GRE VOCAB

intransigent

describes someone who stubbornly refuses to compromise, change their views, or abandon an extreme position

jocund

characterized by high-spirited and cheerful behavior or disposition.

indecorous

lacking good manners, propriety, or etiquette; inappropriate in behavior or conduct.

polemical

related to controversy or argumentation, often involving strong verbal or written attacks on a specific opinion or position.

miserliness

excessive stinginess ; an enduring character trait characterized by an extreme, unreasonable unwillingness to spend money or share resources

abound

present in large quantities

amorphous

lacking structure, unclear

austere

(of a person) strict and stern in character

belie

give a false impression of ; mask

capricious

having varying moods ; fickle

cerebral

relating to the brain

congenial

(of a person) likable and friendly, often due to shared interests

conspicuous

easily noticed, obvious

cursory

lacking effort, without care

daunting

scary or frightening ; seemingly impossible

deify

look up to someone or something as a god

didactic

meant for teaching, education, sometimes in a condescending manner

disseminate

distribute or circulate broadly

feasible

likely to be achieved

flout

break a rule without guilt

homogeneous

composed of similar parts ; alike

humdrum

boring ; unlikely to excite

insipid

without flavor ; lacking energy

loquacious

likely to talk a lot ; wordy

misanthropic

having a hatred for humans and society

force majeure

superior or irresistible force

sanguine

cheerfully optimistic

maligns

to speak evil of, defame, or utter injuriously misleading statements about someone or something

repudiate

to reject, disown, or refuse to accept or be associated with something

Unscrupulous

someone who acts without moral principles

officious

someone who is annoyingly eager to offer unrequested help, advice, or services

reprobate

an unprincipled, depraved, or morally corrupt person

prudent

to act with careful, wise judgment, particularly by showing restraint and foresight to avoid unnecessary risks

amenable

open to suggestion, willing to comply

scrupulous

someone or something that is extremely attentive to details, precise, and careful

lassitude

a state of physical or mental weariness, often characterized by a lack of energy, listlessness, or a lazy indifference.

animus

a strong feeling of ill will, prejudice, or active hostility

alacrity

a cheerful, brisk, and eager willingness to do something

ennui

a feeling of listlessness, weariness, and dissatisfaction resulting from a lack of interest, excitement, or a sense of purpose

adulterate

damage the quality of ; corrupt

advocate

support ; be in favor of

aggrandize

enhance ones power or standing

alacrity

eagerness to do something

ambivalent

having conflicting emotions ; unsure

ameliorate

improving a bad feeling or bad situation

amenable

(of a person) receptive to change, open

anachronistic

of the wrong time or era

audacious

bold ; unafraid of risks / rude ; exhibiting disrespect

avaricious

greedy ; always wanting more

banal

unoriginal and dull ; lacking creativity

benign

harmless ; having little effect / kindhearted , nice

brazen

shameless and excessively forward

calumny

slander and defamation

candid

honest ; without deception

castigate

scold someone harshly

caustic

hostile and bitter / corrosive ; acidic

construe

understanding something subjectively

contrite

feeling regretful and guily

convoluted

difficult to understand or follow

covet

strongly desire ; yearn for

craven

lacking bravery ; weak kneed;

decorum

politeness and proper behavior

deft

highly proficient ; skilled

demur

hesitate or object; express doubt

derivative

based on someone else’s work

desiccate

dry out ; remove all moisture

diatribe

an angry rant ; verbal abuse

incredulous

doubtful and disbelieving

ingenuous

naive and lacking experience

libertine

person who rejects accepted morals or societal conventions

miser

one whois extremely stingy with wealth

parvenu

one that has suddenly risen to unaccustomed position

philistine

person who is hostile/indifferent about art, culture, and intellectual pursuits

paragon

model of excellence or perfection

insidious

something that is slowly causing harm

extenuating

making a wrongdoing or offense seem less serious

urbanity

refined, polished, and courteous manners.

gauche

someone or something that is socially awkward, tactless, or crude

sedulous

to show dedication, careful attention, and persistent effort in doing something.

lugubrious

excessively mournful, dismal, or gloomy

vogue

he prevailing fashion, popularity, or general acceptance of a style, trend, or practice at a particular time

motley

an incongruous, wildly diverse assortment of people or things

supercilious

behaving or looking as though you think you are superior to others

haughty

someone who is blatantly and disdainfully proud

providential

an event, circumstance, or outcome that happens at exactly the right time and feels magically lucky.

bromide

A boring, unoriginal remark (Cliché)

inanity

total lack of meaning, sense, or significance

expedient

n action or solution that is practical, convenient, and effective for achieving a specific goal, even if it is not the most moral, fair, or ideal long-term approachisnm

misnomer

an incorrect, unsuitable, or misleading name or term applied to a person, object, or concept

quixotic

dreaming or trying to achieve things that are grand but highly unrealistic

reveries

being pleasantly lost in ones thoughts / daydreaming

esoteric

knowledge and concepts that are only to be understood by a small group of people with specialized interest

malfeasance

intentional commission of a wrongful/unlawful act - know its wrong

belligerence

aggressive hostile warlike attitude or deposition

indolence

habitual laziness

recondite

describes knowledge/topics that are highly obscure and difficult to understand

reticent

someone who is reserved or unwilling to speak about their thoughts

redoubtable

describes someone/something intimidating yet simultaneously commanding deep respect

soporific

something that induces drowsiness

noisome

highly offensive or disgusting ; mostly in relation to smell