Today's GRE Vocabulary
Master these 10 high-frequency GRE words. Each word includes definition, usage, and a memory trick.
epicure (noun)
Definition: A person who is fond of sensual comforts and luxuries; a person with discriminating taste, especially in food and drink.
"The renowned chef was an epicure, known for his discerning palate and his ability to identify even the subtlest notes in a complex sauce."
💡 Mnemonic: Think of 'epic' adventures in tasting delicious food, leading to an 'epicure'.
expedient (adjective)
Definition: Convenient and practical, although possibly improper or immoral.
"While a compromise might seem like the most expedient solution in the short term, it could set a dangerous precedent for future negotiations."
💡 Mnemonic: To 'expedite' (speed up) a task, you might take an 'expedient' route, even if it's not the most ethical.
disparate (adjective)
Definition: Essentially different in kind; not allowing comparison.
"The research team, comprised of scientists from disparate fields such as astrophysics and marine biology, struggled to find common ground in their initial discussions."
💡 Mnemonic: Imagine 'comparing' apples and oranges – they are 'disparate'.
recondite (adjective)
Definition: Esoterically profound; obscure and difficult to understand.
"The professor's lecture delved into recondite theories of quantum mechanics, leaving many students struggling to grasp the fundamental concepts."
💡 Mnemonic: Sounds like 'reckon' 'dite' (thought) – something so complex you have to deeply 'reckon' with its 'dite' (thought process).
gainsay (verb)
Definition: To deny or contradict.
"No one could gainsay the overwhelming evidence presented by the prosecution, which clearly implicated the defendant."
💡 Mnemonic: If you 'say' something against what's already been 'said', you 'gainsay' it.
anathema (noun)
Definition: Something or someone that is loathed or detested.
"For the staunch environmentalist, the idea of further deforestation was an anathema."
💡 Mnemonic: Think of 'ana' (not) + 'thema' (theme) – something that's outside the accepted 'theme' and thus detested.
prolix (adjective)
Definition: Tediously lengthy; long-winded.
"The author's prolix narrative, filled with unnecessary digressions, made it difficult for readers to stay engaged with the main plot."
💡 Mnemonic: When you're 'prolix', you 'lie' too much in your words, making them long and boring.
quiescent (adjective)
Definition: In a state or period of inactivity or dormancy.
"The volcano, which had been quiescent for centuries, suddenly showed signs of renewed activity, alarming nearby residents."
💡 Mnemonic: Sounds like 'quiet scent' – a peaceful, inactive state.
obsequious (adjective)
Definition: Attentive or obedient to an excessive or servile degree.
"The intern's obsequious demeanor, constantly agreeing with every suggestion and fetching coffee without being asked, was off-putting to her colleagues."
💡 Mnemonic: Think of someone 'obeying' 'us' (us) too much, in an annoying way.
salubrious (adjective)
Definition: Health-giving; healthy.
"The clear mountain air and the abundance of fresh produce made the countryside a salubrious place to live, contributing to the longevity of its inhabitants."
💡 Mnemonic: Sounds like 'salud' (health in Spanish) + 'rious' – healthy and good.
