GRE

Vocabulary Study Notes

Vocabulary Definitions (Page 1)

  • Abase: To humiliate.

  • Abash: To embarrass.

  • Abate: To make less intense.

  • Abdicate: To give up power.

  • Aberration: A disorder in a person's mental state.

  • Abet: To assist or encourage.

  • Abeyance: A temporary suspension.

  • Abhor: To find repugnant.

  • Abjure: To reject something.

  • Aboriginal: An animal or plant native to the region.

  • Abortive: Failing to accomplish a goal.

  • Abscond: To hide something or someone.

  • Absolve: To release from moral wrongdoing.

  • Abstain: To refrain from engaging in a certain act.

  • Abstemious: Sparing in consumption of (especially food/drink).

  • Abyss: Profoundly deep.

  • Abysmal: Extremely bad.

  • Accede: To give into or yield to someone's wishes.

  • Acclivity: An upward grade or slope on the earth.

  • Accolade: To praise.

  • Accoutre: To provide with military equipment.

  • Accretion: An increase brought about by natural growth.

  • Acetic: Containing or relating to acetic acid.

  • Acidulous: Tasting sour-like.

Vocabulary Definitions (Page 2)

  • Acme: The highest degree or level.

  • Acquiescence: Acceptance without resistance or protest.

  • Acquiescent: Willing to carry out someone else's orders or wishes without any protest.

  • Actuate: To trigger a reaction.

  • Adhere: To be in accordance with.

  • Adipose: Composed of animal fat.

  • Admonish: To counsel in relation to one's negative behavior.

  • Adulterate: Mixed with impurities.

  • Adumbration: A rough summary of an argument or theory.

  • Adversity: A state of affliction or misfortune.

  • Advert: To give heed to.

  • Aerie: A loft nest of a bird.

  • Aesthetic: Good taste/beauty.

  • Affable: Exemplifying warmth and friendliness.

  • Aggrandize: To add details to.

  • Affiliation: Association of someone or something.

  • Affinity: A close connection to someone.

  • Affray: A noisy fight.

  • Agape: Mouth open due to wonder.

  • Aghast: Struck with fear.

  • Agnostic: Uncertain of all claims relating to knowledge.

  • Alacrity: Cheerful readiness.

  • Agrarian: Agricultural.

  • Alchemy: When two individuals relate to each other (metaphorical) / medieval chemistry.

Vocabulary Definitions (Page 3)

  • Alias: A temporary assumed name.

  • Allay: To lessen the intensity of.

  • Aloof: To be somewhat at a distance or apart from a group.

  • Altercation: An argument.

  • Amalgamation: To mix everything together.

  • Ambiguous: Unclear.

  • Ameliorate: To make someone or something better.

  • Amenable: Willing to comply.

  • Amnesia: Total loss of memory.

  • Amnesty: A period where criminals are exempt from punishment.

  • Amortize: To gradually liquidate, to clear off.

  • Amuck: Without self-control.

  • Amulet: A protection type of jewelry.

  • Anachronism: Something located during a time where it might not have existed.

  • Analogy: A comparison drawn to show similarities.

  • Anarchy: A state of disorder and lawlessness.

  • Anesthetic: Lack of sensibility.

  • Animus: A feeling of ill-will that arouses hostility.

  • Annul: To declare void or invalid.

  • Apex: The highest point of something (triangle/pyramid).

  • Aplomb: Self-confidence.

  • Apostate: A person who has abandoned a related political party, religion, or cause.

  • Appease: To bring peace to someone who needs.

  • Aptitude: Interest for learning, a talent, quickness in understanding.

Vocabulary Definitions (Page 4)

  • Archives: A collection of records related to history.

  • Arraign: To command a prisoner or free a person accused of a crime to appear in court to answer a charge.

  • Arrant: Downright, particularly unqualified.

  • Artifact: Made-man object.

  • Artifice: A clever trick.

  • Asceticism: The principles and practice of an ascetic, particularly in relation to extreme self-denial.

  • Askance: To view with an oblique glance.

  • Askew: Turned or twisted toward one side.

  • Assail: To violently attack.

  • Assuage: To make something less intense.

  • Astringent: Causing the contraction of body tissue.

  • Astute: Rapid to understand.

  • Attrition: A constant wearing down caused by friction.

  • Augury: The art of foretelling the future by means of various signs.

  • Austere: Stern, in terms of character or disposition.

  • Avatar: The animal or human incarnation of a Hindu deity.

  • Aver: To officially assert as a fact.

  • Avouch: To attest to or declare the validity of.