10 Essential GRE Vocabulary Words You Must Know

Preparing for the GRE may feel overwhelming, especially when learning the necessary vocabulary. A strong command of language can boost your score, so becoming familiar with key terms is essential.

Ready to supercharge your GRE preparation? Here s a curated list of 10 essential vocabulary words that not only hold significance for the exam but are also beneficial in everyday conversation. Each word comes with its meaning and context, allowing you to seamlessly integrate them into your study routine.

Get ready to improve your vocabulary and boost your GRE score!

10 Essential GRE Vocabulary Words You Must Know

Mastering GRE vocabulary words is crucial for aiming at a high score. These words play a pivotal role in higher education and frequently appear in the GRE verbal section, particularly in reading comprehension and text completion tasks. Additionally, expanding your vocabulary with resources like SAT vocabulary words can enhance your overall language comprehension and set yourself up for academic success.

A strong vocabulary sharpens your verbal skills and helps you understand difficult texts more easily. To boost your vocabulary, consider using mnemonic devices. These clever memory aids link challenging words to relatable images or concepts. Visual aids like flashcards can significantly enhance both retention and recall.

As you prepare, leverage study materials such as the Official GRE Guide or focused vocabulary lists that spotlight commonly tested words. This approach can streamline your learning process.

Online resources and mobile apps dedicated to GRE vocabulary provide interactive ways for you to engage with and master essential terms, transforming what might feel like an overwhelming task into a more manageable study experience.

1. Abate

The term ‘abate’ refers to a decrease in intensity or amount. You’ll often encounter it in legal discussions, environmental science, and everyday conversations. For example, in legal contexts, ‘abate’ can mean reducing a nuisance or the severity of damages claimed in a lawsuit. You might hear, “The court decided to abate the noise complaint after the construction hours were adjusted.”

In environmental dialogues, it frequently relates to pollution control, as in, “The government aims to reduce carbon emissions by 50% in the next decade.”

Some useful synonyms and antonyms include:

• ‘diminish’
• ‘lessen’
• ‘reduce’
• ‘increase’
• ‘amplify’

To help the word resonate, use flashcards with these examples. Weave ‘abate’ into your daily conversations by connecting it to current events or your experiences to reinforce your understanding and retention of the term.

2. Acumen

“Acumen” encompasses the ability to make sound judgments and swift decisions in a specific field. This sharp thinking is crucial in competitive environments, enabling quick assessment of situations and spotting opportunities. For example, in business, a manager with financial acumen can decipher complex data to guide investment strategies.

To help you remember the term, consider linking “acumen” with “acute insights” or envisioning it as a “keen mind.” When you use this term in your writing, you elevate your communication by emphasizing clarity and precision, inviting deeper analysis from your readers.

3. Alacrity

‘Alacrity’ embodies a cheerful readiness to respond or take action, radiating enthusiasm and eagerness. In everyday conversation, you might say, “She accepted the challenge with alacrity,” perfectly illustrating how the term captures a proactive attitude.

Consider how volunteering for tasks at work or eagerly participating in discussions can reflect this disposition. Use flashcards and quizzes to enrich your vocabulary.

4. Capricious

‘Capricious’ captures actions or decisions that are subject to sudden shifts or whims, highlighting unpredictability. You might notice a capricious weather pattern, where sunny skies can suddenly turn stormy. Similarly, a capricious person may change plans on a whim.

In literature, characters often display unpredictable behavior, driving the plot. In psychology, capriciousness may manifest as mood swings or impulsive decisions. Use word association and create visual aids to enhance your understanding of this term.

5. Deleterious

“Deleterious” describes something that is undeniably harmful or damaging, often appearing in discussions about health or the environment. It s a valuable addition to your vocabulary. You might encounter it in public health discussions about substances that harm health or in environmental debates regarding pollutants.

For example, you might hear, “The deleterious impact of smoking on lung health is well-documented.” This highlights the destructive nature of certain habits. Incorporating this term into your writing elevates your communication and adds clarity to discussions about critical issues.

6. Enervate

“Enervate” means to weaken or drain energy. In wellness discussions, you might say a grueling workout can drain your spirit. In literature, it can depict a character overwhelmed by despair.

To memorize this word, use repetition through daily writing exercises. Connect ‘enervate’ with simple words like ‘exhaust’ to strengthen your understanding.

7. Fastidious

‘Fastidious’ captures someone who pays close attention to detail, particularly valuing precision in both academic and professional environments. For example, a meticulous surgeon during an operation or a thorough editor in publishing ensures flawless work.

Deepen your grasp of this term by using flashcards and practice questions to spot instances of fastidiousness in everyday scenarios.

8. Hackneyed

“Hackneyed” describes an idea or phrase that’s so overused that it s lost its original flair. These clich d expressions weaken your arguments and stifle creativity. Fresh perspectives are essential to keep communication lively.

To avoid hackneyed expressions, incorporate vocabulary quizzes into your learning routine for enjoyment and reinforcement of diverse language choices.

9. Incessant

‘Incessant’ captures the essence of something continuous and unending. Consider the incessant noise of traffic in a city; it becomes a constant backdrop. In a classroom, an incessant stream of questions showcases a thirst for knowledge.

To embed this term, use repetition by writing it down or incorporating it into your daily dialogue. Visual aids can also help create strong mental connections.

10. Languid

“Languid” describes a state of weakness or fatigue, conjuring images of sluggishness. It perfectly captures feelings of lethargy during hot summer afternoons or after a long day.

To remember “languid,” utilize word association techniques. Visualize a languid cat sprawled in the sun to create a vivid mental connection.

11. Malleable

The term ‘malleable’ refers to a material that can be shaped or influenced, often relevant in discussions about personality. A malleable individual adapts easily to new situations, showcasing remarkable flexibility.

For effective memorization, try using flashcards write the word on one side and its definition with examples on the other.

12. Obfuscate

“Obfuscate” refers to the act of making something unclear, often seen in discussions about communication. This tactic creates a sense of ambiguity. For example, the use of Newspeak in George Orwell s “1984” obscures reality.

To counteract obfuscation, use visual aids like charts to clarify complex topics. Word association techniques help connect new terms to existing knowledge.

13. Plausible

Plausible refers to what seems reasonable or probable. Understanding this term is vital for interpreting arguments and differentiating between weak and strong evidence.

Synonyms for “plausible” include:

• Credible
• Believable
• Likely

Antonyms include:

• Implausible
• Unbelievable
• Improbable

Effective study techniques like repetition and quizzes help contextualize the term and enhance retention.

14. Querulous

‘Querulous’ describes someone who tends to complain or find fault. You ll often encounter this term in literature, capturing characters who are excessively critical. Imagine a querulous character in a story, perpetually grumbling, adding tension to the plot.

To memorize this term, use flashcards with the definition on one side and an example on the other. Link ‘querulous’ with a ‘querulous cat’ that incessantly meows for relatability.

15. Resilient

“Resilient” embodies the ability to rebound swiftly from challenges. You can see this capacity when individuals bounce back from setbacks or communities reclaim stability after disasters. Synonyms like “tenacious,” “unyielding,” and “flexible” resonate with its spirit.

Employ repetition and association techniques to integrate this term into your everyday vocabulary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 10 essential GRE vocabulary words I must know?

The 10 essential GRE vocabulary words frequently appear on the GRE exam and are crucial for understanding complex texts.

Why are these 10 essential GRE vocabulary words important?

The GRE requires a strong grasp of vocabulary to succeed. Knowing these words helps tackle the verbal reasoning and reading comprehension sections effectively.

How can I learn these essential GRE vocabulary words?

Learn these words using flashcards, practicing with GRE vocabulary quizzes, and reading articles that include these words. Consider enrolling in a GRE vocabulary course or hiring a tutor.

What are some examples of these essential GRE vocabulary words?

Examples include abstruse, convoluted, gregarious, hedonist, impervious, juxtapose, lugubrious, nefarious, and ostentatious. These words are chosen based on their difficulty and frequency on GRE exams.

How important are these 10 essential GRE vocabulary words compared to other GRE study materials?

While studying for the GRE, focus on all areas, including verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. A strong grasp of these vocabulary words can significantly boost your chances of success on the verbal reasoning section.

Can I get a high score on the GRE without knowing these 10 essential vocabulary words?

You can achieve a high score without knowing these specific words. However, since they frequently appear on the test, knowing them can enhance your chances of success.

Start mastering these words today for a competitive edge!