Today's GRE Vocabulary
Master these 10 high-frequency GRE words. Each word includes definition, usage, and a memory trick.
recapitulate (verb)
Definition: to summarize and state again the main points of
"Before the final exam, the professor chose to recapitulate the key theories covered throughout the semester."
💡 Mnemonic: Think of 're-cap' as putting a new cap on something already covered, summarizing it.
insipid (adjective)
Definition: lacking flavor or zest; dull or uninteresting
"The politician's speech was so insipid that it failed to capture the attention of even his most ardent supporters."
💡 Mnemonic: Sounds like 'in-sip-id'. Imagine trying to sip something that has no taste – it's boring.
gregarious (adjective)
Definition: fond of company; sociable
"Her gregarious nature made her the life of every party, always surrounded by a throng of admirers."
💡 Mnemonic: Sounds like 'grave-arious'. Someone who is sociable isn't usually grave; they are cheerful and outgoing.
apocryphal (adjective)
Definition: of doubtful authenticity, although widely accepted as true
"The story of George Washington chopping down the cherry tree is widely considered apocryphal, a charming but likely untrue tale."
💡 Mnemonic: Think of 'a-poke-a-fall'. If something is 'a poke and it falls', it's not solid or real; it's questionable.
ephemeral (adjective)
Definition: lasting for a very short time
"The beauty of the cherry blossoms is ephemeral, gracing us with their presence for only a few fleeting weeks each spring."
💡 Mnemonic: Sounds like 'e-phermeral'. 'E' for exit, and 'phermeral' sounds like 'feral' or fleeting. It exits quickly.
pernicious (adjective)
Definition: having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way
"The pernicious influence of social media on teenagers' self-esteem is a growing concern among psychologists."
💡 Mnemonic: Think of 'per-nicious'. Like a 'poisonous' or 'nasty' effect that spreads 'per'vasively.
recalcitrant (adjective)
Definition: stubbornly resistant to authority or control
"The recalcitrant student refused to complete his homework, despite repeated warnings from the teacher."
💡 Mnemonic: Sounds like 're-cal-citrant'. Imagine a cat that 're-calls' itself from being 'cit'ed or told what to do, being stubborn.
garrulous (adjective)
Definition: excessively talkative, especially on trivial matters
"My garrulous aunt can talk for hours about the most mundane details of her day, leaving me exhausted."
💡 Mnemonic: Sounds like 'gargle-ous'. Someone who talks so much their words sound like they're gargling.
soporific (adjective)
Definition: tending to induce drowsiness or sleep
"The long, monotonous lecture was so soporific that several students struggled to stay awake."
💡 Mnemonic: Think of 'so-por-ific'. 'So' much 'poor' sleep because of it, or it makes you want to 'sorely' sleep.
venerate (verb)
Definition: regard with great respect; revere
"Ancient cultures often venerate their elders for their wisdom and experience."
💡 Mnemonic: Sounds like 'venerable', meaning worthy of respect. If you 'venerate' someone, you treat them as 'venerable'.
