Today's GRE Vocabulary
Master these 10 high-frequency GRE words. Each word includes definition, usage, and a memory trick.
veracity (noun)
Definition: Conformity to facts; accuracy; truthfulness.
"The journalist's reputation for veracity was his most valuable asset, as readers trusted his reporting implicitly."
💡 Mnemonic: To confirm the `veracity` of a claim, you need to `verify` it.
hackneyed (adjective)
Definition: (Of a phrase or idea) lacking significance through having been overused; unoriginal and trite.
"His acceptance speech was filled with hackneyed phrases about hard work and dedication, failing to inspire the audience."
💡 Mnemonic: A `hack` writer produces `hackneyed` material – unoriginal and overused.
sanguine (adjective)
Definition: Optimistic or positive, especially in an apparently difficult situation.
"Despite the grim economic forecast, the CEO remained sanguine about the company's future prospects."
💡 Mnemonic: Someone who `sings` a lot is often `sanguine` (optimistic and cheerful).
parsimonious (adjective)
Definition: Unwilling to spend money or use resources; stingy or frugal to an excessive degree.
"The parsimonious landlord refused to replace the leaky faucet, claiming it was a tenant's responsibility."
💡 Mnemonic: A `penny-ceremonious` person is so careful about every penny that they are `parsimonious`.
iconoclast (noun)
Definition: A person who attacks cherished beliefs or institutions.
"Steve Jobs was an iconoclast, constantly challenging conventional wisdom in the tech industry and disrupting established norms."
💡 Mnemonic: An `iconoclast` `clashes` with `icons` (traditional beliefs or symbols).
laconic (adjective)
Definition: (Of a person, speech, or style of writing) using very few words.
"His laconic response to the complex question revealed little about his true feelings."
💡 Mnemonic: `Lack` of `con`versation – a `laconic` person uses few words.
obsequious (adjective)
Definition: Obedient or attentive to an excessive or servile degree; fawning.
"The manager disliked the obsequious employees who constantly flattered him, preferring honest feedback instead."
💡 Mnemonic: Sounds like 'oh, be quick, please!' – what an `obsequious` servant might say to anticipate their master's needs.
vitiate (verb)
Definition: Spoil or impair the quality or efficiency of something; destroy or impair the legal validity of.
"A single act of plagiarism can vitiate years of academic integrity and hard work."
💡 Mnemonic: A `vicious ate` (sounds like `vitiate`) that which `spoiled` the picnic.
propitiate (verb)
Definition: Win or regain the favor of (a god, spirit, or person) by doing something that pleases them; appease.
"Ancient cultures would often offer sacrifices to propitiate the angry gods and ensure a bountiful harvest."
💡 Mnemonic: If you show `pity`, you might `propitiate` someone and win their favor.
contumacious (adjective)
Definition: Stubbornly disobedient to authority.
"The contumacious student refused to follow the school rules, leading to repeated suspensions."
💡 Mnemonic: Sounds like 'Can't tame us!' – describing someone who is `contumacious` and stubbornly disobedient.
