High Frequency GRE Vocab

Anomaly (n)

something that is unusual/unexpected or deviates from the norm

equivocal (adj)

can be interpreted multiple ways

lucid (adj)

very clear and easy to understand, straightforward

precipitate (v)

to cause something to happen quickly or suddenly

assuage (v)

to make an unpleasant feeling less intense

erudite (adj)

having or showing great knowledge

opaque (adj)

not able to be seen through; not easily understood

prodigal (adj)

wastefully extravagant

enigma (n)

a person or thing that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand

fervid (adj)

intensely enthusiastic or passionate

placate (v)

to make someone less angry or hostile

zeal (n)

a strong feeling of interest and enthusiasm that makes someone very eager or determined to do something. 

abstain (v)

to restrain oneself from doing or enjoying something

audacious (adj)

a willingness to take bold risks; showing a lack of respect

desiccate (v)

to remove the moisture from something

gullible (adj)

easily persuaded/manipulated to believe something

laudable (adj)

deserving praise and commendation

pedant (n)

someone who is excessively concerned with minor details, rules, or academic knowledge

vacillate (v)

to waver between different options or actions

adulterate (v)

to make something impure or weaker by adding something of inferior quality

capricious (adj)

given to sudden changes of mood or behavior

engender (v)

to produce, cause, or give rise to (something)

homogenous (adj)

of the same or similar kind

loquacious (adj)

tending to talk a lot; wordy

pragmatic (adj)

dealing with the problems that exist in a reasonable and logical way instead of depending on theories

volatile (adj)

likely to change rapidly and unpredictably

apathy (n)

lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern

corroborate (v)

to confirm or make more certain

ephemeral (adj)

lasting for a very short time

laconic (adj)

using few words

mitigate (v)

make less severe, serious, or painful

propriety (n)

the state or quality of being correct or proper

advocate (v)

to publicly recommend or support

cacophony (n)

a harsh, unpleasant mixture of sounds

enervate (v)

cause (someone or something) to feel drained of energy; weaken 

ingenuous (adj)

innocent and unsuspecting

misanthrope (n)

a person who dislikes humankind 

paradox (n)

a statement that contradicts itself but might be true

venerate

antipathy (n)

a strong feeling of dislike

deride (v)

to express contempt for; ridicule

eulogy (n)

a speech that praises someone, typically someone who has recently died

lethargic (adj)

lacking energy

Obdurate (adj)

stubbornly refusing to change one’s opinions

philanthropic (adj)

seeking to promote the welfare of others

waver (v) 

to go back and forth between choices or opinions 

bolster (v)

to support or strengthen

dissonance (n)

a lack of harmony or agreement

garrulous (adj)

excessively talkative 

malleable (adj)

easily influenced; pliable

ostentation (n)

excessive display of wealth

prevaricate (v)

avoid telling the truth by not directly answering a question