GRE "R" Flashcards
(2 cards)
Raft
A raft is an inflatable boat. It can also mean a large number of something. I know—it doesn’t really make much sense. But here’s a good mnemonic: imagine a large number of rafts and you have a raft of rafts.
it often refers to an overflow or huge collection of things.
🔹 The company launched a raft of new features in its latest update.
🔹 There’s been a raft of studies on climate change in recent years.
🔹 The proposal was met with a raft of criticisms from environmental groups.
Retiring
Sure, many dream of the day when they can retire (preferably to some palatial estate with a beachfront view). The second definition does not necessarily apply to most. To be retiring is to be shy, and to be inclined to retract from company.
Shy, modest, or reserved; someone who avoids attention or keeps to themselves.
Think: “retiring from attention” — not the job!
🔹 Despite her brilliance, she remained a retiring figure in the academic world.
🔹 The retiring artist rarely gave interviews or attended exhibitions.
Nelson was always the first to leave soirees—rather than mill about with “fashionable” folk, he was retiring, and preferred the solitude of his garret.
