The Ubiquitous 400

The GRE tests a surprisingly limited number of words. In the following lists, you will find words that occur frequently on
the GRE. Granted, memorizing a list of words is rather dry, but it is probably the most effective way to improve your
performance on the verbal section.
As you read through the lists, mark any words that you do not know with a check mark. Then when you read
through the list again, mark any that you do not remember with two checks. Continue in this manner until you have
learned the words.
The first list, The Ubiquitous 400, contains words that have appeared frequently on the GRE. Over the years, our
second list, Vocabulary 4000, has been an invaluable tool for students who have both the time and the determination to
wade through it. It’s chock-full of words that are prime candidates for the GRE.

abash humiliate, embarrass amalgamation mixture belie misrepresent

abdicate relinquish power or position ambiguous unclear belittle disparage
aberrant abnormal ambivalence conflicting emotions bellicose warlike
abet aid, encourage (typically of amenable agreeable benefactor patron
crime)
amorphous shapeless boisterous noisy
abeyance postponement
anachronistic out of historical order boor vulgar person
aboriginal indigenous
analogous similar bourgeois middle class
abridge shorten
anarchy absence of government bucolic rustic
abstemious moderate
anathema curse buttress support
acclimate accustom oneself to a
climate animus hate cachet prestige
accost to approach and speak to anomalous abnormal cacophony dissonance, harsh noise
someone
antipathy repulsion, hatred callow inexperienced
acquiesce agree passively
antipodal exactly opposite canon rule
acumen insight
antiquated outdated, obsolete capacious spacious
adamant insistent
apathy indifference capitulate surrender
admonish warn gently
appease pacify castigate criticize
adulterate contaminate, corrupt
approbation approval cathartic purgative, purifying
adversity hardship
artless naive, simple catholic universal, worldly
aegis that which protects
ascetic self-denying caustic scathing (of speech)
aesthetic pleasing to the senses,
beautiful assiduous hard-working censure condemn
assimilate absorb chagrin embarrassment
affable friendly
audacity boldness charlatan quack
affinity fondness
auspicious favorable chary cautious
aggregate total, collect
austere harsh, Spartan coagulate thicken
aghast horrified
coda concluding passage
alacrity swiftness autonomous self-governing
cogent well-put, convincing
alienate estrange, antagonize avarice greed
collusion conspiracy
alleviate lessen, assuage axiom self-evident truth
commensurate proportionate
altruism benevolence, generosity banal trite
commiserate empathize
459

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compensatory redeeming
compliant submissive
conciliatory reconciling
condone overlook wrong doing
conducive helping
connoisseur an expert, gourmet
consensus general agreement
contentious argumentative
conundrum puzzle, enigma
convoluted twisted, complicated
covenant agreement, pact
covert secret
credence belief
credulous believing
cynical scornful of the motives of
others
dauntless courageous
dearth scarcity
defamation (noun) slander
deference courteously yielding to
another
deleterious harmful
delineate draw a line around,
describe
demur take exception
denigrate defame
deprecate belittle
desiccate dehydrate
despot tyrant
destitute poor
desultory without direction in life
deterrent hindrance
devoid empty
devout pious
diatribe long denunciation
dichotomy a division into two parts
didactic instructional
diffident shy
digress ramble
disabuse correct a misconception
discerning observant
discord lack of harmony
discrete separate
discretion prudence
disingenuous deceptive
disparate various
disseminate distribute
dissent disagree
dissolution disintegration
dissonance discord
distend swell
divest strip, deprive
divulge disclose
dogmatic certain, unchanging in
opinion
dormant asleep
eclectic from many sources
efficacy effectiveness
effigy likeness, mannequin
effloresce to bloom
effrontery insolence
elicit provoke
eloquent well-spoken
emancipate liberate
embellish exaggerate
endemic peculiar to a particular
region
enervate weaken
engender generate
ennui boredom
enumerate count
esoteric known by only a few
esthetic artistic
euphemism genteel expression
euphoria elation
evanescent fleeting, very brief
The Ubiquitous 400 460
exacerbate worsen
exasperate irritate
exhibitionist one who draws
attention to himself
exonerate free from blame
expedite hasten
extemporize improvise
extol praise highly
facetious joking, sarcastic
facilitate make easier
fallacy false belief
fathom understand
fervor intensity
fickle always changing one’s mind
filibuster long speech
fledgling just beginning,
struggling
flout to show disregard for the law
or rules
foment instigate
forsake abandon
fortuitous lucky
foster encourage
frugal thrifty
fulminate denounce, menace
furtive stealthy
gainsay contradict
germane relevant
glib insincere manner
gratuitous unwarranted, uncalled for
gregarious sociable
halcyon serene
hamper obstruct
harangue tirade
harry harass
hedonism excessive pursuit of
pleasure in life
hegemony authority, domination
histrionic overly dramatic
461 GRE Prep Course

homogeneous uniform intrepid fearless omnipotent all-powerful

hyperbole exaggeration inundate flood onerous burdensome
hypocritical deceiving, two-faced inure accustom, habituate, harden opprobrium disgrace
iconoclast one who rails against invective verbal insult oscillate waver
sacred institutions
inveigle lure paean a song of praise
idiosyncrasy peculiarity
irascible irritable paradigm a model
imminent about to happen
irresolute hesitant, uncertain paragon standard of excellence
impecunious indigent
itinerary route parody imitation, ridicule
imperative vital, pressing
judicious prudent parsimonious stingy
imperturbable calm
laconic brief, terse paucity scarcity
impervious impenetrable
lassitude lethargy pedagogical pertaining to teaching
impetuous impulsive
laudatory commendable pedantic bookish
implicit implied
levity frivolity penchant inclination
impolitic unwise
lucid clearly understood penury poverty
impulsive to act suddenly
lurid ghastly pernicious destructive
impunity exemption from harm
Machiavellian politically crafty, perpetuity eternity
inadvertent unintentional cunning
perspicacious keen
incendiary inflammatory magnanimous generous, kindhearted
pervade permeate
incipient beginning magnate a powerful, successful
person philanthropic charitable
incontrovertible indisputable
malevolence bad intent, malice phlegmatic sluggish
incorrigible unreformable
malinger shirk piety devoutness
indifferent unconcerned
malleable moldable, tractable pious devout, holy
indigent poor
misanthrope hater of mankind piquant tart-tasting, spicy
indolent lazy
miscreant evildoer pithy concise
indomitable invincible
mitigate lessen the severity platitude trite remark
ineffable inexpressible
mundane ordinary platonic nonsexual
inert inactive
nadir lowest point plethora overabundance
inherent innate, inborn
narcissism self-love polemic a controversy
inhibit restrain
nascent incipient posthumous after death
inimical adverse, hostile
neologism newly coined expression pragmatic practical
insatiable gluttonous
nonplus confound precarious dangerous, risky
insidious treacherous
noxious toxic precipitate cause
insipid flat, dull
insufferable unbearable obfuscate bewilder, muddle precursor forerunner

insular narrow-minded obtuse stupid preponderance predominance

intangible not perceptible by touch obviate make unnecessary presumptuous assuming

internecine mutually destructive odious despicable pretentious affected, inflated

intractable unmanageable officious forward, obtrusive pretext excuse

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 The Ubiquitous 400 462

prevaricate lie reprobate miscreant synthesis combination

probity integrity repudiate disavow tacit understood without being spoken
problematic uncertain requisite necessary temerity boldness
prodigal wasteful rescind revoke tenuous thin, insubstantial
prodigious marvelous, enormous resolute determined terse concise
prodigy a person with extraordinary reticent reserved torpid lethargic, inactive
ability or talent
retribution reprisal tractable docile, manageable
profligate licentious, prodigal
reverent respectful transient fleeting, temporary
profound deep, knowledgeable
rhapsody ecstasy trenchant incisive, penetrating
profusion overabundance
rhetoric elocution, grandiloquence truculent fierce, savage
prolific fruitful, productive
sanctimonious self-righteous ubiquitous omnipresent, pervasive
propensity inclination
sanction approval ulterior hidden, covert
proportionate commensurate
sanguinary gory, murderous untenable cannot be achieved
propriety decorum
satiate satisfy fully untoward perverse
prosaic uninspired, flat
satire ridicule urbane refined, worldly
proscribe prohibit
schism rift vacillate waver
protuberance bulge
secular worldly, nonreligious venerable revered
pundit politically astute person
sedulous diligent veracity truthfulness
pungent sharp smell or taste
severance division verbose wordy
qualms misgivings
skeptical doubtful vernacular common speech
quash put down, suppress
solicitous considerate, concerned vex annoy
querulous complaining
solvent financially sound viable capable of surviving
quixotic impractical, romantic
sophistry specious reasoning vilify defame
raconteur story teller
specious false but plausible virulent deadly, poisonous
recalcitrant stubborn
spurious false, counterfeit vitriolic scathing
recant retract
squander waste vituperative abusive
redoubtable formidable, steadfast
stolid impassive vivacious lively
refractory obstinate
stupefy deaden, dumfound volatile unstable
relegate assign to an inferior position
stymie hinder, thwart voluminous bulky, extensive
renege break a promise
sullen sulky, sour voracious hungry
renounce disown
supercilious arrogant xenophobia fear of foreigners
reprehensible blameworthy
superfluous overabundant zealot fanatic
reproach blame
surfeit overabundance

A abscess infected and inflamed tissue
a cappella without accompaniment
à la carte priced separately
a priori reasoning based on
general principles
aback unexpected
abacus counting device
abandon desert, forsake
abase degrade
abash humiliate, embarrass
abate lessen
abatement alleviation
abbey monastery
abbreviate shorten
abdicate relinquish power or
position
abdomen belly
abduct kidnap
aberrant abnormal
abet aid, encourage (typically of
crime)
abeyance postponement
abhor detest
abide submit, endure
abject wretched
abjure renounce
ablate cut away
ablution cleansing
abode home
abolish annul
abominable detestable
aboriginal indigenous
abortive unsuccessful
abound be plentiful
abreast side-by-side
abridge shorten
abroad overseas
abrogate cancel
abrupt ending suddenly
Vocabulary 4000
abscond to run away (secretly)
actuate induce, start
acumen insight
absolve acquit acute sharp, intense
abstain refrain ad nauseam to a ridiculous degree
abstract theoretical, intangible ad-lib improvise
abstruse difficult to understand adage proverb
abut touch, border on adamant insistent
abysmal deficient, sub par adapt adjust to changing
abyss chasm conditions
academy school adaptable pliable
accede yield addendum appendix
accentuate emphasize adduce offer as example
accession attainment of rank adept skillful
accessory attachment adhere stick to
acclaim recognition, fame adherent supporter
acclimate accustom oneself to a adieu farewell
climate adipose fatty
acclivity ascent, incline adjacent next to
accolade applause adjourn discontinue
accommodate adapt adjudicate judge
accomplice one who aids a adjunct addition
lawbreaker
administer manage
accord agreement
admissible allowable
accost to approach and speak to
admonish warn gently
someone
ado fuss
accouter equip
Adonis beautiful man
accredit authorize
adroit skillful
accrete grow larger
adulation applause
accrue accumulate
adulterate contaminate, corrupt
accumulate amass
adumbration overshadow
acerbic caustic (of speech)
advent arrival
acme summit
adventitious accidental
acolyte assistant
adversary opponent
acoustic pertaining to sound
adverse unfavorable
acquaint familiarize
adversity hardship
acquiesce agree passively
advise give counsel
acquit free from blame
advocate urge
acrid pungent, caustic
aegis that which protects
acrimonious caustic, bitter
aerial pertaining to the air
acrophobia fear of heights
463
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464 GRE Prep Course

aerobics exercise agile nimble alms charity

aesthetic pleasing to the senses, agitate stir up aloof arrogant
beautiful agnate related on the father’s side altercation argument
affable friendly agnostic not knowing whether God altitude height
affect influence exists alto low female voice
affectation pretense agrarian pertaining to farming allegory fable
affidavit sworn written statement agronomy science of crop allegro fast
affiliate associate production
alleviate lessen, assuage
affiliation connection air discuss, broadcast
alliteration repetition of the same
affinity fondness airs pretension sound
affix fasten akimbo with hands on hips altruism benevolence, generosity
affliction illness akin related amalgamation mixture
affluent abundant, wealthy al fresco outdoors amass collect
affray brawl alacrity swiftness ambient surrounding, environment
affront insult albatross large sea bird ambiguous unclear
aficionado devotee, ardent albino lacking pigmentation ambivalence conflicting emotions
follower alcove recess, niche ambulatory able to walk
afoul entangled alfresco outdoors ameliorate improve
aft rear alias assumed name amenable agreeable
aftermath consequence alibi excuse amend correct
agape wonder alienate estrange, antagonize amenities courtesies, comforts
agenda plan, timetable alight land, descend amenity pleasantness
agent provocateur agitator allay to reassure amiable friendly
aggrandize exaggerate allege assert without proof amid among
aggravate worsen allegiance loyalty amiss wrong, out of place
aggregate total, collect allocate distribute amity friendship
aggressor attacker allot allocate amnesty pardon
aggrieve mistreat allude refer to indirectly amoral without morals
aggrieved unjustly injured ally unite for a purpose amorous loving, sexual
aghast horrified almanac calendar with additional
information
Quiz 1 (Matching)

Match each word in the first column with its definition in the second column.

1. ABASE A. applause
2. ABSTAIN B. caustic
3. ACOLYTE C. shorten
4. ABEYANCE D. applause
5. ABRIDGE E. assistant
6. ACCOLADE F. postponement
7. ACRIMONIOUS G. refrain
8. ADDUCE H. exercise
9. ADULATION I. degrade
10. AEROBICS J. offer as example
amorphous shapeless amphitheater oval-shaped theater amuse entertain
amortize pay by installments amuck murderous frenzy anachronistic out of historical
amphibious able to operate in amulet charm, talisman order
water and land anaerobic without oxygen
 Vocabulary 4000 465

anagram a word formed by rear- aphasia speechless arrogate seize without right
ranging the letters of another word aphorism maxim arroyo gully
analgesic pain-soother aplomb poise arsenal supply
analogous similar apocalyptic ominous, doomed artful skillful, cunning
analogy point by point comparison apocryphal of doubtful articulate well-spoken
anarchist terrorist authenticity artifice trick
anarchy absence of government apoplexy stroke artless naive, simple
anathema curse apostate one who abandons one’s ascend rise
anecdote story faith
ascendancy powerful state
aneurysm bulging in a blood apotheosis deification
ascertain discover
vessel appall horrify
ascetic self-denying
angst anxiety, dread apparition phantom
ascribe to attribute
animadversion critical remark appease pacify
aseptic sterile
animated exuberant appellation title
ashen pale
animosity dislike append affix
asinine stupid
animus hate apposite apt
askance to view with suspicion
annals historical records apprehensive anxious
askew crooked
annex to attach apprise inform
aspersion slander
annihilate destroy approbation approval
asphyxiate suffocate
annotate to add explanatory notes apropos appropriate
aspirant contestant
annul cancel apt suitable
aspiration ambition
annular ring-shaped aptitude ability
assail attack
anodyne pain soothing aquatic pertaining to water
assassin murderer
anoint consecrate arbiter judge
assent agree
anomalous abnormal arbitrament final judgment
assert affirm
anonymity state of being arbitrary tyrannical, capricious
anonymous assess appraise
arcane secret
antagonistic hostile assiduous hard-working
archaic antiquated
antagonize harass assimilate absorb
archetype original model
antechamber waiting room assonance partial rhyme
archipelago group of island
antediluvian ancient, obsolete assuage lessen (pain)
archives public records
anthology collection astral pertaining to stars
ardent passionate
anthrax disease astringent causing contraction,
ardor passion severe
antic caper, prank arduous hard astute wise
antipathy repulsion, hated argonauts gold-seekers, asunder apart
antipodal exactly opposite adventurers
asylum place of refuge
antiquated outdated, obsolete argot specialized vocabulary
asymmetric uneven
antiquity ancient times aria operatic song
atavistic exhibiting the characteris-
antithesis direct opposite arid dry, dull tics of one’s forebears
apartheid racial segregation aristocrat nobleman atelier workshop
apathetic unconcerned armada fleet of ships atoll reef
apathy indifference armistice truce atomize vaporize
ape mimic arraign indict atone make amends
aperture opening array arrangement atrophy the wasting away of
apex highest point arrears in debt muscle

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466 GRE Prep Course

attenuate weaken austere harsh, Spartan avuncular like an uncle

attest testify authorize grant, sanction awry crooked
attire dress automaton robot axiom self-evident truth
attribute ascribe autonomous self-governing aye affirmative vote
attrition deterioration, reduction auxiliary secondary azure sky blue
atypical abnormal avail assistance
au courant well informed
audacity boldness
avant garde vanguard
avarice greed
B
babbittry smugness
audient listening, attentive avatar incarnation
bacchanal orgy
audition tryout averse loath, reluctant
badger pester
augment increase avert turn away
badinage banter
augur predict avian pertaining to birds
bagatelle nonentity, trifle
august noble avid enthusiastic
bailiwick area of concern or
aura atmosphere, emanation avocation hobby
business
auspices patronage, protection avouch attest, guarantee
baleen whalebone
auspicious favorable avow declare
Quiz 2 (Matching)

Match each word in the first column with its definition in the second column.

1. ANATHEMA A. hard
2. ANNIHILATE B. curse
3. ANOMALOUS C. gully
4. APATHETIC D. suffocate
5. ARCHAIC E. antiquated
6. ARDUOUS F. destroy
7. ARROYO G. abnormal
8. ASPHYXIATE H. unconcerned
9. ASTRINGENT I. make amends
10. ATONE J. causing contraction
baleful hostile, malignant batten fasten, board up belfry bell tower
balk hesitate battery physical attack belie misrepresent
balky hesitant bauble trinket belittle disparage
ballad song beatify sanctify bellicose warlike
ballast counterbalance beatitude state of bliss belligerent combative
ballistics study of projectiles beckon lure bellow shout
balm soothing ointment becoming proper bellwether leader, guide
banal trite bedlam uproar bemoan lament
bandy exchange befit to be suitable bemused bewildered
bane poison, nuisance beget produce, procreate benchmark standard
barbarian savage begrudge resent, envy benediction blessing
bard poet beguile deceive, seduce benefactor patron
baroque ornate behemoth monster benevolent kind
barrister lawyer behest command benign harmless
bask take pleasure in, sun beholden in debt bent determined
basso low male voice belabor assail verbally bequeath will
bastion fort belated delayed, overdue bequest gift, endowment
bathos sentimentality beleaguer besiege berate scold
 Vocabulary 4000 467

bereave rob boor vulgar person cadge beg

bereft deprived of bootless unavailing cadre small group
berserk crazed booty loot cajole encourage, coax
beseech implore botch bungle calamity disaster
beset harass, encircle bourgeois middle class calculating scheming
besiege beleaguer, surround bovine cow-like caliber ability
besmirch slander, sully boycott abstain in protest callous insensitive
bespeak attest bracing refreshing callow inexperienced
bestial beast-like, brutal brackish salty calumny slander
bestow offer, grant brandish display menacingly camaraderie fellowship
betrothed engaged bravado feigned bravery canaille rabble
bevy group bravura technically difficult canard hoax
bibliography list of sources of brawn strength candid frank, unrehearsed
information brevity shortness of expression candor frankness
bicameral having two legislative brigand robber canine pertaining to dogs
branches
brink edge canon rule
bicker quarrel
broach bring up a topic of cant insincere speech
biennial occurring every two years conversation cantankerous peevish
bilateral two-sided bromide cliché cantata musical composition
bilious ill-tempered brook tolerate canvass survey
bilk swindle browbeat to bully capacious spacious
biodegradable naturally decaying brusque curt capillary thin tube
biopsy removing tissue for bucolic rustic
examination capital most significant, pertaining
buffet blow to wealth
biped two-footed animal
buffoon fool capitol legislative building
bistro tavern, cafe
bulwark fortification capitulate surrender
bivouac encampment
buncombe empty, showy talk capricious fickle, impulsive
blandish flatter, grovel
buoyant floatable caption title
blasé bored with life
burgeon sprout captious fond of finding fault in
blasphemy insulting God others
burlesque farce
bleak cheerless captivate engross, fascinate
burly husky
blight decay carafe bottle
buttress support
bliss happiness carbine rifle
blithe joyous
bloated swollen C carcinogenic causing cancer
carcinoma tumor
bode portend cabal plot cardinal chief
bogus forged, false cabaret night club cardiologist one who studies the
bogy bugbear cache hiding place heart
boisterous noisy cachet prestige careen swerve
bolt move quickly and suddenly cacophony dissonance, harsh noise carrion decaying flesh
bombast pompous speech cadaver corpse cartographer mapmaker
bon vivant gourmet, epicure cadaverous haggard cascade waterfall
bona fide made in good faith cadence rhythm cashmere fine wool from Asia
bonanza a stroke of luck cadet a student of a military Cassandra unheeded prophet
boon payoff academy castigate criticize

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468 GRE Prep Course

castrate remove the testicles cataclysm catastrophe categorical absolute, certain

casuistry specious reasoning catastrophic disastrous cathartic purgative, purifying
Quiz 3 (Matching)

Match each word in the first column with its definition in the second column.

1. BESMIRCH A. unheeded prophet

2. BICAMERAL B. peevish
3. BILATERAL C. pertaining to dogs
4. BOOTLESS D. plot
5. BRANDISH E. farce
6. BURLESQUE F. display menacingly
7. CABAL G. unavailing
8. CANINE H. two-sided
9. CANTANKEROUS I. having two legislative branches
10. CASSANDRA J. sully
catholic universal, worldly cherub cupid cloister refuge
caucus meeting cherubic sweet, innocent clone duplicate
cause célèbre celebrated legal case chicanery trickery clout influence
caustic scathing (of speech) chide scold cloven split
cauterize to sear chimerical imaginary, dreamlike cloy glut
cavalier disdainful, nonchalant choleric easily angered cloyed jaded
caveat warning chortle laugh, snort co-opt preempt, usurp
caveat emptor buyer beware chronic continual coagulate thicken
cavil quibble chronicle a history coalesce combine
cavort frolic chronology arrangement by time coda concluding passage
cede transfer ownership churl a boor coddle pamper
celestial heavenly chutzpah gall codicil supplement to a will
celibate abstaining from sex Cimmerian dim, unlit coercion force
cenotaph empty tomb cipher zero coffer strong box
censorious condemning speech circa about cogent well-put, convincing
censure condemn circuitous roundabout cogitate ponder
ceramics pottery circumcise remove the foreskin cognate from the same source
cerebral pertaining to the brain circumlocution roundabout cognizant aware
cessation a stoping expression cognomen family name
chafe abrade circumspect cautious cohabit live together
chagrin embarrassment circumvent evade cohere stick together
chalice goblet citadel fortress cohort an associate
champion defend citation summons to appear in coiffure hairdo
court
chaperon escort collaborate work together
clamor noise
charade pantomime collar seize
clan extended family
charlatan quack collateral securities for a debt
clandestine secret
chartreuse greenish yellow colloquial informal speech
claustrophobia fear of enclosed
chary cautious places colloquy conference
chaste pure, virgin cleave split collusion conspiracy
chasten castigate cleft split colonnade row of columns
chateau castle clemency forgiveness comatose stupor
cheeky brass, forward clique a small group combine unite, blend

commandeer seize for military use
commemorate observe
commend praise
commensurate proportionate
commiserate empathize
commissary food store
commission authorization to
perform a task
commodious spacious
commodity product
commodore naval officer
communion fellowship
commutation exchange,
substitution
commute lessen punishment
compact covenant
compassion kindness
compatible well-matched,
harmonious
compatriot countryman
compelling convincing
compendium summary
compensate make up for
compensatory redeeming
competence skillfulness
compile collect
complacent self-satisfied
compliant submissive
complicity guilt by association
comport to conduct oneself
composed cool, self-possessed
compound augment
comprehensive thorough
comprise consist of
compulsive obsessive
compulsory obligatory
compunction remorse
concatenate link
concave curving inward
concede yield, grant
concerted done together
conch spiral shell
conciliatory reconciling
concise brief
Vocabulary 4000 469
conclusive convincing, ending conscientious honorable, upright
doubt conscription draft, enlistment
concoct devise consecrate make holy
concomitant accompanying, consecutive one after another
concurrent
consensus general agreement
concord accord
considered well thought out
concordat agreement
consign assign
concourse throng
consolation comfort
concubine mistress
console comfort
concur agree
consolidate unite, strengthen
concurrent simultaneous
consonant harmonious
condescend patronize, talk down
to consort spouse
consortium cartel
condiment seasoning
condolence commiseration conspicuous obvious
condone overlook wrong doing conspire plot
conducive helping constellation arrangement of stars
conduit pipe consternation anxiety,
bewilderment
confabulate discuss
constrained confined
confection candy
construe interpret
confederacy alliance
consummate perfect
confer bestow
contagion infectious agent
conference meeting
contemplate meditate
confidant trusted friend
contempt disdain
confide trust another (with secrets)
contend struggle
confiscate seize
contented satisfied
conflagration large fire
contentious argumentative
confluence flowing together
contiguous adjacent, abutting
confound bewilder
continence self-control
confront challenge
contingent conditional
confuse perplex
contort twist
confute disprove
contraband illicit goods
congeal solidify
contraction shrinkage
congenial friendly
contractual related to a contract
congenital inborn, existing from
birth contrariety opposition
congeries pile contrast difference, comparison
congruence conformity contravene oppose
coniferous bearing cones contretemps unfortunate occurrence
conjecture hypothesis contrite apologetic
conjugal pertaining to marriage contrive arrange, artificial
conjure summon controversial subject to dispute
connive conspire controvert dispute
connoisseur an expert, gourmet contumacy disobedience
consanguineous related by blood contusion bruise
conundrum puzzle, enigma
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470 GRE Prep Course

convene assemble (a group) corps group of people cower showing fear

conventional customary, standard corpulent fat crass crude
converge come together corroborate confirm crave desire
conversant familiar cortege procession craven cowardly
converse opposite coruscate sparkle credence belief
convex curving outward cosmopolitan worldly, sophisticated credenza buffet
convey communicate cosset coddle credulity gullibility
conviction strongly held belief coterie small group credulous believing
convivial sociable, festive countenance facial expression creed belief
convocation gathering countermand overrule crescendo becoming louder
convoke convene, summon counterstrike strike back crestfallen dejected
convoluted twisted, complicated countervail counterbalance crevice crack
copious abundant coup master stroke cringe cower
coquette a flirt coup de grâce final stroke, a blow criterion a standard used in judging
cordial friendly of mercy critique examination, criticism
cordon bond, chain court-martial military trial croon sing
cornucopia cone-shaped horn courtesan prostitute cruet bottle
filled with fruit courtier member of the king’s crux gist, key
corollary consequence court
cryptic mysterious
coronation crowning of a covenant agreement, pact
sovereign covert secret
corporeal of the body covet desire
Quiz 4 (Matching)

Match each word in the first column with its definition in the second column.

1. COMMANDEER A. seize for military use

2. COMMUNION B. apologetic
3. COMPATRIOT C. perfect
4. CONCERTED D. accord
5. CONCORD E. done together
6. CONFLUENCE F. pile
7. CONGERIES G. flowing together
8. CONSONANT H. harmonious
9. CONSUMMATE I. countryman
10. CONTRITE J. fellowship
cubism a style of painting
cudgel club
curmudgeon boor
curriculum course of study
D
dab touch lightly
culinary pertaining to cooking curry seek favor by flattery
dais platform
cull pick out, select cursory hasty
dally procrastinate
culminate climax curt abrupt, rude
dank damp
culpable blameworthy curtail shorten
dauntless courageous
culprit offender cyclone storm
de facto actual
culvert drain cynical scornful of the motives of
others de jure legally
cumbersome unwieldy
cynosure celebrity de rigueur very formal
cumulative accumulate
czar Russian emperor deadpan expressionless
cupidity greed
dearth scarcity
curb restrain, block
debacle a rout, defeat
 Vocabulary 4000 471

debase degrade degrade demean depredation preying on, plunder

debauch corrupt dehydrate dry out deprive take away
debauchery indulgence deign condescend deracinate uproot
debilitate weaken deity a god derelict negligent
debonair sophisticated, affable delectable delicious deride ridicule
debrief interrogate delegate authorize derisive mocking
debunk refute, expose delete remove derogatory degrading
debutante a girl debuting into deleterious harmful derrick crane
society deliberate ponder desecrate profane
decadence decay (e.g. moral) delineate draw a line around, desiccate dehydrate
decant pour describe designate appoint
decapitate kill by beheading delinquent negligent, culpable desist stop
decathlon athletic contest delirium mental confusion, ecstasy desolate forsaken
deceive trick delude deceive despicable contemptible
deciduous shedding leaves deluge a flood despise loathe
decimate destroy delve dig, explore (of ideas) despondent depressed
decipher decode demagogue a politician who despot tyrant
decline decrease in number appeals to base instincts
destitute poor
decommission take a ship out of demean degrade
desuetude disuse
service demeanor behavior
desultory without direction in life
decorous seemly demented deranged
detached emotionally removed
decorum protocol demise death
detain confine
decree official order demobilize disband
détente truce
decrepitude enfeeblement demography study of human
populations detention confinement
decry castigate
demoralize dishearten deter discourage, prevent
deduce conclude
demote lower in rank deterrent hindrance
deduct subtract
demur take exception detract lessen
deem judge
demure sedate, reserved detractor one who criticizes
deface mar, disfigure
denigrate defame detrimental harmful
defamation (noun) slander
denizen dweller detritus debris
defame (verb) slander
denomination class, sect devastate lay waste
defeatist one who is resigned to
defeat denote signify, stand for deviate turn away from
defer postpone denouement resolution devise plan
deference courteously yielding to denounce condemn devoid empty
another denude strip bare devotee enthusiast, follower
deficit shortage depart leave devout pious
defile pollute depict portray diabolical devilish
definitive conclusive, final deplete exhaust dialectic pertaining to debate
deflect turn aside deplore condemn diaphanous sheer, translucent
deflower despoil deploy arrange forces diatribe long denunciation
defraud swindle deportment behavior dicey risky
defray pay deposition testimony dichotomy a division into two parts
deft skillful depravity immorality dictate command
defunct extinct deprecate belittle dictum saying

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472 GRE Prep Course

didactic instructional diligent hard-working disavow deny

diffident shy diminution reduction disband disperse
digress ramble diocese district disburse pay out
dilapidated neglected dire dreadful discernible visible
dilate enlarge dirigible airship, blimp discerning observant
dilatory procrastinating disabuse correct disclaim renounce
dilemma a difficult choice disaffect alienate disconcert confuse
dilettante amateur, dabbler disarray disorder
Quiz 5 (Matching)

Match each word in the first column with its definition in the second column.

1. DEBUNK A. decode
2. DECIPHER B. refute
3. DEDUCE C. conclusive
4. DEFINITIVE D. conclude
5. DEFUNCT E. to draw a line around
6. DELINEATE F. extinct
7. DENOMINATION G. belittle
8. DEPRECATE H. sect
9. DESOLATE I. pertaining to debate
10. DIALECTIC J. forsaken
disconsolate inconsolable dispassionate impartial distraught distressed
discord lack of harmony dispatch send distrust suspect
discourse conversation dispel cause to banish dither move without purpose
discreet prudent disperse scatter diurnal daily
discrepancy difference dispirit discourage diva prima donna
discrete separate disposition attitude diverge branch off
discretion prudence dispossess take away possessions diverse varying
discriminating able to see disputatious fond of arguing diversion pastime
differences dispute debate diversity variety
discursive rambling disquietude anxiety divest strip, deprive
disdain contempt disquisition elaborate treatise dividend distributed profits
disengage release, detach disrepute disgrace divine foretell
disfigure mar, ruin dissemble pretend divisive causing conflict
disgruntle disappointed disseminate distribute divulge disclose
dishevel muss dissent disagree docile domesticated, trained
disinclination unwillingness dissertation lecture dock curtail
disingenuous deceptive dissidence disagreement doctrinaire dogmatic
disinter unearth dissipate scatter document verify
disinterested impartial dissolute profligate, immoral dodder tremble
disjointed disconnected, incoherent dissolution disintegration dogged persistent
dismal gloomy dissonance discord doggerel poor verse
dismantle take apart dissuade deter dogmatic certain, unchanging in
dismay dread distend swell opinion
disparage belittle distortion misinterpret, lie dolce sweetly
disparate various distract divert doldrums dullness
disparity difference distrait preoccupied, absent-minded doleful sorrowful
 Vocabulary 4000 473

dolorous gloomy edify instruct embroil involve

domicile home editorialize express an opinion embryonic rudimentary
dominion authority educe draw forth, evoke emend correct
don assume, put on efface obliterate emergent appearing
donor contributor effeminate unmanly emeritus retired, but retaining title
dormant asleep effervescence exuberance eminent distinguished, famous
dossier file effete worn out emissary messenger
dotage senility efficacious effective emote to display exaggerated
doting attending efficacy effectiveness emotion
double-entendre having two effigy likeness, mannequin empathy compassion, sympathy
meanings one of which is sexually effloresce to bloom employ use
suggestive empower enable, grant
effrontery insolence
doughty resolute, unafraid emulate imitate
effulgent brilliant
dour sullen enact decree, ordain
effusion pouring forth
dowager widow enamored charmed, captivated
egocentric self-centered
doyen dean of a group enate related on the mother’s side
egregious grossly wrong
draconian harsh encapsulate condense
egress exit
dregs residue, riffraff enchant charm
ejaculate exclaim
drivel inane speech enclave area enclosed within
eke to supplement with great
droll amusing effort, strain another region
drone speak in a monotonic voice elaboration detailed explanation encomium praise
dubious doubtful elate raise spirits encompass contain, encircle
ductile stretchable electorate voters encore additional performance
dudgeon resentment, indignant eleemosynary pertaining to charity encroach trespass
humor encumber burden
elegant refined, exquisite
duenna governess encyclopedic comprehensive
elegiac sad
duet twosome endear enamor
elephantine large
dulcet melodious endeavor attempt, strive
elicit provoke
dupe one who is easily trick, victim endemic peculiar to a particular
elide omit
duplicity deceit, treachery region
elite upper-class
duress coercion endocrinologist one who studies
ellipsis omission of words glands of internal secretion
dynamic energetic
eloquent well-spoken endoderm within the skin
elucidate make clear
E elude evade
endorse approve
endowment property, gift
ebb recede elusive evasive endure suffer
ebullient exuberant emaciated underfed, gaunt enervate weaken
eccentric odd, weird emancipate liberate enfranchise liberate
ecclesiastical churchly emasculate castrate, dispirit engaging enchanting, charming
echelon degree embargo restriction engender generate
éclat brilliance embellish exaggerate engrave carve into a material
eclectic from many sources embezzlement theft engross captivate
ectoderm top layer of skin emblazon imprint, brand engulf overwhelm
ecumenical universal embody personify enhance improve
edict order embrace accept enigmatic puzzling
edifice building embrangle embroil

TeamLRN
474 GRE Prep Course

enjoin urge, order epidemic spreading rapidly escarpment a steep slope

enlighten inform epidemiology study of the spread eschew avoid
enlist join of disease esoteric known by only a few
enmity hostility, hatred epigram saying esplanade boardwalk
ennoble exalt episode incident espouse advocate
ennui boredom epistemology the branch of esteem respect
philosophy dealing with knowledge
enormity large, tragic esthetic artistic
epithet name, appellation
ensemble musical group estimable meritorious
epoch era
enshroud cover estrange alienate
epoxy glue
ensnare trap eternal endless
equable even-tempered
ensue follow immediately ethereal light, airy
equanimity composure
entail involve, necessitate ethical conforming to accepted
equine pertaining to horses standards of behavior
enterprise undertaking
equitable fair ethos beliefs of a group
enthrall mesmerize
equivocate make intentionally etiquette manners
entice lure ambiguous
entomology the study of insects etymology study of words
era period of time
entourage assemblage euphemism genteel expression
eradicate abolish
entreat plead euphoria elation
ergo therefore
entrench fortify euthanasia mercy-killing
erode wear away
entrepreneur businessman evade avoid
err mistake, misjudge
enumerate count evanescent fleeting, very brief
errant wandering
enviable desirable evangelical proselytizing
erratic constantly changing
envision imagine evasive elusive
erroneous mistaken
envoy messenger eventful momentous
ersatz artificial
eon long period of time eventual ultimate, coming
erudite learned
ephemeral short-lived eventuate bring about
erupt burst forth
epic majestic evidential pertaining to evidence
escalate intensify
epicure gourmet evince attest, demonstrate
escapade adventure
Quiz 6 (Matching)

Match each word in the first column with its definition in the second column.

1. DORMANT A. exuberant
2. DOUGHTY B. puzzling
3. DUET C. comprehensive
4. EBULLIENT D. asleep
5. EFFEMINATE E. omission of words
6. ELLIPSIS F. unmanly
7. EMANCIPATE G. charm
8. ENCHANT H. liberate
9. ENCYCLOPEDIC I. twosome
10. ENIGMATIC J. resolute
eviscerate disembowel exact use authority to force payment exclaim shout
evoke draw forth exacting demanding, difficult exclude shut out
evolution gradual change exalt glorify exclusive prohibitive
ewe female sheep exasperate irritate excommunicate expel
ex officio by virtue of position excerpt selection, extract excruciate torture
exacerbate worsen excision removal execrable abominable
 Vocabulary 4000 475

execute put into effect extremity farthest point fecund fertile

exegesis interpretation
exemplary outstanding
exempt excuse
exhaustive thorough
exhibitionist one who draws
attention to himself
exhort strongly urge
exhume uncover
exigency urgency
exiguous scanty
exile banish
exodus departure, migration
exonerate free from blame
exorbitant expensive
exorcise expel
expanse extent of land
expansive sweeping
expedient advantageous
expedite hasten
expel drive out
expertise knowledge, ability
expiate atone
expletive oath
expliate atone
explicate explain
explicit definite, clear
exploit utilize, milk
expose divulge
expostulate protest
expound explain
expropriate dispossess
expunge erase
exquisite beautifully made
extant existing
extemporize improvise
extent scope
extenuate mitigate
extirpate seek out and destroy
extol praise highly
extort extract, force
extract to pull out, exact
extradite deport, deliver
extraneous not essential
extrapolate infer
extricate disentangle
extroverted outgoing
extrude force out
exuberant joyous
exude emit
exult rejoice
F ferment turmoil
fabrication a lie
facade mask
facet aspect
facetious joking, sarcastic
facile easy
facilitate make easier
facility skill
facsimile duplicate
faction clique, sect
factious causing disagreement
factitious artificial
factotum handyman
fallacious false
fallacy false belief
fallow unproductive, unplowed
falsetto high male voice
falter waver
fanaticism excessive zeal
fane temple
fanfare publicity
farcical absurd
farrago mixture
fascism totalitarianism
fastidious meticulous
fatal resulting in death
fathom understand
fatuity foolishness
fatuous inane, stupid
fauna animals
faux pas false step, mistake
fealty loyalty
feasible likely to succeed
feat deed
febrile feverish, delirious
feckless incompetent
feign pretend
felicity happiness
felonious criminal
femme fatale a woman who leads
men to their destruction
fend ward off
feral untamed, wild
ferret rummage through
fertile fruitful
fervor intensity
fester decay
festive joyous
festoon decorate
fete to honor
fetid stinking
fetters shackles
fey eccentric, whimsical
fiasco debacle
fiat decree
fickle always changing one’s mind
fictitious invented, imaginary
fidelity loyalty
figment falsehood, fantasy
filch steal
filial son
filibuster long speech
fillip stimulus
finale conclusion
finesse skill
firebrand agitator
firmament sky
fiscal monetary
fitful irregular
fjord inlet
flabbergasted amazed, bumdfounded
flagellate whip
flagrant outrageous
flail whip
fledgling just beginning, struggling
flippant pert
florid ruddy
flout to show disregard for the law
or rules

TeamLRN
476 GRE Prep Course

fluctuate waver, vary forswear deny frivolity playfulness

foible weakness, minor fault forthright frank frolic romp, play
foil defeat forthwith immediately frond bending tree
foist palm off a fake fortify strengthen frugal thrifty
foment instigate fortitude patience, courage fruitful productive
font source, fountainhead, set of type fortuitous lucky fruition realization, completion
forage search for food foster encourage fruitless unprofitable, barren
foray raid founder sink fulminate denounce, menace
forbear abstain fracas noisy fight fulsome excessive, insincere
force majeure superior force fragile easily broken fuming angry
foreclose exclude fragmented broken into fragments furlough leave of absence
forensic pertaining to debate fraternity brotherhood furor commotion
foresight ability to predict the future fraught filled furtive stealthy
forestall thwart frenetic harried, neurotic fusillade bombardment
forgo relinquish fret worry futile hopeless
forsake abandon fritter squander
Quiz 7 (Matching)

Match each word in the first column with its definition in the second column.

1. EXHORT A. free from blame

2. EXONERATE B. strongly urge
3. EXPOSTULATE C. agitator
4. EXTRADITE D. untamed
5. EXULT E. debacle
6. FACTITIOUS F. inane
7. FATUOUS G. artificial
8. FERAL H. deport
9. FIASCO I. rejoice
10. FIREBRAND J. protest

G genre kind, category

genteel elegant
gnome dwarf-like being
goad encourage
gaffe embarrassing mistake
genuflect kneel in reverence googol a very large number
gainful profitable
genuine authentic gorge stuff, satiate
gainsay contradict
geriatrics pertaining to old age gorgon ugly person
galvanize excite to action
germane relevant gormandize eat voraciously
gambit plot
ghastly horrible gory bloody
gamut range
gibe heckle gossamer thin and flimsy
gargantuan large
gingivitis inflammation of the gums Gothic medieval
garner gather
gist essence gouge overcharge
garnish decorate
glabrous without hair gracious kindness
garrote stranglehold
glaucoma disorder of the eye gradient incline, rising by degrees
garrulous talkative
glean gather gradual by degrees
gauche awkward
glib insincere manner grandiose impressive, large
genealogy ancestry
glower stare angrily granular grainy
generic general
glut surplus, excess grapple struggle
genesis beginning
glutton one who eats too much gratis free
genetics study of heredity
gnarl deform gratitude thankfulness
 Vocabulary 4000 477

gratuitous unwarranted, uncalled hearsay gossip hortatory inspiring good deeds

for hedonism the pursuit of pleasure hospice shelter
gratuity tip in life hovel shanty, cabin
gravamen the essential part of an heed follow advice hoyden tomboy
accusation heedless careless hubris arrogance
gravity seriousness hegemony authority, domination hue color
gregarious sociable hegira a journey to a more pleasant humane compassionate
grievous tragic, heinous place
humanities languages and literature
grimace expression of disgust heinous vile
humility humbleness
grisly gruesome heliocentric having the sun as a
center hummock knoll, mound
grovel crawl, obey
helix a spiral humus soil
grudging reluctant
helots slaves husbandry management
guffaw laughter
herald harbinger hybrid crossbreed
guile deceit
herbivorous feeding on plants hydrophobia fear of water
gullible easily deceived
Herculean powerful, large hygienic sanitary
gusto great enjoyment
hermetic airtight, sealed hymeneal pertaining to marriage
guttural throaty
hermit one who lives in solitude hymn religious song
gyrate whirl
herpetologist one who studies hyperactive overactive
reptiles hyperbole exaggeration
H heterodox departing form hypertension elevated blood
established doctrines pressure
habitat natural environment
heuristic teaching device or method hypocritical deceiving, two-faced
habituate accustom
hew cut hypoglycemic low blood sugar
hackneyed trite
heyday glory days hypothermia low body temperature
haggard gaunt
hiatus interruption
halcyon serene
hale healthy
hibernal wintry
hidalgo nobleman
I
hallucination delusion ibidem in the same place
hidebound prejudiced
hamper obstruct ichthyology study of fish
hideous horrible
hapless unlucky iconoclast one who rails against
hie to hasten
harangue tirade sacred institutions
highbrow intellectual
harass torment idiosyncrasy peculiarity
hirsute bearded
harbinger forerunner idyllic natural, picturesque
histrionic overly dramatic
harbor give shelter, conceal ignoble dishonorable
holograph written entirely by hand
hardy healthy ilk class, clan
homage respect
harlequin clown illicit unlawful
homely plain
harp complain incessantly illimitable limitless
homily sermon
harridan hag illusory fleeting
homogeneous uniform
harrowing distressing illustrious famous
homonym words that are identical
harry harass imbibe drink
in spelling and pronunciation
haughty arrogant imbue infuse
hone sharpen
haven refuge
horde group
havoc destruction

TeamLRN
478 GRE Prep Course

Quiz 8 (Matching)

Match each word in the first column with its definition in the second column.
1. GRANDIOSE A. drink
2. GRIEVOUS B. pertaining to marriage
3. HALCYON C. arrogance
4. HARLEQUIN D. prejudiced
5. HEDONISM E. teaching device or method
6. HEURISTIC F. the pursuit of pleasure in life
7. HIDEBOUND G. clown
8. HUBRIS H. serene
9. HYMENEAL I. heinous
10. IMBIBE J. impressive
immaculate spotlessly clean impinge encroach, touch inalienable that which cannot be
immaterial irrelevant implant instill taken away
immense huge implausible unlikely inane vacuous, stupid
immerse bathe implement carry out, execute inanimate inorganic, lifeless
imminent about to happen implicate incriminate inaudible cannot be heard
immobile still implicit implied inaugurate induct
immolate sacrifice implore entreat inborn innate
immunity exemption from implosion bursting inward incalculable immeasurable
prosecution impolitic unwise incandescent brilliant
immure build a wall around imponderable difficult to estimate incantation chant
immutable unchangeable import meaning, significance incapacitate disable
impair injure importune urgent request incarcerate imprison
impale pierce imposing intimidating incarnate embody, personify
impartial not biased imposition intrusion incendiary inflammatory
impasse deadlock impotent powerless incense enrage
impassioned fiery, emotional impound seize incentive stimulus
impassive calm imprecation curse, inculcate incessant unceasing
impeach accuse, charge impregnable invincible incest sex among family members
impeccable faultless impresario promoter inchoate just begun
impecunious indigent impressionable susceptible, easily incidental insignificant, minor
impede hinder influenced incinerate burn
impediment obstacle impressionism a style of painting incipient beginning
impel urge, force imprimatur sanction incision cut
impending approaching impromptu spontaneous incisive keen, penetrating
imperative vital, pressing improvise invent incite foment, provoke
imperceptible slight, intangible impudence insolence incivility disdain
imperialism colonialism impugn criticize inclement harsh
imperil endanger impulse inclination inclusive comprehensive
imperious domineering impulsive to act suddenly incognito disguised
impertinent insolent impunity exemption from harm incommunicado unable to
imperturbable calm impute charge communicate with others
impervious impenetrable in toto in full, entirely incomparable peerless
impetuous impulsive inadvertent unintentional incompatibility inability to live in
harmony
impetus stimulus, spark inadvisable not recommended
 Vocabulary 4000 479

inconceivable unthinkable indomitable invincible infraction violation

incongruous out of place, absurd indubitable unquestionable infringe encroach
inconsiderate thoughtless induce persuade infuriate enrage
inconspicuous not noticeable indulge succumb to desire infuse inspire, instill
incontrovertible indisputable indurate harden ingenious clever
incorporate combine industrious hard-working ingrate ungrateful person
incorrigible unreformable inebriate intoxicate ingratiate pleasing, endearing
incredulous skeptical ineffable inexpressible ingress entering
increment step, increase ineffectual futile inherent innate, inborn
incriminate accuse ineluctable inescapable inhibit restrain
incubus nightmare inept unfit inimical adverse, hostile
inculcate instill, indoctrinate inert inactive inimitable peerless
inculpate accuse inestimable priceless iniquitous unjust, wicked
incumbent obligatory inevitable unavoidable, predestined iniquity sin
incursion raid inexorable relentless initiate begin
indecent offensive infallible unerring initiation induction ceremony
indecorous unseemly infamous notorious injunction command
indelible permanent infamy shame inkling hint
indemnity insurance infantry foot soldiers innate inborn
indict charge infatuate immature love innervate invigorate
indifferent unconcerned infer conclude innocuous harmless
indigenous native infernal hellish innovative new, useful idea
indigent poor infidel nonbeliever innuendo insinuation
indignant resentment of injustice infidelity disloyalty inopportune untimely
indiscreet lacking sound judgment, infiltrate trespass inordinate excessive
rash infinitesimal very small inquest investigation
indiscriminate random infirmary clinic inquisition interrogation
indispensable vital, essential infirmity ailment inquisitive curious
indistinct blurry, without clear inflammatory incendiary
features
influx inflow
indolent lazy
Quiz 9 (Matching)

Match each word in the first column with its definition in the second column.

1. INCONGRUOUS A. harden
2. INCONSPICUOUS B. relentless
3. INDECOROUS C. hostile
4. INDIGNANT D. interrogation
5. INDURATE E. out of place, absurd
6. INEXORABLE F. not noticeable
7. INIMICAL G. unseemly
8. INQUISITION H. resentment of injustice
9. INSOUCIANT I. nonchalant
10. INSUPERABLE J. insurmountable
insatiable gluttonous insensate without feeling insinuate allude
inscribe engrave insidious treacherous insipid flat, dull
inscrutable cannot be fully insignia emblems insolent insulting
understood

TeamLRN
480 GRE Prep Course
insolvent bankrupt
insouciant nonchalant
installment portion
instant at once
instigate incite
insubordinate disobedient
insufferable unbearable
insular narrow-minded
insuperable insurmountable
insurgent rebellious
insurrection uprising
intangible not perceptible by touch
integral essential
integrate make whole
integration unification
integument a covering
intelligentsia the intellectual elite
intensive extreme
inter bury
intercede plead on behalf of another
intercept prevent
interdict prohibit
interject interrupt
interloper intruder
interlude intermission
interminable unending
internecine mutually destructive
interpolate insert
interpose insert
interregnum interval between two
successive reigns
interrogate question
intersperse scatter
interstate between states
intervene interfere, mediate
intestate leaving no will
intimate allude to
intractable unmanageable
intransigent unyielding
intrepid fearless
intricate complex
intrigue plot, mystery
intrinsic inherent
introspection self-analysis
inundate flood
inure accustom, habituate, harden juncture pivotal point in time
invalidate disprove junoesque stately beauty
invective verbal insult junta small ruling group
inveigh to rail against jurisdiction domain
inveigle lure jurisprudence law
inventive cleaver, resourceful justify excuse, mitigate
inverse directly opposite juvenescent making young
inveterate habitual, chronic juxtapose to place side by side
invidious incurring ill-will
invincible cannot be defeated
inviolate sacred
K
kaleidoscope series of changing
invocation calling on God events
irascible irritable keen of sharp mind
irate angry ken purview, range of comprehension
ironic oddly contrary to what is kindle arouse, inspire
expected
kindred similar
irrational illogical
kinetic pertaining to motion
irrelevant unrelated, immaterial
kismet fate
irreparable cannot be repaired
kite bad check
irresolute hesitant, uncertain
kitsch trashy art
irrevocable cannot be rescinded
kleptomania impulse to steal
isosceles having two equal sides
knave con man
itinerant wandering
knead massage
itinerary route
knell sound of a bell
Koran holy book of Islam
J kowtow behave obsequiously
jabberwocky nonsense kudos acclaim
jaded spent, bored with one’s
situation
jargon specialized vocabulary
L
labyrinth maze
jaundiced biased, embittered
lacerate tear, cut
jeer mock
lachrymose tearful
jejune barren
lackey servant
jest joke
laconic brief, terse
jilt reject
lactic derived from milk
jingoistic nationalistic, warmongering
lacuna a missing part, gap
jocular humorous
laggard loafer
jostle push, brush against
lagniappe bonus
journeyman reliable worker
laity laymen
joust combat between knights on
horses lambent softly radiant
jubilant in high spirits lament mourn
judicious prudent lamina layer
juggernaut unstoppable force lampoon satirize
jugular throat
 Vocabulary 4000 481

languish weaken linguistics study of language magnitude size

lanyard short rope liquidate eliminate magnum opus masterpiece
larceny theft lissome agile, supple maim injure
largess generous donation listless lacking spirit or interest maladjusted disturbed
lascivious lustful litany list maladroit clumsy
lassitude lethargy lithe supple malady illness
latent potential litigate contest malaise uneasiness, weariness
laudatory commendable litotes two negative statements that malapropism comical misuse of a
laurels fame cancel to make a positive statement word
lave wash liturgy ceremony malcontent one who is forever
livid enraged dissatisfied
lavish extravagant
loath reluctant malediction curse
lax loose, careless
loathe abhor malefactor evildoer
laxity carelessness
lofty high malevolence bad intent, malice
layman nonprofessional
logistics means of supplying troops malfeasance wrong doing
lectern reading desk
logo symbol malice spite
leery cautious
logy sluggish malign defame
legacy bequest
loquacious talkative malignant virulent, pernicious
legerdemain trickery
lothario rake, womanizer malinger shirk
legible readable
lout goon malleable moldable, tractable
legislate make laws
lucid clearly understood malodorous fetid
legitimate lawful
lucrative profitable mammoth huge
lenient forgiving
lucre money, profit manacle shackle
lethargic drowsy, sluggish
ludicrous absurd mandate command
levee embankment, dam
lugubrious sad mandatory obligatory
leviathan a monster
luminous bright mandrill baboon
levity frivolity
lupine wolf-like mania madness
liable responsible
lure entice manifest obvious, evident
liaison relationship, affair
lurid ghastly manifesto proclamation
libertarian one who believes in
complete freedom luster gloss manifold multiple, diverse
libertine roué, rake luxuriant lush manslaughter killing someone
without malice
libidinous lustful lynch hang without trial
manumit set free
licentious lewd, immoral
manuscript unpublished book
lien financial claim
lieutenant one who acts in place of
M mar damage
another macabre gruesome marauder plunderer
ligature bond Machiavellian politically crafty, marginal insignificant
cunning marionette puppet
ligneous woodlike
machination plot maroon abandon
Lilliputian very small
macrobiosis longevity marshal array, mobilize
limerick poem
macroscopic visibly large martial warlike
limn portray, describe
maelstrom whirlpool martinet disciplinarian
limpid transparent, clearly understood
magisterial arbitrary, dictatorial martyr sacrifice, symbol
linchpin something that is
indispensable magnanimous generous, kindhearted masochist one who enjoys pain
lineage ancestry magnate a powerful, successful masticate chew
person

TeamLRN
482 GRE Prep Course

mastiff large dog matutinal early mea culpa my fault

mastodon extinct elephant maudlin weepy, sentimental meager scanty
maternal motherly maul rough up meander roam, ramble
maternity motherhood mausoleum tomb median middle
matriarch matron maverick a rebel mediocre average
matriculate enroll mawkish sickeningly sentimental
matrix array mayhem mutilation
Quiz 10 (Matching)

Match each word in the first column with its definition in the second column.

1. LACHRYMOSE A. trickery
2. LAGGARD B. roué
3. LASCIVIOUS C. very small
4. LEGERDEMAIN D. tearful
5. LIBERTINE E. loafer
6. LILLIPUTIAN F. lustful
7. LOQUACIOUS G. talkative
8. MACHIAVELLIAN H. comical misuse of a word
9. MAGISTERIAL I. arbitrary, dictatorial
10. MALAPROPISM J. politically crafty, cunning
medley mixture metonymy the substitution of a miscellany mixture of items
megalith ancient stone monument phrase for the name itself misconstrue misinterpret
melancholy reflective, gloomy mettle courage, capacity for bravery miscreant evildoer
melee riot miasma toxin misgiving doubt
mien appearance, bearing
mellifluous sweet sounding misnomer wrongly named
migrate travel
melodious melodic misogyny hatred of women
milieu environment
memento souvenir misshapen deformed
militant combative
memoir autobiography missive letter
militate work against
memorabilia things worth mitigate lessen the severity
remembering milk extract
mnemonics that which aids the
memorandum note millennium thousand-year period memory
menagerie zoo minatory threatening mobilize assemble for action
mendacity untruth mince chop, moderate mobocracy rule by mob
mendicant beggar minion subordinate modicum pittance
menial humble, degrading minstrel troubadour modish chic
mentor teacher minuscule small module unit
mercantile commercial minute very small mogul powerful person
mercenary calculating, venal minutiae trivia molest bother
mercurial changeable, volatile mirage illusion mollify appease
metamorphosis a change in form mire marsh molten melted
mete distribute mirth jollity momentous of great importance
meteoric swift misanthrope hater of mankind monocle eyeglass
meteorology science of weather misappropriation use dishonestly monolithic large and uniform
methodical systematic, careful misbegotten illegitimate monologue long speech
meticulous extremely careful, miscarry abort monstrosity distorted, abnormal
precise miscegenation intermarriage form
metier occupation between races moot disputable
 Vocabulary 4000 483

moral ethical muzzle restrain niggardly stingy

morale spirit, confidence myopic narrow-minded nimble spry
morass swamp, difficult situation myriad innumerable nirvana bliss
moratorium postponement myrmidons loyal followers noctambulism sleepwalking
mordant biting, sarcastic mystique mystery, aura nocturnal pertaining to night
mores moral standards mythical fictitious nocturne serenade
moribund near death noisome harmful
morose sullen
morphine painkilling drug
N nomad wanderer
nomenclature terminology
nadir lowest point
morsel bite, piece nominal slight, in name only
narcissism self-love
mortify humiliate nominate propose
narrate tell, recount
mosque temple nominee candidate
nascent incipient
mote speck nonchalant casual
natal related to birth
motif theme noncommittal neutral, circumspect
nativity the process of birth
motive reason nondescript lacking distinctive
naturalize grant citizenship features
motley diverse
ne’er-do-well loafer, idler nonentity person of no significance
mottled spotted
nebulous indistinct nonesuch paragon, one in a thousand
motto slogan, saying
necromancy sorcery nonpareil unequaled, peerless
mountebank charlatan
nefarious evil nonpartisan neutral, uncommitted
mousy drab, colorless
negate cancel nonplus confound
muckraker reformer
negligible insignificant notable remarkable, noteworthy
muffle stifle, quiet
nemesis implacable foe noted famous
mulct defraud
neologism newly coined expression notorious wicked, widely known
multifarious diverse, many-sided
neonatal newborn nouveau riche newly rich
multitude throng
neophyte beginner nova bright star
mundane ordinary
nepotism favoritism novel new, unique
munificent generous
nervy brash novice beginner
murmur mutter, mumble
nether under noxious toxic
muse ponder
nettle irritate nuance shade, subtlety
muster to gather one’s forces
neurotic disturbed nub crux
mutability able to change
neutralize offset, nullify nubile marriageable
mute silent
nexus link nugatory useless, worthless
mutilate maim
nicety euphemism nuisance annoyance
mutiny rebellion
niche nook
mutter murmur, grumble
Quiz 11 (Matching)
Match each word in the first column with its definition in the second column.
1. MISCELLANY A. peerless
2. MISSIVE B. to gather one’s forces
3. MOOT C. newly coined expression
4. MOUNTEBANK D. self-love
5. MULTIFARIOUS E. loyal followers
6. MUSTER F. letter
7. MYRMIDONS G. diverse
8. NARCISSISM H. charlatan
9. NEOLOGISM I. disputable
10. NONPAREIL J. mixture of items

TeamLRN
484 GRE Prep Course

nullify void odious despicable ordain appoint

nullity nothingness odoriferous pleasant odor orderly neat
numismatics coin collecting odyssey journey ordinance law
nurture nourish, foster offal inedible parts of a butchered ordnance artillery
nymph goddess animal orient align
offertory church collection orison prayer
O officiate supervise
officious forward, obtrusive
ornate lavishly decorated
ornithology study of birds
oaf awkward person offset counterbalance orthodox conventional
obdurate unyielding ogle flirt oscillate waver
obeisance homage, deference ogre monster, demon ossify harden
obelisk tall column, monument oleaginous oily ostensible apparent, seeming
obese fat oligarchy aristocracy ostentatious pretentious
obfuscate bewilder, muddle olio medley ostracize ban
obituary eulogy ominous threatening otherworldly spiritual
objective (adj.) unbiased omnibus collection, compilation otiose idle
objective (noun) goal omnipotent all-powerful ouster ejection
objectivity impartiality omniscient all-knowing outmoded out-of-date
oblation offering, sacrifice onerous burdensome outré eccentric
obligatory required onslaught attack outset beginning
oblige compel ontology the study of the nature of ovation applause
obliging accommodating, existence
considerate overrule disallow
onus burden
oblique indirect overture advance, proposal
opaque nontransparent
obliquity perversity overweening arrogant, forward
operative working
obliterate destroy overwhelm overpower
operetta musical comedy
oblong elliptical, oval overwrought overworked, high-
opiate narcotic strung
obloquy slander opine think ovum egg, cell
obscure vague, unclear opportune well-timed
obsequious fawning, servile
obsequy funeral ceremony
oppress persecute
oppressive burdensome
P
observant watchful pachyderm elephant
opprobrious abusive, scornful
obsolete outdated pacifist one who opposes all violence
opprobrium disgrace
obstinate stubborn pacify appease
oppugn assail
obstreperous noisy, unruly pact agreement
opt decide, choose
obtain gain possession paean a song of praise
optimum best condition
obtrusive forward, meddlesome pagan heathen, ungodly
optional elective
obtuse stupid page attendant
opulence wealth
obviate make unnecessary pageant exhibition, show
opus literary work or musical
Occident the West composition pains labor
occlude block oracle prophet painstaking taking great care
occult mystical oration speech palatial grand, splendid
octogenarian person in her eighties orator speaker palaver babble, nonsense
ocular optic, visual orb sphere Paleolithic stone age
ode poem orchestrate organize paleontologist one who studies
fossils
 Vocabulary 4000 485

pall to become dull or weary pantomime mime pariah outcast

palliate assuage pantry storeroom parish fold, church
pallid pale, sallow papyrus paper parity equality
palpable touchable parable allegory parlance local speech
palpitate beat, throb paradigm a model parlay increase
palsy paralysis paragon standard of excellence parley conference
paltry scarce parameter limit parochial provincial
pan criticize paramount chief, foremost parody imitation, ridicule
panacea cure-all paramour lover parole release
panache flamboyance paranoid obsessively suspicious, paroxysm outburst, convulsion
pandemic universal demented parrot mimic
pandemonium din, commotion paranormal supernatural parry avert, ward off
pander cater to people’s baser parapet rampart, defense parsimonious stingy
instincts paraphernalia equipment parson clergyman
panegyric praise paraphrase restatement partake share, receive
pang pain parcel package partial incomplete
panoply full suit of armor parchment paper partiality bias
panorama vista pare peel parting farewell, severance
pant gasp, puff parenthetical in parentheses
Quiz 12 (Matching)

Match each word in the first column with its definition in the second column.

1. ORDNANCE A. a model
2. ORTHODOX B. local speech
3. OUTMODED C. convulsion
4. PALAVER D. stingy
5. PANEGYRIC E. farewell, severance
6. PARADIGM F. artillery
7. PARLANCE G. conventional
8. PAROXYSM H. out-of-date
9. PARSIMONIOUS I. babble
10. PARTING J. praise
partisan supporter patrician aristocrat peccadillo a minor fault
partition division patrimony inheritance peculate embezzle
parvenu newcomer, social climber patronize condescend peculiar unusual
pasquinade satire patronymic a name formed form peculiarity characteristic
passé outmoded the name of a father pedagogical pertaining to teaching
passim here and there patter walk lightly pedagogue dull, formal teacher
pastel pale paucity scarcity pedant pedagogue
pasteurize disinfect paunch stomach pedantic bookish
pastoral rustic pauper poor person peddle sell
patent obvious pavilion tent pedestrian common
paternal fatherly pawn (noun) tool, stooge pedigree genealogy
pathetic pitiful pawn (verb) pledge peerage aristocracy
pathogen agent causing disease pax peace peevish cranky
pathogenic causing disease peaked wan, pale, haggard pejorative insulting
pathos emotion peal reverberation, outburst pell-mell in a confused manner

TeamLRN
486 GRE Prep Course
pellucid transparent
pen write
penance atonement
penchant inclination
pend depend, hang
pending not decided
penitent repentant
pensive sad
penurious stingy
penury poverty
peon common worker
per se in itself
perceptive discerning
percolate ooze, permeate
perdition damnation
peregrination wandering
peremptory dictatorial
perennial enduring, lasting
perfectionist purist, precisionist
perfidious treacherous (of a person)
perforate puncture
perforce by necessity
perfunctory careless
perigee point nearest to the earth
perilous dangerous
peripatetic walking about
periphery outer boundary
perish die
perishable decomposable
perjury lying
permeate spread throughout
permutation reordering
pernicious destructive
peroration conclusion
perpendicular at right angles
perpetrate commit
perpetual continuous
perpetuate cause to continue
perpetuity eternity
perplex puzzle, bewilder
perquisite reward, bonus
persecute harass
persevere persist, endure
persona social facade
personable charming
personage official, dignitary
personify embody, exemplify
personnel employees
perspicacious keen
perspicacity discernment, keenness
persuasive convincing
pert flippant, bold
pertain to relate
pertinacious persevering
pertinent relevant
perturbation agitation
peruse read carefully
pervade permeate
pessimist cynic
pestilence disease
petite small
petition request
petrify calcify, shock
petrology study of rocks
pettifogger unscrupulous lawyer
petty trivial
petulant irritable, peevish
phantasm apparition
phenomena unusual natural events
philanthropic charitable
philanthropist altruist
philatelist stamp collector
philippic invective
Philistine barbarian
philosophical contemplative
phlegmatic sluggish
phobia fear
phoenix rebirth
physic laxative, cathartic
physique frame, musculature
picaresque roguish, adventurous
picayune trifling
piecemeal one at a time
pied mottled, brindled
piety devoutness
pilfer steal
pillage plunder
pillory punish by ridicule
pine languish
pinnacle highest point
pious devout, holy
piquant tart-tasting, spicy
pique sting, arouse interest
piscine pertaining to fish
piteous sorrowful, pathetic
pithy concise
pitiable miserable, wretched
pittance alms, driblet
pittance trifle
pivotal crucial
pixilated eccentric, possessed
placard poster
placate appease
placid serene
plagiarize pirate, counterfeit
plaintive expressing sorrow
platitude trite remark
platonic nonsexual
plaudit acclaim
pleasantry banter, persiflage
plebeian common, vulgar
plebiscite referendum
plenary full
plentiful abundant
pleonasm redundancy, verbosity
plethora overabundance
pliable flexible
pliant supple, flexible
plight sad situation
plucky courageous
plumb measure
plummet fall
plutocrat wealthy person
plutonium radioactive material
poach steal
podgy fat
podium stand, rostrum
pogrom massacre, mass murder
poignant pungent, sharp
polemic a controversy
polity methods of government
poltroon dastard

polychromatic many-colored
polygamist one who has many wives
ponder muse, reflect
ponderous heavy, bulky
pontiff bishop
pontificate to speak at length
pootroon coward
porcine pig-like
porous permeable, spongy
porridge stew
portend signify, augur
portent omen
portly large
portmanteau suitcase
posit stipulate
posterior rear, subsequent
posterity future generations
posthaste hastily
posthumous after death
postulate supposition, premise
potent powerful
potentate sovereign, king
potion brew
potpourri medley
potter aimlessly busy
pragmatic practical
prate babble
prattle chatter
preamble introduction
precarious dangerous, risky
precedent an act that serves as an
example
precept principle, law
precinct neighborhood
precipice cliff
precipitate cause
precipitous steep
précis summary
precise accurate, detailed
preclude prevent
precocious advanced
preconception prejudgment,
prejudice
precursor forerunner
predacious plundering
predecessor one who proceeds
predestine foreordain
predicament quandary
predicate base
predilection inclination
predisposed inclined
preeminent supreme
preempt commandeer
preen groom
prefabricated ready-built
prefect magistrate
preference choice
preferment promotion
prelate primate, bishop
preliminary introductory
prelude introduction
premeditate plan in advance
premonition warning
prenatal before birth
preponderance predominance
prepossessing appealing, charming
preposterous ridiculous
prerequisite requirement
prerogative right, privilege
presage omen
prescribe urge
presentable acceptable, well-
mannered
preside direct, chair
pressing urgent
prestidigitator magicians
prestige reputation, renown
presume deduce
presumptuous assuming
presuppose assume
pretense affectation, excuse
pretentious affected, inflated
preternatural abnormal, unnatural
pretext excuse
prevail triumph
prevailing common, current
prevalent widespread
prevaricate lie
prick puncture
priggish pedantic, affected
TeamLRN
Vocabulary 4000 487
prim formal, prudish
primal first, beginning
primate head, master
primogeniture first-born child
primp groom
princely regal, generous
prismatic many-colored, sparkling
pristine pure, unspoiled
privation hardship
privy aware of private matters
probe examine
probity integrity
problematic uncertain
proboscis snout
procedure method
proceeds profit
proclaim announce
proclivity inclination
procreate beget
proctor supervise
procure acquire
procurer pander
prod urge
prodigal wasteful
prodigious marvelous, enormous
prodigy a person with
extraordinary ability or talent
profane blasphemous
profess affirm
proffer bring forward
proficient skillful
profiteer extortionist
profligate licentious, prodigal
profound deep, knowledgeable
profusion overabundance
progenitor ancestor
progeny children
prognosis forecast
prognosticate foretell
progressive advancing, liberal
proletariat working class
proliferate increase rapidly
prolific fruitful, productive
prolix long-winded
prologue introduction
488 GRE Prep Course

Quiz 13 (Matching)

Match each word in the first column with its definition in the second column.

1. PHOENIX A. cliff
2. PILLORY B. inclination
3. PITTANCE C. warning
4. PLAUDIT D. acclaim
5. PLETHORA E. overabundance
6. POGROM F. after death
7. POSTHUMOUS G. massacre
8. PRECIPICE H. rebirth
9. PREDILECTION I. punish by ridicule
10. PREMONITION J. trifle
prolong lengthen in time protégé ward, pupil puckish impish, mischievous
promenade stroll, parade protocol code of diplomatic etiquette puerile childish
promethean inspirational proton particle pugilism boxing
promiscuous sexually indiscreet protract prolong pugnacious combative
promontory headland, cape protuberance bulge puissant strong
prompt induce provender food pulchritude beauty
prompter reminder proverb maxim pulp paste, mush
promulgate publish, disseminate proverbial well-known pulpit platform, priesthood
prone inclined, predisposed providence foresight, divine pulsate throb
propaganda publicity protection pulverize crush
propellant rocket fuel provident having foresight, thrifty pun wordplay
propensity inclination providential fortunate punctilious meticulous
prophet prognosticator province bailiwick, district pundit politically astute person
prophylactic preventive provincial intolerant, insular pungent sharp smell or taste
propinquity nearness provisional temporary punitive punishing
propitiate satisfy proviso stipulation puny weak, small
propitious auspicious, favorable provisory conditional purblind obtuse, stupid
proponent supporter, advocate provocation incitement purgative cathartic, cleansing
proportionate commensurate provocative titillating purgatory limbo, netherworld
proposition offer, proposal provoke incite purge cleanse, remove
propound propose prowess strength, expertise puritanical prim
proprietor manager, owner proximity nearness purlieus environs, surroundings
propriety decorum proxy substitute, agent purloin steal
prosaic uninspired, flat prude puritan purport claim to be
proscenium platform, rostrum prudence discretion purported rumored
proscribe prohibit prudent cautious purposeful determined
proselytize recruit, convert prudish puritanical pursuant following, according
prosody study of poetic structure prurient lewd purvey deliver
prospective expected, imminent pseudo false purview range, understanding
prospectus brochure pseudonym alias pusillanimous cowardly
prostrate supine psychic pertaining the psyche or mind putative reputed
protagonist main character in a psychopath madman putrefy decay
story psychotic demented putsch a sudden attempt to
protean changing readily puberty adolescence overthrow a government
 Vocabulary 4000 489

pygmy dwarf quasi seeming, almost quotidian daily

pyrotechnics fireworks quaver tremble
pyrrhic a battle won with
unacceptable losses
quay wharf
queasy squeamish
R
rabble crowd
queer odd
Q quell suppress, allay
rabid mad, furious
racketeer gangster
quench extinguish, slake
quack charlatan raconteur story teller
querulous complaining
quadrennial occurring every four radical revolutionary
years questionnaire interrogation
raffish rowdy
quadrille square dance queue line
rail rant, harangue
quadruped four foot animal quibble bicker
raiment clothing
quaff drink quicken revive, hasten
rake womanizer
quagmire difficult situation quiddity essence
rally assemble
quail shrink, cower quiescent still, motionless
rambunctious boisterous
quaint old-fashioned quietus a cessation of activity
ramification consequence
qualified limited quill feather, pen
rampage run amuck
qualms misgivings quip joke
rampant unbridled, raging
quandary dilemma quirk eccentricity
ramrod rod
quantum quantity, particle quiver tremble
rancid rotten
quarantine detention, confinement quixotic impractical, romantic
rancor resentment
quarry prey, game quizzical odd
randy vulgar
quarter residence quorum majority
quash put down, suppress quota a share or proportion
Quiz 14 (Matching)

Match each word in the first column with its definition in the second column.

1. PROTEAN A. bulge
2. PROTUBERANCE B. changing readily
3. PROVISIONAL C. steal
4. PUNDIT D. majority
5. PURLOIN E. temporary
6. PURPORT F. a cessation of activity
7. QUAVER G. line
8. QUEUE H. tremble
9. QUIETUS I. claim to be
10. QUORUM J. politically astute person
rankle cause bitterness, resentment ratify approve rebuke criticize
rant rage, scold ration allowance, portion rebus picture puzzle
rapacious grasping, avaricious rationale justification rebuttal reply, counterargument
rapidity speed ravage plunder recalcitrant stubborn
rapier sword ravish captivate, charm recant retract
rapine plunder raze destroy recapitulate restate, summarize
rapport affinity, empathy realm kingdom, domain recede move back
rapprochement reconciliation realpolitik cynical interpretation receptacle container
rapture bliss of politics receptive open to ideas
rash hasty, brash reap harvest recidivism habitual criminal
rasp scrape rebuff reject activity

TeamLRN
490 GRE Prep Course
recipient one who receives
reciprocal mutual, return in kind
recital performance
recitation recital, lesson
reclusive solitary
recoil flinch, retreat
recollect remember
recompense repay
reconcile adjust, balance
recondite mystical, profound
reconnaissance surveillance
reconnoiter to survey
recount recite
recoup recover
recourse appeal, resort
recreant cowardly
recrimination countercharge,
retaliation
recruit draftee
rectify correct
recumbent reclining
recuperation recovery
recur repeat, revert
redeem buy back, justify
redeemer savior
redemption salvation
redolent fragrant
redoubt fort
redoubtable formidable, steadfast
redress restitution
redundant repetitious
reek smell
reel stagger
referendum vote
refined purified, cultured
reflux ebb
refraction bending, deflection
refractory obstinate
refrain abstain
refurbish remodel
refute disprove
regal royal
regale entertain
regalia emblems
regime a government
regiment infantry unit replete complete
regrettable lamentable replica copy
regurgitate vomit replicate duplicate
rehash repeat repose rest
reign rule, influence reprehensible blameworthy
rein curb repress suppress
reincarnation rebirth reprieve temporary suspension
reiterate repeat reprimand rebuke
rejoice celebrate reprisal retaliation
rejoinder answer, retort reprise repetition
rejuvenate make young again reproach blame
relapse recurrence (of illness) reprobate miscreant
relegate assign to an inferior position reprove rebuke
relent soften, yield repudiate disavow
relentless unstoppable repugnant distasteful
relic antique repulse repel
relinquish release repulsive repugnant
relish savor repute esteem
remedial corrective reputed supposed
remiss negligent requiem rest, a mass for the dead
remit forgive, send payment requisite necessary
remnant residue, fragment requisition order
remonstrance protest requite to return in kind
remorse guilt rescind revoke
remuneration compensation reserve self-control
renaissance rebirth reside dwell
renascent reborn residue remaining part
rend to tear apart resigned accepting of a situation
render deliver, provide resolute determined
rendezvous a meeting resilience ability to recover from
rendition version, interpretation an illness
renege break a promise resolution determination
renounce disown resolve determination
renown fame resonant reverberating
rent tear, rupture resort recourse
reparation amends, atonement resound echo
repartee witty conversation resourceful inventive, skillful
repatriate to send back to the respectively in order
native land respire breathe
repellent causing aversion respite rest
repent atone for resplendent shining, splendid
repercussion consequence restitution reparation, amends
repertoire stock of works restive nervous, uneasy
repine fret resurgence revival
replenish refill resurrection rebirth
 Vocabulary 4000 491

resuscitate revive retort quick reply reveille bugle call

retain keep retrench cut back, economize revel frolic, take joy in
retainer advance fee retribution reprisal revelry merrymaking
retaliate revenge retrieve reclaim revenue income
retch vomit retrograde regress revere honor
reticent reserved retrospective reminiscent reverent respectful
retiring modest, unassuming revamp recast reverie daydream
Quiz 15 (Matching)

Match each word in the first column with its definition in the second column.

1. REGIME A. daydream
2. REJOINDER B. quick reply
3. REMUNERATION C. uneasy
4. RENDEZVOUS D. necessary
5. RENT E. miscreant
6. REPROBATE F. rupture
7. REQUISITE G. a meeting
8. RESTIVE H. compensation
9. RETRIBUTION I. retort
10. REVERIE J. a government
revert return roseate rosy, optimistic sacred cow idol, taboo
revile denounce, defame roster list of people sacrilege blasphemy
revision new version rostrum podium sacrosanct sacred
revive renew roué libertine saddle encumber
revoke repeal rouse awaken sadist one who takes pleasure in
revulsion aversion rout vanquish hurting others
rhapsody ecstasy rubicund ruddy safari expedition
rhetoric elocution, grandiloquence ruck the common herd saga story
rheumatism inflammation rudiment beginning sagacious wise
ribald coarse, vulgar rue regret sage wise person
rickety shaky, ramshackle ruffian brutal person salacious licentious
ricochet carom, rebound ruminate ponder salient prominent
rife widespread, abundant rummage hunt saline salty
riffraff dregs of society runel stream sallow sickly complected
rifle search through and steal ruse trick sally sortie, attack
rift a split, an opening rustic rural salutary good, wholesome
righteous upright, moral salutation salute, greeting
rigor harshness
rime crust
S salvation redemption
salve medicinal ointment
Sabbath day of rest salvo volley, gunfire
riposte counterthrust
sabbatical vacation sanctify consecrate
risible laughable
saber sword sanctimonious self-righteous
risqué off-color, racy
sabotage treason, destruction sanction approval
rivet engross
saccharine sugary, overly sweet tone sanctuary refuge
robust vigorous
sacerdotal priestly sang-froid coolness under fire
rogue scoundrel
sack pillage sanguinary gory, murderous
roister bluster
sacrament rite sanguine cheerful
romp frolic

TeamLRN
492 GRE Prep Course

sans without scuttle to sink (a ship) serpentine winding

sapid interesting scythe long, curved blade serried saw-toothed
sapient wise sear burn serum vaccine
sarcophagus stone coffin sebaceous like fat servile slavish
sardonic scornful secede withdraw servitude forced labor
sartorial pertaining to clothes secluded remote, isolated sessile permanently attached
satanic pertaining to the Devil seclusion solitude session meeting
satchel bag sectarian denominational settee seat, sofa
sate satisfy fully secular worldly, nonreligious sever cut in two
satiate satisfy fully secure make safe severance division
satire ridicule sedation state of calm shallot onion
saturate soak sedentary stationary, inactive sham pretense
saturnine gloomy sedition treason shambles disorder
satyr demigod, goat-man seduce lure shard fragment
saunter stroll sedulous diligent sheen luster
savanna grassland seedy rundown, ramshackle sheepish shy
savant scholar seemly proper, attractive shibboleth password
savoir-faire tact, polish seethe fume, resent shirk evade (work)
savor enjoy seismic pertaining to earthquakes sliver fragment
savory appetizing seismology study of earthquakes shoal reef
savvy perceptive self-effacing modest shoring supporting
scabrous difficult semantics study of word meanings shortcomings deficiencies
scant inadequate, meager semblance likeness shrew virago
scapegoat one who takes blame for seminal fundamental shrewd clever
others semper fidelis always loyal shrill high-pitched
scarify criticize senescence old age shun avoid
scathe injure, denounce senescent aging shunt turn aside
scepter a rod, staff seniority privilege due to length of shyster unethical lawyer
scheme plot service sibilant a hissing sound
schism rift sensational outstanding sibling brother or sister
scintilla speck sensible wise sickle semicircular blade
scintillate sparkle sensory relating to the senses sidereal pertaining to the stars
scion offspring sensualist epicure sidle move sideways
scoff jeer sensuous appealing to the senses siege blockade
scone biscuit sententious concise sierra mountain range
scorn disdain, reject sentient conscious sieve strainer
scoundrel unprincipled person sentinel watchman signatory signer
scour clean sepulcher tomb signet a seal
scourge affliction sequacious dependent silhouette outline
scruples misgivings sequel continuation, epilogue silo storage tower
scrupulous principled, fastidious sequester segregate simian monkey
scrutinize examine closely seraphic angelic simile figure of speech
scurf dandruff serendipity making fortunate simper smile, smirk
scurrilous abusive, insulting discoveries
simulacrum likeness
scurry move quickly serene peaceful
 Vocabulary 4000 493

sinecure position with little slovenly sloppy soluble dissolvable

responsibility smattering superficial knowledge solvent financially sound
sinewy fibrous, stringy smelt refine metal somatic pertaining to the body
singe burn just the surface of smirk smug look somber gloomy
something
smite strike, afflict somnambulist sleepwalker
singly one by one
smock apron somnolent sleepy
singular unique
snare trap sonnet poem
sinister evil
snide sarcastic sonorous resonant, majestic
sinistral left-handed
snippet morsel sop morsel, compensation
siphon extract
snivel whine sophistry specious reasoning
sire forefather, to beget
snub ignore soporific sleep inducing
siren temptress
snuff extinguish soprano high female voice
site location
sobriety composed sordid foul, ignoble
skeptical doubtful
sobriquet nickname sorority sisterhood
skinflint miser
socialite one who is prominent in soubrette actress, ingenue
skirmish a small battle society souse a drunk
skittish excitable sociology study of society sovereign monarch
skulk sneak about sodality companionship spar fight
skullduggery trickery sodden soaked spasmodic intermittent
slake quench sojourn trip spate sudden outpouring
slander defame solace consolation spawn produce
slate list of candidate solder fuse, weld specimen sample
slaver drivel, fawn solecism ungrammatical construction specious false but plausible
slay kill solemn serious, somber spectacle public display
sleight dexterity solemnity seriousness spectral ghostly
slew an abundance solicit request spectrum range
slither slide solicitous considerate, concerned speculate conjecture
slogan motto soliloquy monologue speleologist one who studies caves
sloth laziness solstice furthest point
Quiz 16 (Matching)

Match each word in the first column with its definition in the second column.

1. SCRUPLES A. figure of speech

2. SCYTHE B. proper, attractive
3. SEEMLY C. long, curved blade
4. SENTENTIOUS D. left-handed
5. SERENDIPITY E. pertaining to the stars
6. SHIBBOLETH F. signer
7. SIDEREAL G. making fortunate discoveries
8. SIGNATORY H. password
9. SIMILE I. misgivings
10. SINISTRAL J. concise
spew eject spirited lively spleen resentment, wrath
spindle shaft spirituous alcohol, intoxicating splenetic peevish
spindly tall and thin spite malice, grudge splurge indulge
spinster old maid spittle spit spontaneous extemporaneous
spire pinnacle splay spread apart sporadic occurring irregularly

TeamLRN
494 GRE Prep Course

sportive playful stout stocky suffice adequate

spry nimble strait distress
spume foam stratagem trick
spurious false, counterfeit stratify form into layers
spurn reject stratum layer
squalid filthy striate to stripe
squall rain storm stricture censure
squander waste strife conflict
squelch crush, stifle striking impressive, attractive
stagnant stale, motionless stringent severe, strict
staid demure, sedate strive endeavor
stalwart pillar, strong studious diligent
stamina vigor, endurance stultify inhibit, enfeeble
stanch loyal stunted arrested development
stanchion prop stupefy deaden, dumfound
stanza division of a poem stupendous astounding
stark desolate stupor lethargy
startle surprise stylize formalize
stately impressive, noble stymie hinder, thwart
static inactive, immobile suave smooth
statue regulation sub rosa in secret
staunch loyal subcutaneous beneath the skin
stave ward off subdue conquer
steadfast loyal subjugate suppress
stealth secrecy, covertness sublet subcontract
steeped soaked sublimate to redirect forbidden
stenography shorthand impulses (usually sexual) into
socially accepted activities
stentorian loud
sublime lofty, excellent
sterling high quality
sublunary earthly
stern strict
submit yield
stevedore longshoreman
subordinate lower in rank
stifle suppress
subsequent succeeding, following
stigma mark of disgrace
subservient servile, submissive
stiletto dagger
subside diminish
stilted formal, stiff
subsidiary subordinate
stimulate excite
subsidize financial assistance
stint limit, assignment
substantiate verify
stipend payment
substantive substantial
stipulate specify, arrange
subterfuge cunning, ruse
stodgy stuffy, pompous
subterranean underground
stoic indifferent to pain or pleasure
subvert undermine
stoke prod, fuel
succor help, comfort
stole long scarf
succulent juicy, delicious
stolid impassive
succumb yield, submit
suffrage vote
suffuse pervade, permeate
suggestive thought-provoking, risqué
sullen sulky, sour
sully stain
sultry sweltering
summon call for, arraign
sumptuous opulent, luscious
sunder split
sundry various
superb excellent
supercilious arrogant
supererogatory wanton, superfluous
superfluous overabundant
superimpose cover, place on top of
superintend supervise
superlative superior
supernumerary subordinate
supersede supplant
supervene ensue, follow
supervise oversee
supine lying on the back
supplant replace
supplication prayer
suppress subdue
surfeit overabundance
surly rude, crass
surmise to guess
surmount overcome
surname family name
surpass exceed, excel
surreal dreamlike
surreptitious secretive
surrogate substitute
surveillance close watch
susceptible vulnerable
suspend stop temporarily
sustenance food
susurrant whispering
suture surgical stitch
svelte slender
swank fashionable
swarthy dark (as in complexion)
 Vocabulary 4000 495

swatch strip of fabric synagogue temple tabulate arrange

sweltering hot syndicate cartel tacit understood without being spoken
swivel a pivot syndrome set of symptoms taciturn untalkative
sybarite pleasure-seeker synod council tactful sensitive
sycophant flatterer, flunky synopsis brief summary tactics strategy
syllabicate divide into syllables synthesis combination tactile tangible
syllabus schedule systole heart contraction taint pollute
sylph a slim, graceful girl talion punishment
sylvan rustic
symbiotic cooperative, working in
T tally count
talon claw
close association tabernacle temple
tandem two or more things together
symmetry harmony, congruence table postpone
symposium panel (discussion) tableau scene, backdrop
symptomatic indicative taboo prohibition
Quiz 17 (Matching)

Match each word in the first column with its definition in the second column.

1. STAVE A. distress
2. STEVEDORE B. diligent
3. STRAIT C. ward off
4. STUDIOUS D. longshoreman
5. SUBJUGATE E. various
6. SUBTERFUGE F. overabundant
7. SUNDRY G. suppress
8. SUPERFLUOUS H. cunning
9. SUPINE I. dreamlike
10. SURREAL J. lying on the back
tang strong taste tempest storm terrain the feature of land
tangential peripheral tempestuous agitated terrapin turtle
tangible touchable tempo speed terrestrial earthly
tantalize tease temporal pertaining to time terse concise
tantamount equivalent tempt entice testament covenant
taper candle tenable defensible, valid testy petulant
tariff tax on imported or exported tenacious persistent tether tie down
goods tendentious biased theatrics histrionics
tarn small lake tenement decaying apartment theologian one who studies religion
tarnish taint building thesaurus book of synonyms
tarry linger tenet doctrine thesis proposition, topic
taurine bull-like tensile stretchable thespian actor
taut tight tentative provisional thews muscles
tautological repetitious tenuous thin, insubstantial thorny difficult
tawdry gaudy tenure status given after a period thrall slave
technology body of knowledge of time
threadbare tattered
tedious boring, tiring tepid lukewarm
thrive prosper
teem swarm, abound terminal final
throes anguish
temerity boldness terminology nomenclature
throng crowd
temperate moderate ternary triple
throttle choke
terpsichorean related to dance

TeamLRN
496 GRE Prep Course

thwart to foil tirade scolding speech toady fawner, sycophant

tiara crown titan accomplished person tocsin alarm bell, signal
tidings news, information titanic huge toil drudgery
tiff fight titer laugh nervously tome large book
timbre tonal quality, resonance tithe donate one-tenth tonal pertaining to sound
timorous fearful, timid titian auburn topography science of map
tincture trace, vestige, tint titillate arouse making
tinsel tawdriness titular in name only, figurehead
Quiz 18 (Matching)
Match each word in the first column with its definition in the second column.
1. SWATCH A. to foil
2. SYNOD B. anguish
3. TACIT C. concise
4. TALON D. provisional
5. TAURINE E. agitated
6. TEMPESTUOUS F. bull-like
7. TENTATIVE G. claw
8. TERSE H. understood without being spoken
9. THROES I. council
10. THWART J. strip of fabric
torment harass treatise book, dissertation tussock cluster of glass
torpid lethargic, inactive trek journey tutelage guardianship
torrid scorching, passionate trenchant incisive, penetrating twain two
torsion twisting trepidation fear twinge pain
torus doughnut shaped object triad group of three tyrannical dictatorial
totter stagger tribunal court tyranny oppression
touchstone standard tributary river tyro beginner
tousled disheveled trite commonplace, insincere
tout praise, brag
toxicologist one who studies poisons
troglodyte cave dweller
trollop harlot
U
ubiquitous omnipresent, pervasive
tractable docile, manageable troublous disturbed
ulterior hidden, covert
traduce slander trounce thrash
ultimatum demand
tranquilize calm, anesthetize troupe group of actors
ululate howl, wail
transcribe write a copy truckle yield
umbrage resentment
transfigure transform, exalt truculent fierce, savage
unabashed shameless, brazen
transfix impale trudge march, slog
unabated ceaseless
transfuse insert, infuse truism self-evident truth
unaffected natural, sincere
transgression trespass, offense truncate shorten
unanimity agreement
transient fleeting, temporary truncheon club
unassuming modest
transitory fleeting tryst meeting, rendezvous
unavailing useless, futile
translucent clear, lucid tumbler drinking glass
unawares suddenly, unexpectedly
transpire happen tumefy swell
unbecoming unfitting
transpose interchange tumult commotion
unbridled unrestrained
trauma injury turbid muddy, clouded
uncanny mysterious, inexplicable
travail work, drudgery turgid swollen
unconscionable unscrupulous
traverse cross turpitude depravity
uncouth uncultured, crude
travesty caricature, farce tussle fight
 Vocabulary 4000 497

Quiz 19 (Matching)

Match each word in the first column with its definition in the second column.

1. TIDINGS A. incisive
2. TITER B. omnipresent
3. TITULAR C. lethargic
4. TORPID D. figurehead
5. TRADUCE E. unrestrained
6. TRENCHANT F. news
7. UBIQUITOUS G. laugh nervously
8. ULULATE H. ceaseless
9. UNABATED I. wail
10. UNBRIDLED J. slander
unctuous insincere unseat displace variance discrepancy
undermine weaken unseemly unbecoming, improper vassal subject
underpin support unstinting generous vaunt brag
underscore emphasize unsullied spotless vehement adamant
understudy a stand-in unsung neglected venal mercenary, for the sake of
underworld criminal world untenable cannot be achieved money
underwrite agree to finance, untoward perverse vendetta grudge, feud
guarantee unwarranted unjustified veneer false front, facade
undue unjust, excessive unwieldy awkward venerable revered
undulate surge, fluctuate unwitting unintentional venial excusable
unduly excessive upshot result venom poison, spite
unequivocal unambiguous, urbane refined, worldly venture risk, speculate
categorical venturesome bold, risky
ursine bear-like
unexceptionable beyond criticism venue location
usurp seize, to appropriate
unfailing steadfast, unfaltering veracity truthfulness
usury overcharge
unfathomable puzzling, veranda porch
incomprehensible utilitarian pragmatic
utopia paradise verbatim word for word
unflagging untiring, unrelenting
utter complete verbose wordy
unflappable not easily upset
uxorious a doting husband verdant green, lush
unfrock discharge
verdict decision
unfurl open up, spread out
ungainly awkward V vernacular common speech
vertigo dizziness
uniformity sameness
vacillate waver vestige trace
unilateral action taken by only one
vacuous inane veto reject
party
vagary whim vex annoy
unimpeachable exemplary
vain unsuccessful viable capable of surviving
unison together
vainglorious conceited viaduct waterway
unkempt disheveled
valediction farewell speech viand food
unmitigated complete, harsh
valiant brave vicious evil
unmoved firm, steadfast
validate affirm vicissitude changing fortunes
unprecedented without previous
occurrence valor bravery victuals food
unremitting relentless vanguard leading position vie compete
unsavory distasteful, offensive vanquish conquer vigil watch, sentry duty
unscathed unhurt vapid vacuous, insipid vigilant on guard

TeamLRN
498 GRE Prep Course

vignette scene
vigor vitality
W wont custom
woo court, seek favor
wager bet
vilify defame wraith ghost
waggish playful
vindicate free from blame wrath anger, fury
waive forego
vindictive revengeful wreak inflict
wallow indulge
virile manly wrest snatch
wan pale
virtuoso highly skilled artist wretched miserable
wane dissipate, wither
virulent deadly, poisonous writ summons
want need, poverty
visage facial expression writhe contort
wanton lewd, abandoned
viscid thick, gummy wry twisted
warrant justification
visitation a formal visit
wary guarded
vital necessary
vitiate spoil, ruin
wastrel spendthrift X
waylay ambush xenophillic attraction to strangers
vitreous glassy
wean remove from nursing, break xenophobia fear of foreigners
vitriolic scathing a habit xylophone musical percussion
vituperative abusive weir dam instrument
vivacious lively welter confusion, hodgepodge
vivid lifelike, clear
vocation occupation
wheedle coax
whet stimulate
Y
vociferous adamant, clamoring yarn story
whiffle vacillate
vogue fashion, chic yearn desire strongly
whimsical capricious
volant agile yen desire
wield control
volatile unstable yore long ago
willful deliberate
volition free will Young Turks reformers
wily shrewd
voluble talkative wince cringe
voluminous bulky, extensive
voracious hungry
windfall bonus, boon Z
winnow separate zeal earnestness, passion
votary fan, aficionado winsome charming zealot fanatic
vouchsafe confer, bestow wistful yearning zenith summit
vulgarity obscenity wither shrivel zephyr gentle breeze
vulnerable susceptible wizened shriveled
vulpine fox-like woe anguish
Quiz 20 (Matching)

Match each word in the first column with its definition in the second column.

1. UNCOUTH A. disheveled
2. UNDULY B. capable of surviving
3. UNFLAGGING C. awkward
4. UNKEMPT D. uncultured
5. UNSTINTING E. truthfulness
6. UNTENABLE F. whim
7. UNWIELDY G. unrelenting
8. VAGARY H. cannot be achieved
9. VERACITY I. generous
10. VIABLE J. excessive