GRE Vocabulary #10

Insular (adj.)

Characteristic of an isolated people; narrow-minded.

The community was very insular and didn't like outsiders.

Cerrado / Aislado

Solicitous (adj.)

Full of concern or fears; showing attentive care.

He was very solicitous about his mother's health.

Atento / Preocupado

Intransigent (adj.)

Characterized by refusal to compromise or to abandon an extreme position.

Both sides remained intransigent, so no deal was made.

Terco / Necio

Fractious (adj.)

Tending to be troublesome; unruly; irritable.

The fractious children wouldn't stop fighting in the car.

Rebelde / Malhumorado

Glib (adj.)

Marked by ease and fluency in speaking or writing to the point of insincerity.

He gave a glib answer but didn't really solve the problem.

Hablador / Superficial

Impugn (v.)

To assail by words or arguments; oppose or attack as false.

The lawyer tried to impugn the witness's testimony.

Cuestionar / Atacar

Empirical (adj.)

Originating in or based on observation or experience.

We need empirical evidence before we can draw a conclusion.

Basado en hechos

Abjure (v.)

To renounce upon oath; to reject solemnly.

He was forced to abjure his former political beliefs.

Renunciar / Abandonar

Quixotic (adj.)

Foolishly impractical especially in the pursuit of ideals.

He has a quixotic plan to end world hunger in one week.

Idealista / Poco realista

Reproach (v.)

To express disappointment in or displeasure with.

My father reproached me for not calling him more often.

Reclamar / Criticar