Vocab 5 Flashcards Preview

GRE Additional Vocabulary > Vocab 5 > Flashcards

Flashcards in Vocab 5 Deck (200)
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1
Q

Define:

Wry

A

adj. expressing dry, especially mocking humor

2
Q

Define:

Dramaturgy

A

n. the study of dramatic composition

3
Q

Define:

Parvenus

A

n. a person of obscure origin who has gained wealth, influence, or celebrity

4
Q

Define:

Sardonic

A

adj. grimly mocking or cynical

5
Q

Define:

Covey

A

n. a small group of people or things

6
Q

Define:

Mote

A

n. speck or small amount

7
Q

Define:

Trove

A

n. a store of valuable or delightful things

8
Q

Define:

Denouement

A

n. the final part of a play, movie, or narrative

9
Q

Define:

Abettor

A

n. one who encourages or assists someone to commit a crime

10
Q

Define:

Abeyance

A

n. state of inactivity, disuse, or suspension

11
Q

Define:

Abiding

A

adj. (of a feeling or a memory) lasting a long time

12
Q

Define:

Abjured

A

v. solemnly renounce (a belief, cause, or claim)

13
Q

Define:

Abrade

A

v. to scrape or wear away by friction or erosion

14
Q

Define:

Abrogate

A

v. to repeal or do away with; cancel

15
Q

Define:

Circumspect

A

adj. wary and unwilling to take risks; cautious; considering all sides

16
Q

Define:

Circumscribe

A

v. to restrict (something) within limits

17
Q

Define:

Circumambulate

A

v. walk all the way around (something)

18
Q

Define:

Cicatrix

A

n. the scar of a healed wound

19
Q

Define:

Chorales

A

n. a choir or choral society; simple hymns

20
Q

Define:

Choleric

A

adj. bad-tempered or irritable

21
Q

Define:

Chimerical

A

adj. of or related to a thing that is hoped or wished for but in fact is illusory or impossible to achieve

22
Q

Define:

Chide

A

v. to scold or rebuke

23
Q

Define:

Chauvinist

A

n. someone excessively patriotic, prejudiced for a particular group, cause or gender

24
Q

Define:

Chary

A

adj. cautiously or suspiciously reluctant to do something

25
Q

Define:

Charlatan

A

n. trickster who claims knowledge he doesn’t have

26
Q

Define:

Chantey

A

n. type of song sung by sailors

27
Q

Define:

Execrable

A

adj. extremely bad or unpleasant

28
Q

Define:

Exceptionable

A

adj. open to objection; causing disapproval or offense

29
Q

Define:

Apprising

A

v. to value highly or put a price on or inform someone

30
Q

Define:

Unctuous

A

adj. (of a person) using excessive flattery

31
Q

Define:

Utilitarian

A

adj. useful

32
Q

Define:

Malapropism

A

n. use of similar sounding but incorrect word

33
Q

Define:

Equivocate

A

v. use ambiguous language to conceal the truth or avoid committing oneself

34
Q

Define:

Gauche

A

adj. lacking ease or grace; unsophisticated and socially awkward

35
Q

Define:

Maladroit

A

adj. unskillful; clumsy

36
Q

Define:

Plenary

A

adj. unqualified, absolute

37
Q

Define:

Fitfully

A

adv. Not regularly or continuously; unpredictably

38
Q

Define:

Fickle

A

adj. changing frequently, esp. as regards to one’s loyalties, interests, or affection; unpredictable

39
Q

Define:

Profane

A

adj. relating or devoted to that which is not sacred or biblical; (of language) blasphemous or obscene

40
Q

Define:

Hapless

A

adj. (esp. of a person) unfortunate

41
Q

Define:

Unpropitious

A

adj. (of a circumstance) not giving or indicating a good chance of success; unfavorable

42
Q

Define:

Vicissitude

A

n. an unexpected change in fortune or circumstances; alternation between opposite or contrasting things

43
Q

Define:

Untoward

A

adj. unexpected and inappropriate or inconvenient

44
Q

Define:

Unalloyed

A

adj. undiluted and pure; total

45
Q

Define:

Fallow

A

adj. uncultivated

46
Q

Define:

Presentiment

A

n. an intuitive feeling about the future

47
Q

Define:

Sophistry

A

n. the use of fallavious arguments, esp. with the intention of deceiving

48
Q

Define:

Rabble

A

n. a mob; a disorderly crowd

49
Q

Define:

Malediction

A

n. a curse

50
Q

Define:

Clangor

A

n. a continuous loud banging or wringing sound

51
Q

Define:

Sequelae

A

n. a condition that is the consequence of a previous disease or injury

52
Q

Define:

Cache

A

n. a collection of items stored

53
Q

Define:

Blunderbuss

A

n. an action or way of doing something regarded as lacking in subtlety and precision; a clumsy person

54
Q

Define:

Earmark

A

n. a characteristic or identifying feature

55
Q

Define:

Vicissitude

A

n. a change of circumstances or fortune, typically one that is unwelcome or unpleasant; alternation between opposite or contrasting things

56
Q

Define:

Encumbrances

A

n. a burden or impediment

57
Q

Define:

Contusion

A

n. a bruise

58
Q

Define:

Contrapuntal

A

adj. of or in counterpoint; (of a piece of music) with two or more independent melodic lines

59
Q

Define:

Wanton

A

adj. sexually immodest or promiscuous; (a cruel and violent act) deliberate and unprovoked

60
Q

Define:

Maven

A

n. an expert

61
Q

Define:

Opus

A

n. an artistic work

62
Q

Define:

Patricians

A

n. a member of a long-established wealthy family; an aristocrat or nobleman

63
Q

Define:

Farce

A

n. an absurd event

64
Q

Define:

Mirth

A

n. amusement esp. as expressed in laughter

65
Q

Define:

Tare

A

n. allowance made for container when weighing

66
Q

Define:

Palliate

A

v. to make less severe or unpleasant without removing the cause;

67
Q

Define:

Desultory

A

adj. lacking a plan, purpose, or enthusiasm; aimless; inconsistent with effort

68
Q

Define:

Pugnacious

A

adj. eager or quick to argue or quarrel; aggressive, ready to fight

69
Q

Define:

Garland

A

v. adorn or crown with a garland; n. a wreath of flowers and leaves

70
Q

Define:

Puffery

A

n. exaggerated or false praise

71
Q

Define:

Pathos

A

n. a quality that evokes pity or sadness evoking sadness or pity

72
Q

Define:

Equable

A

adj. calm and even-tempered

73
Q

Define:

Ensconce

A

v. establish or settle someone in a comfortable, safe, or secret place

74
Q

Define:

Seminal

A

adj. essential; formative

75
Q

Define:

Belletristic

A

adj. of or relating to essays, particularly of literary and artistic criticism, written and read primarily for aesthetic effect

76
Q

Define:

Efface

A

v. to erase from the surface

77
Q

Define:

Parity

A

n. equality

78
Q

Define:

Milieu

A

n. a person’s social environment

79
Q

Define:

Vim

A

n. energy or enthusiasm

80
Q

Define:

Coltish

A

adj. energetic but awkward in one’s movements or behavior

81
Q

Define:

Emollient

A

adj. something that softens

82
Q

Define:

Salutary

A

adj. (esp. with reference to something unqelcome or unpleasant) producing good effects; beneficial

83
Q

Define:

Vagary

A

n. something unaccountable; an inexplicable change in a situation or in someone’s behavior; freak

84
Q

Define:

Discrepancy

A

n. something which does not match up; inconsistency

85
Q

Define:

Provenance

A

n. something’s origin

86
Q

Define:

Liniment

A

n. soothing lotion intended to relieve pain

87
Q

Define:

Urbane

A

adj. (of a person, esp. a man) sauve, courteous, and refined in manner; sophisticated

88
Q

Define:

Plaintive

A

adj. sounding sad or mournful

89
Q

Define:

Capacious

A

adj. spacious

90
Q

Define:

Mince

A

v. speak in an affected manner; walk with an affected delicacy or fastidiousness

91
Q

Define:

Prevaricate

A

v. to speak misleadingly or in an evasive way

92
Q

Define:

Expatiate

A

v. speak or write at length or detail

93
Q

Define:

Drawl

A

v. speak slowly with words running together; n. a slow, lazy way of speaking or an accent with unusually prolonged vowel sounds

94
Q

Define:

Picayune

A

adj. petty, worthless

95
Q

Define:

Epithet

A

n. an adjective or descriptive phrase used as a label to express the essential nature of

96
Q

Define:

Asperity

A

n. harshness of tone or manner

97
Q

Define:

Noxious

A

adj. harmful; poisonous

98
Q

Define:

Inveterate

A

adj. (of a feeling or habit) long-established and unlikely to change

99
Q

Define:

Credulous

A

adj. gullible

100
Q

Define:

Credulity

A

n. gullibility

101
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

adj. expressing dry, especially mocking humor

A

Wry

102
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

n. the study of dramatic composition

A

Dramaturgy

103
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

n. a person of obscure origin who has gained wealth, influence, or celebrity

A

Parvenus

104
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

adj. grimly mocking or cynical

A

Sardonic

105
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

n. a small group of people or things

A

Covey

106
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

n. speck or small amount

A

Mote

107
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

n. a store of valuable or delightful things

A

Trove

108
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

n. the final part of a play, movie, or narrative

A

Denouement

109
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

n. one who encourages or assists someone to commit a crime

A

Abettor

110
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

n. state of inactivity, disuse, or suspension

A

Abeyance

111
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

adj. (of a feeling or a memory) lasting a long time

A

Abiding

112
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

v. solemnly renounce (a belief, cause, or claim)

A

Abjured

113
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

v. to scrape or wear away by friction or erosion

A

Abrade

114
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

v. to repeal or do away with; cancel

A

Abrogate

115
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

adj. wary and unwilling to take risks; cautious; considering all sides

A

Circumspect

116
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

v. to restrict (something) within limits

A

Circumscribe

117
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

v. walk all the way around (something)

A

Circumambulate

118
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

n. the scar of a healed wound

A

Cicatrix

119
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

n. a choir or choral society; simple hymns

A

Chorales

120
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

adj. bad-tempered or irritable

A

Choleric

121
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

adj. of or related to a thing that is hoped or wished for but in fact is illusory or impossible to achieve

A

Chimerical

122
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

v. to scold or rebuke

A

Chide

123
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

n. someone excessively patriotic, prejudiced for a particular group, cause or gender

A

Chauvinist

124
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

adj. cautiously or suspiciously reluctant to do something

A

Chary

125
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

n. trickster who claims knowledge he doesn’t have

A

Charlatan

126
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

n. type of song sung by sailors

A

Chantey

127
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

adj. extremely bad or unpleasant

A

Execrable

128
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

adj. open to objection; causing disapproval or offense

A

Exceptionable

129
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

v. to value highly or put a price on or inform someone

A

Apprising

130
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

adj. (of a person) using excessive flattery

A

Unctuous

131
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

adj. useful

A

Utilitarian

132
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

n. use of similar sounding but incorrect word

A

Malapropism

133
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

v. use ambiguous language to conceal the truth or avoid committing oneself

A

Equivocate

134
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

adj. lacking ease or grace; unsophisticated and socially awkward

A

Gauche

135
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

adj. unskillful; clumsy

A

Maladroit

136
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

adj. unqualified, absolute

A

Plenary

137
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

adv. Not regularly or continuously; unpredictably

A

Fitfully

138
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

adj. changing frequently, esp. as regards to one’s loyalties, interests, or affection; unpredictable

A

Fickle

139
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

adj. relating or devoted to that which is not sacred or biblical; (of language) blasphemous or obscene

A

Profane

140
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

adj. (esp. of a person) unfortunate

A

Hapless

141
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

adj. (of a circumstance) not giving or indicating a good chance of success; unfavorable

A

Unpropitious

142
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

n. an unexpected change in fortune or circumstances; alternation between opposite or contrasting things

A

Vicissitude

143
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

adj. unexpected and inappropriate or inconvenient

A

Untoward

144
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

adj. undiluted and pure; total

A

Unalloyed

145
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

adj. uncultivated

A

Fallow

146
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

n. an intuitive feeling about the future

A

Presentiment

147
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

n. the use of fallavious arguments, esp. with the intention of deceiving

A

Sophistry

148
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

n. a mob; a disorderly crowd

A

Rabble

149
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

n. a curse

A

Malediction

150
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

n. a continuous loud banging or wringing sound

A

Clangor

151
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

n. a condition that is the consequence of a previous disease or injury

A

Sequelae

152
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

n. a collection of items stored

A

Cache

153
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

n. an action or way of doing something regarded as lacking in subtlety and precision; a clumsy person

A

Blunderbuss

154
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

n. a characteristic or identifying feature

A

Earmark

155
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

n. a change of circumstances or fortune, typically one that is unwelcome or unpleasant; alternation between opposite or contrasting things

A

Vicissitude

156
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

n. a burden or impediment

A

Encumbrances

157
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

n. a bruise

A

Contusion

158
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

adj. of or in counterpoint; (of a piece of music) with two or more independent melodic lines

A

Contrapuntal

159
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

adj. sexually immodest or promiscuous; (a cruel and violent act) deliberate and unprovoked

A

Wanton

160
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

n. an expert

A

Maven

161
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

n. an artistic work

A

Opus

162
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

n. a member of a long-established wealthy family; an aristocrat or nobleman

A

Patricians

163
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

n. an absurd event

A

Farce

164
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

n. amusement esp. as expressed in laughter

A

Mirth

165
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

n. allowance made for container when weighing

A

Tare

166
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

v. to make less severe or unpleasant without removing the cause;

A

Palliate

167
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

adj. lacking a plan, purpose, or enthusiasm; aimless; inconsistent with effort

A

Desultory

168
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

adj. eager or quick to argue or quarrel; aggressive, ready to fight

A

Pugnacious

169
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

v. adorn or crown with a garland; n. a wreath of flowers and leaves

A

Garland

170
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

n. exaggerated or false praise

A

Puffery

171
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

n. a quality that evokes pity or sadness evoking sadness or pity

A

Pathos

172
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

adj. calm and even-tempered

A

Equable

173
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

v. establish or settle someone in a comfortable, safe, or secret place

A

Ensconce

174
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

adj. essential; formative

A

Seminal

175
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

adj. of or relating to essays, particularly of literary and artistic criticism, written and read primarily for aesthetic effect

A

Belletristic

176
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

v. to erase from the surface

A

Efface

177
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

n. equality

A

Parity

178
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

n. a person’s social environment

A

Milieu

179
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

n. energy or enthusiasm

A

Vim

180
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

adj. energetic but awkward in one’s movements or behavior

A

Coltish

181
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

adj. something that softens

A

Emollient

182
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

adj. (esp. with reference to something unqelcome or unpleasant) producing good effects; beneficial

A

Salutary

183
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

n. something unaccountable; an inexplicable change in a situation or in someone’s behavior; freak

A

Vagary

184
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

n. something which does not match up; inconsistency

A

Discrepancy

185
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

n. something’s origin

A

Provenance

186
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

n. soothing lotion intended to relieve pain

A

Liniment

187
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

adj. (of a person, esp. a man) sauve, courteous, and refined in manner; sophisticated

A

Urbane

188
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

adj. sounding sad or mournful

A

Plaintive

189
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

adj. spacious

A

Capacious

190
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

v. speak in an affected manner; walk with an affected delicacy or fastidiousness

A

Mince

191
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

v. to speak misleadingly or in an evasive way

A

Prevaricate

192
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

v. speak or write at length or detail

A

Expatiate

193
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

v. speak slowly with words running together; n. a slow, lazy way of speaking or an accent with unusually prolonged vowel sounds

A

Drawl

194
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

adj. petty, worthless

A

Picayune

195
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

n. an adjective or descriptive phrase used as a label to express the essential nature of

A

Epithet

196
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

n. harshness of tone or manner

A

Asperity

197
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

adj. harmful; poisonous

A

Noxious

198
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

adj. (of a feeling or habit) long-established and unlikely to change

A

Inveterate

199
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

adj. gullible

A

Credulous

200
Q

What word most nearly fits this definition?

n. gullibility

A

Credulity