GRE A Words Flashcards
Articulate (428 cards)
1
Q
abase
A
cause to feel shame
2
Q
abash
A
cause to be embarrassed
3
Q
abate
A
become less in amount or intensity
4
Q
abbreviate
A
shorten
5
Q
aberrant
A
markedly different from an accepted norm
6
Q
aberration
A
a state or condition markedly different from the norm
7
Q
abet
A
assist or encourage, usually in some wrongdoing
8
Q
abeyance
A
temporary cessation or suspension
9
Q
abhor
A
feel hatred or disgust toward
10
Q
abide
A
dwell
11
Q
abject
A
of the most contemptible kind
12
Q
abjure
A
formally reject or disavow a formerly held belief
13
Q
ablution
A
the act of washing oneself, as for ritual purposes
14
Q
abnegate
A
deny or renounce
15
Q
abnegation
A
the denial and rejection of a doctrine or belief
16
Q
abode
A
any address at which you dwell more than temporarily
17
Q
abolish
A
do away with
18
Q
abominable
A
unequivocally detestable
19
Q
abominate
A
find repugnant
20
Q
aboriginal
A
having existed from the beginning
21
Q
abortive
A
failing to accomplish an intended result
22
Q
abrade
A
rub hard or scrub
23
Q
abridge
A
lessen, diminish, or curtail
24
Q
abrogate
A
revoke formally
25
abscission
the act of cutting something off
26
abscond
run away, often taking something or somebody along
27
absolute
perfect or complete or pure
28
absolve
grant remission of a sin to
29
abstain
refrain from doing, consuming, or partaking in something
30
abstemious
marked by temperance in indulgence
31
abstinence
the trait of refraining from something, especially alcohol
32
abstract
existing only in the mind
33
abstruse
difficult to understand
34
abusive
characterized by physical or psychological maltreatment
35
abut
lie adjacent to another or share a boundary
36
abysmal
exceptionally bad or displeasing
37
abyss
a bottomless gulf or pit
38
academic
associated with an educational institution
39
accede
yield to another's wish or opinion
40
accelerate
move faster
41
accessible
capable of being reached
42
accessory
a supplementary component that improves capability
43
acclaim
enthusiastic approval
44
acclimate
get used to a certain environment
45
acclivity
an upward slope or grade, as in a road
46
accolade
a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction
47
accommodate
have room for; hold without crowding
48
accomplice
a person who joins with another in carrying out some plan
49
accord
concurrence of opinion
50
accost
approach and speak to someone aggressively or insistently
51
accoutre
provide with military equipment
52
accretion
an increase by natural growth or addition
53
accrue
grow by addition
54
acephalous
lacking a head or a clearly defined head
55
acerbic
sour or bitter in taste
56
acerbity
a sharp bitterness
57
acetic
relating to a clear organic acid with a pungent odor
58
acidulous
being sour to the taste
59
acknowledge
declare to be true or admit the existence or reality of
60
acme
the highest point of something
61
acne
an inflammatory disease involving the sebaceous glands
62
acoustics
the study of the physical properties of sound
63
acquiesce
agree or express agreement
64
acquiescence
agreement with a statement or proposal to do something
65
acquiescent
willing to carry out the orders or wishes of another
66
acquittal
a judgment of not guilty
67
acrid
strong and sharp, as a taste or smell
68
acrimonious
marked by strong resentment or cynicism
69
acrophobia
a morbid fear of great heights
70
actuarial
relating to statistics to calculate insurance premiums
71
actuary
someone versed in the interpretation of numerical data
72
actuate
put in motion
73
acuity
sharpness of vision
74
acumen
shrewdness shown by keen insight
75
acute
ending in a sharp point
76
adage
a condensed but memorable saying embodying an important fact
77
adamant
very hard native crystalline carbon valued as a gem
78
adapt
make fit for, or change to suit a new purpose
79
addendum
textual matter that is appended to the end of a publication
80
addiction
being dependent on something habit-forming
81
addle
mix up or confuse
82
address
the place where a person or organization can be found
83
adduce
advance evidence for
84
adept
having or showing knowledge and skill and aptitude
85
adhere
stick to firmly
86
adherent
someone who believes and helps to spread a doctrine
87
adipose
composed of animal fat
88
adjacent
having a common boundary or edge
89
adjoin
lie next to another or share a boundary
90
adjourn
close at the end of a session
91
adjunct
something added to another thing but not essential to it
92
adjuration
a solemn and earnest appeal to someone to do something
93
adjure
command solemnly
94
adjutant
an officer who acts as an assistant to a more senior officer
95
admonish
scold or reprimand; take to task
96
admonition
a firm rebuke
97
adore
love intensely
98
adorn
make more attractive, as by adding ornament or color
99
adroit
quick or skillful or adept in action or thought
100
adulation
exaggerated flattery or praise
101
adulterate
make impure by adding a foreign or inferior substance
102
adulterated
mixed with impurities
103
adumbration
the act of providing vague advance indications
104
advent
arrival that has been awaited
105
adventitious
associated by chance and not an integral part
106
adversary
someone who offers opposition
107
adverse
in an opposing direction
108
adversity
a state of misfortune or affliction
109
advert
a public promotion of some product or service
110
advocacy
active support of an idea or cause
111
advocate
a person who pleads for a person, cause, or idea
112
aegis
armor plate that protects the chest
113
aeon
the longest division of geological time
114
aerie
the lofty nest of a bird of prey, such as a hawk or eagle
115
aery
characterized by lightness and insubstantiality
116
aesthetic
characterized by an appreciation of beauty or good taste
117
affable
diffusing warmth and friendliness
118
affected
influenced
119
afferent
of nerves and nerve impulses
120
affidavit
written declaration made under oath
121
affiliation
the act of becoming formally connected or joined
122
affinity
a natural attraction or feeling of kinship
123
affirmation
the act of asserting or stating something
124
afflatus
a strong creative impulse; divine inspiration
125
affliction
a cause of great suffering and distress
126
affluence
abundant wealth
127
affray
a noisy fight
128
affront
a deliberately offensive act
129
afterlife
life after death
130
agape
with the mouth wide open as in wonder or awe
131
agenda
a list of matters to be taken up, as at a meeting
132
agglomeration
the act of collecting in a mass
133
aggrandize
embellish; increase the scope, power, or importance of
134
aggregate
a sum total of many heterogeneous things taken together
135
aghast
struck with fear, dread, or consternation
136
agility
the gracefulness of a quick and nimble person or animal
137
agitate
move or cause to move back and forth
138
agitation
a mental state of extreme emotional disturbance
139
agnostic
a person who claims the existence of God is unknowable
140
agog
highly excited
141
agrarian
relating to rural matters
142
agronomist
an expert in soil management and field-crop production
143
airy
open to or abounding in fresh atmosphere
144
alacrity
liveliness and eagerness
145
albite
a widely distributed feldspar that forms rocks
146
alchemy
a pseudoscientific forerunner of chemistry in medieval times
147
alcove
a small recess opening off a large room or garden
148
alias
a name that has been assumed temporarily
149
alienate
arouse hostility or indifference in
150
alimentary
of or providing nourishment
151
alimony
support paid by one spouse to another after separation
152
allay
lessen the intensity of or calm
153
allege
report or maintain
154
allegiance
the act of binding yourself to a course of action
155
allegory
a short moral story
156
alleviate
provide physical relief, as from pain
157
alliteration
use of the same consonant at the beginning of each word
158
allocate
distribute according to a plan or set apart for a purpose
159
alloy
a mixture containing two or more metallic elements
160
allude
make an indirect reference to
161
allure
the power to entice or attract
162
allusion
passing reference or indirect mention
163
alluvial
relating to deposits carried by rushing streams
164
alms
money or goods contributed to the poor
165
aloft
at or on or to the masthead or upper rigging of a ship
166
aloof
distant, cold, or detached in manner
167
altercation
a noisy quarrel
168
altruism
the quality of unselfish concern for the welfare of others
169
altruistic
showing unselfish concern for the welfare of others
170
amalgam
a combination or blend of diverse things
171
amalgamate
bring or combine together or with something else
172
amass
collect or gather
173
amazon
a large, strong, and aggressive woman
174
ambidextrous
equally skillful with each hand
175
ambience
the atmosphere of an environment
176
ambiguous
having more than one possible meaning
177
ambivalence
mixed feelings or emotions
178
amble
walk leisurely
179
ambrosia
the food and drink of the gods
180
ambulatory
able to walk about
181
ambush
the act of hiding and waiting to make a surprise attack
182
ameliorate
make better
183
amenable
disposed or willing to comply
184
amend
make revisions to
185
amenities
things that make you comfortable and at ease
186
amiable
diffusing warmth and friendliness
187
amicable
characterized by friendship and good will
188
amiss
in an improper or mistaken manner
189
amity
a state of friendship and cordiality
190
amnesia
partial or total loss of memory
191
amnesty
a warrant granting release from punishment for an offense
192
amok
wildly; without self-control
193
amorally
without regard for the distinction between right and wrong
194
amorous
inclined toward or displaying love
195
amorphous
having no definite form or distinct shape
196
amortization
reducing the value of an asset over a period of years
197
amphibian
cold-blooded vertebrate living on land but breeding in water
198
amphitheater
an oval large stadium with tiers of seats
199
ample
more than enough in size or scope or capacity
200
amplify
increase the volume of
201
amputate
remove surgically
202
amuck
wildly; without self-control
203
amulet
a trinket thought to be a magical protection against evil
204
anachronism
locating something at a time when it couldn't have existed
205
analgesia
absence of the sense of pain without loss of consciousness
206
analgesic
capable of relieving pain
207
analogous
similar or equivalent in some respects
208
analogy
drawing a comparison in order to show a similarity
209
anarchist
an advocate of the abolition of governments
210
anarchy
a state of lawlessness and disorder
211
anathema
a formal ecclesiastical curse accompanied by excommunication
212
ancestry
the lineage of an individual
213
anchor
a mechanical device that prevents a vessel from moving
214
ancillary
furnishing added support
215
andiron
metal supports for logs in a fireplace
216
anecdote
short account of an incident
217
anemia
a deficiency of red blood cells
218
anesthetic
a drug that causes temporary loss of bodily sensations
219
anguish
extreme distress of body or mind
220
angular
having straight lines and sharp points or corners
221
animadversion
harsh criticism or disapproval
222
animated
having life or vigor or spirit
223
animosity
a feeling of ill will arousing active hostility
224
animus
a feeling of ill will arousing active hostility
225
annals
a chronological account of events in successive years
226
anneal
bring to a desired consistency by heating and cooling
227
annex
attach to
228
annihilate
kill in large numbers
229
annotate
add explanatory notes to or supply with critical comments
230
annuity
income from capital investment paid regularly
231
annul
cancel officially
232
anodyne
capable of relieving pain
233
anoint
administer an oil or ointment to, often ceremonially
234
anointment
the act of applying oil or an oily liquid
235
anomalous
deviating from the general or common order or type
236
anomaly
deviation from the normal or common order, form, or rule
237
anonymity
the state of being unknown
238
anonymous
having no known name or identity or known source
239
antagonism
an actively expressed feeling of dislike and hostility
240
antecede
be earlier in time; go back further
241
antecedent
a preceding occurrence or cause or event
242
antediluvian
of or relating to the period before the biblical flood
243
anthem
a song of devotion or loyalty
244
anthology
a collection of selected literary passages
245
anthropoid
resembling human beings
246
anthropologist
a social scientist specializing in the study of humanity
247
anthropomorphic
suggesting human features for animals or inanimate things
248
anticlimax
a disappointing decline after a previous rise
249
antidote
a remedy that stops or controls the effects of a poison
250
antipathy
a feeling of intense dislike
251
antiquated
so extremely old as seeming to belong to an earlier period
252
antique
made in or typical of earlier times and valued for its age
253
antiquity
the historic period preceding the Middle Ages in Europe
254
antiseptic
thoroughly clean and free of disease-causing organisms
255
antithesis
exact opposite
256
antler
deciduous horn of a member of the deer family
257
anvil
a heavy block on which hot metals are shaped by hammering
258
apathetic
showing little or no emotion or animation
259
apathy
an absence of emotion or enthusiasm
260
ape
any of various primates with short tails or no tail at all
261
aperture
a natural opening in something
262
apex
the highest point of something
263
aphasia
inability to use language because of a brain lesion
264
aphorism
a short pithy instructive saying
265
apiarist
a farmer who keeps bees for their honey
266
apiary
a shed containing a number of beehives
267
apiculture
the cultivation of bees for the production of honey
268
aplomb
great coolness and composure under strain
269
apocalyptic
of or relating to a catastrophe
270
apocryphal
being of questionable authenticity
271
apogee
the farthest point in an orbit around the Earth
272
apolitical
neutral with regards to government policy
273
apologist
a person who argues to defend some policy or institution
274
apologue
a short moral story (often with animal characters)
275
apophthegm
a short pithy instructive saying
276
apoplexy
a loss of consciousness from the lack of oxygen in the brain
277
apostate
not faithful to religion or party or cause
278
apothecary
a health professional trained in the art of preparing drugs
279
apothegm
a short pithy instructive saying
280
apotheosis
model of excellence or perfection of a kind
281
appall
strike with disgust or revulsion
282
apparent
clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment
283
apparition
a ghostly appearing figure
284
appease
make peace with
285
appellation
identifying words by which someone or something is called
286
append
fix to; attach
287
application
the action of putting something into operation
288
apposite
being of striking appropriateness and pertinence
289
appraise
consider in a comprehensive way
290
appreciate
be fully aware of; realize fully
291
apprehend
anticipate with dread or anxiety
292
apprehensive
in fear or dread of possible evil or harm
293
apprise
inform somebody of something
294
approbation
official acceptance or agreement
295
appropriate
suitable for a particular person, place, or situation
296
appurtenance
equipment consisting of miscellaneous articles
297
appurtenance
equipment consisting of miscellaneous articles
298
apropos
of a suitable, fitting, or pertinent nature
299
aptitude
inherent ability
300
aquiline
curved down like an eagle's beak
301
arable
capable of being farmed productively
302
arbiter
someone chosen to judge and decide a disputed issue
303
arbitrary
based on or subject to individual discretion or preference
304
arbitrate
act between parties with a view to reconciling differences
305
arboreal
of or relating to or formed by trees
306
arboretum
a facility where trees and shrubs are cultivated
307
arcade
a structure composed of arches supported by columns
308
arcane
requiring secret or mysterious knowledge
309
arch
a curved masonry construction for spanning an opening
310
archaeology
the branch of anthropology that studies prehistoric people
311
archaic
so extremely old as seeming to belong to an earlier period
312
archetype
something that serves as a model
313
archipelago
a group of many islands in a large body of water
314
archives
collection of records especially about an institution
315
ardor
feelings of great warmth and intensity
316
arduous
characterized by effort to the point of exhaustion
317
argot
a characteristic language of a particular group
318
aria
an elaborate song for solo voice
319
arid
lacking sufficient water or rainfall
320
aristocracy
a privileged class holding hereditary titles
321
armada
a large fleet
322
aromatic
having a strong pleasant odor
323
arraign
accuse of a wrong or an inadequacy
324
arrant
complete and without qualification
325
array
an impressive display or assortment
326
arrears
the state of being behind in payments
327
arrhythmic
lacking a steady beat or accent
328
arrogance
overbearing pride evidenced by a superior manner
329
arrogate
seize and take control without authority
330
arroyo
a stream or brook
331
arsenal
all the weapons and equipment that a country has
332
artery
a blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the body
333
artful
not straightforward or candid
334
articulate
express or state clearly
335
artifact
a man-made object
336
artifice
the use of deception or trickery
337
artisan
a skilled worker who practices some trade or handicraft
338
artless
simple and natural; without cunning or deceit
339
ascendancy
the state when one person or group has power over another
340
ascertain
learn or discover with confidence
341
ascetic
someone who practices self denial as a spiritual discipline
342
asceticism
rigorous self-denial and active self-restraint
343
ascribe
attribute or credit to
344
aseptic
free of pathological microorganisms
345
ashen
pale from illness or emotion
346
asinine
devoid of intelligence
347
askance
with suspicion or disapproval
348
askew
turned or twisted to one side
349
asperity
harshness of manner
350
aspersion
a disparaging remark
351
aspirant
an ambitious young person
352
aspiration
a cherished desire
353
aspire
have an ambitious plan or a lofty goal
354
assail
attack someone physically or emotionally
355
assay
a test of a substance to determine its components
356
assent
agree or express agreement
357
assert
declare or affirm solemnly and formally as true
358
asseverate
state categorically
359
assiduous
marked by care and persistent effort
360
assimilate
make alike
361
assuage
provide physical relief, as from pain
362
assumption
the act of taking something for granted
363
assurance
a binding commitment to do or give or refrain from something
364
asteroid
a small celestial body composed of rock and metal
365
astigmatism
impaired eyesight common in nearsighted people
366
astral
being or relating to or resembling or emanating from stars
367
astringent
tending to draw together or constrict soft organic tissue
368
astronomical
relating to the branch of physics studying celestial bodies
369
astute
marked by practical hardheaded intelligence
370
asunder
into parts or pieces
371
asylum
a shelter from danger or hardship
372
asymmetric
characterized by lack of balance in the arrangement of parts
373
atavism
a reappearance of an earlier characteristic
374
atelier
a studio especially for an artist or designer
375
atheistic
related to a lack of belief in the existence of God
376
athwart
across the course, direction, or center line of a ship
377
atone
turn away from sin or do penitence
378
atrocity
an act of shocking cruelty
379
atrophy
a decrease in size of an organ caused by disease or disuse
380
attentive
taking heed
381
attenuate
become weaker, in strength, value, or magnitude
382
attest
provide evidence for
383
attire
clothing of a distinctive style or for a particular occasion
384
attribute
a quality belonging to or characteristic of an entity
385
attrition
the act of rubbing together
386
atypical
not representative of a group, class, or type
387
audacious
disposed to venture or take risks
388
audacity
aggressive or outright boldness
389
audit
examine carefully for accuracy
390
augment
enlarge or increase
391
augury
an event indicating important things to come
392
august
profoundly honored
393
aureole
the outermost region of the sun's atmosphere
394
auroral
characteristic of the dawn
395
auscultation
listening to sounds within the body with a stethoscope
396
auspicious
indicating favorable circumstances and good luck
397
austere
of a stern or strict bearing or demeanor
398
austerity
excessive sternness
399
authenticate
establish the undisputed credibility of something
400
authoritarian
characteristic of an absolute ruler or absolute rule
401
authoritative
of recognized power or excellence
402
autocrat
a cruel and oppressive dictator
403
autocratic
characteristic of an absolute ruler or absolute rule
404
automaton
a mechanism that can move independently of external control
405
autonomous
existing as an independent entity
406
autopsy
an examination and dissection of a dead body
407
auxiliary
furnishing added support
408
avalanche
a slide of large masses of snow, ice and mud down a mountain
409
avant-garde
radically new or original
410
avarice
reprehensible acquisitiveness; insatiable desire for wealth
411
avatar
the manifestation of a Hindu deity in human or animal form
412
avenge
take action in return for a perceived wrong
413
aver
declare or affirm solemnly and formally as true
414
averse
strongly opposed
415
aversion
a feeling of intense dislike
416
avert
turn away or aside
417
aviary
a building where birds are kept
418
avid
marked by active interest and enthusiasm
419
avocation
an auxiliary activity
420
avouch
admit openly and bluntly
421
avow
declare or affirm solemnly and formally as true
422
avuncular
being or relating to an uncle
423
awe
an overwhelming feeling of wonder or admiration
424
awful
exceptionally bad or displeasing
425
awl
a pointed tool for marking surfaces or for punching holes
426
awry
turned or twisted to one side
427
axiom
a proposition that is not susceptible of proof or disproof
428
azure
bright blue in color, like a clear sky
