawful constraint
Term
Accolade
Definition
1
a : a ceremonial embrace
b : a ceremony or salute conferring knighthood
2
a : a mark of acknowledgment : award
b : an expression of praise
3
: a brace or a line used in music to join two or more staffs carrying simultaneous parts
Term
Inception
Definition
: an act, process, or instance of beginning : commencement
Term
Pedantic
Definition
1 : narrowly, stodgily, and often ostentatiously learned 2 : unimaginative, pedestrian
Term
Bestial
Definition
1
a : of or relating to beasts
b : resembling a beast
2
a : lacking intelligence or reason
b : marked by base or inhuman instincts or desires : brutal
Term
Clandestine
Definition
: marked by, held in, or conducted with secrecy : surreptitious
Term
Decorous
Definition
: marked by propriety and good taste : correct
Term
Progenitor
Definition
1
a : an ancestor in the direct line : forefather
b : a biologically ancestral form
2
: precursor, originator
Term
Accomplice
Definition
: one associated with another especially in wrongdoing
Term
Determinate
Definition
1
: having defined limits
2
: definitely settled
3
: conclusively determined : definitive
4
: characterized by sequential flowering from the central or uppermost bud to the lateral or basal buds; also : characterized by growth in which the main stem ends in an inflorescence and stops growing with only branches from the main stem having further and similarly restricted growth — compare indeterminate 4
5
: relating to, being, or undergoing egg cleavage in which each division irreversibly separates portions of the zygote with specific potencies for further development
Term
Stagnant
Definition
1 a : not flowing in a current or stream b : stale 2 : not advancing or developing
Term
Captious
Definition
1
: marked by an often ill-natured inclination to stress faults and raise objections
2
: calculated to confuse, entrap, or entangle in argument
Term
Condescend
Definition
1
a : to descend to a less formal or dignified level : unbend
b : to waive the privileges of rank
2
: to assume an air of superiority
Term
Heed
Definition
intransitive verb
: to pay attention
transitive verb
: to give consideration or attention to : mind
Term
Occlude
Definition

transitive verb 1 : to close up or block off : obstruct ; also : conceal

intransitive verb 1 : to come into contact with cusps of the opposing teeth fitting together

Term
Inculcate
Definition
: to teach and impress by frequent repetitions or admonitions
Term
Desiccate
Definition
transitive verb
1
: to dry up
2
: to preserve (a food) by drying : dehydrate
3
: to drain of emotional or intellectual vitality
intransitive verb
: to become dried up
Term
Expedite
Definition
1
: to execute promptly
2
: to accelerate the process or progress of : speed up
3
: issue, dispatch
Term
Dissemble
Definition
transitive verb
1
: to hide under a false appearance
2
: to put on the appearance of : simulate
intransitive verb
: to put on a false appearance : conceal facts, intentions, or feelings under some pretense
Term
Ameliorate
Definition
transitive verb
: to make better or more tolerable
intransitive verb
: to grow better
Term
Conjure
Definition
transitive verb 1 : to charge or entreat earnestly or solemnly 2 a : to summon by or as if by invocation or incantation b (1) : to affect or effect by or as if by magic (2) : imagine, contrive —often used with up (3) : to bring to mind —often used with up intransitive verb 1 a : to summon a devil or spirit by invocation or incantation b : to practice magical arts
Term
Polarize
Definition

1 : to cause (as light waves) to vibrate in a definite pattern 

  2: to break up into opposing factions or groupings

Term
Saturnine
Definition
a : cold and steady in mood : slow to act or change
b : of a gloomy or surly disposition
c : having a sardonic aspect
Term
Inchoate
Definition
: being only partly in existence or operation : incipient; especially : imperfectly formed or formulated : formless, incoherent
Term
Ineffable
Definition
1 a : incapable of being expressed in words : indescribable b : unspeakable 2 : not to be uttered : taboo
Term
Cloister
Definition
1
a : a monastic establishment
b : an area within a monastery or convent to which the religious are normally restricted
c : monastic life
d : a place or state of seclusion
2
: a covered passage on the side of a court usually having one side walled and the other an open arcade or colonnade
Term
Husbandry
Definition
1
archaic : the care of a household
2
: the control or judicious use of resources : conservation
3
a : the cultivation or production of plants or animals : agriculture
b : the scientific control and management of a branch of farming and especially of domestic animals
Term
Platitude
Definition
1
: the quality or state of being dull or insipid
2
: a banal, trite, or stale remark
Term
Progeny
Definition
1
a : descendants, children
b : offspring of animals or plants
2
: outcome, product
3
: a body of followers, disciples, or successors
Term
Loquacity
Definition
: the quality or state of being very talkative
Term
Obviate
Definition
: to anticipate and prevent (as a situation) or make unnecessary (as an action)
Term
Deprecate
Definition
1 a archaic : to pray against (as an evil) b : to seek to avert 2 : to express disapproval of 3 a : play down : make little of b : belittle, disparage
Term
Perfunctory
Definition
1 : characterized by routine or superficiality : mechanical 2 : lacking in interest or enthusiasm
Term
Sedentary
Definition
1 : not migratory : settled 2 a : doing or requiring much sitting b : not physically active 3 : permanently attached
Term
Caustic
Definition
1 : capable of destroying or eating away by chemical action : corrosive 2 : marked by incisive sarcasm
Term
Eccentric
Definition
1
a : deviating from an established or usual pattern or style
b : deviating from conventional or accepted usage or conduct especially in odd or whimsical ways
2
a : deviating from a circular path; especially : elliptical 1
b : located elsewhere than at the geometrical center; also : having the axis or support so located
Term
Subjugate
Definition
Term
Plumb
Definition
Term
Sanction
Definition
Term
Corroborate
Definition
Term
Winsome
Definition
Term
Fallacious
Definition
Term
Imminent
Definition
Term
Disseminate
Definition
Term
Fleece
Definition
Term
Recant
Definition
Term
Mercurial
Definition
Term
Cacophony
Definition
Term
Affectation
Definition
Term
Couture
Definition
Term
Nebulous
Definition
Term
Stolid
Definition
Term
Martinet
Definition
Term
Aperture
Definition
Term
Refurbish
Definition
Term
Consummate
Definition
Term
Inure
Definition
Term
Expostulate
Definition
Term
Gamin
Definition
Term
Credulous
Definition
Term
Confound
Definition
Term
Vex
Definition
Term
Flout
Definition
Term
Impede
Definition
Term
Peculate
Definition
Term
Impugn
Definition
Term
Sylvan
Definition
Term
Estimable
Definition
Term
Cavort
Definition
Term
Ossify
Definition
Term
Entreat
Definition
Term
Pellucid
Definition
Term
Pervade
Definition
Term
Paucity
Definition
Term
Idiosyncrasy
Definition
Term
Garrulous
Definition
Term
Acrid
Definition
Term
Acrimony
Definition
Term
Penchant
Definition
Term
Dilettante
Definition
Term
Laconic
Definition
Term
Destitute
Definition
Term
Goad
Definition
Term
Foible
Definition
Term
Caprice
Definition
Term
Tableau
Definition
Term
Elegy
Definition
Term
Vindicate
Definition
Term
Incarcerate
Definition
Term
Archaism
Definition
Term
Torpor
Definition
Term
Authoritarian
Definition
Term
Pertinacious
Definition
Supporting users have an ad free experience!