Today's GRE Vocabulary
Master these 10 high-frequency GRE words. Each word includes definition, usage, and a memory trick.
deleterious (adjective)
Definition: Causing harm or damage.
"The long-term exposure to the chemical had deleterious effects on the workers' health."
💡 Mnemonic: Think of a 'delete' button that removes good things, causing harm.
mendacious (adjective)
Definition: Lying; untruthful.
"The politician's mendacious statements were quickly exposed by investigative journalists."
💡 Mnemonic: Sounds like 'menacious' – men who are always trying to deceive you.
ignominious (adjective)
Definition: Deserving or causing public disgrace or shame.
"The once-proud empire suffered an ignominious defeat, its banners trampled in the mud."
💡 Mnemonic: Imagine a knight whose 'ignominy' is so great he can barely stand with his 'name' (nomen) being dragged through the dirt.
furtive (adjective)
Definition: Attempting to avoid notice or attention, typically because of guilt or a belief that discovery would lead to trouble; secretive.
"He cast a furtive glance at his watch, hoping no one would notice his impatience."
💡 Mnemonic: Think of a 'furry' creature 'tiptoeing' around, trying to be unseen.
expurgate (verb)
Definition: Remove matter considered objectionable or unsuitable from (a book or other publication).
"The censors decided to expurgate the most violent scenes from the film to make it suitable for a wider audience."
💡 Mnemonic: Imagine 'ex-purging' something – getting rid of the 'pure' parts that are actually offensive.
disseminate (verb)
Definition: Spread or disperse (something, especially information) widely.
"The organization worked to disseminate accurate information about the disease to the public."
💡 Mnemonic: Think of 'seeds' ('seminate') being 'dis-' (scattered) everywhere.
conflagration (noun)
Definition: An extensive fire that destroys a great deal of land or property.
"The dry conditions led to a massive conflagration that swept through the forest."
💡 Mnemonic: Sounds like a 'flag' being set on 'fire' – a huge, widespread blaze.
audacious (adjective)
Definition: Showing a willingness to take surprisingly bold risks.
"The climber's audacious ascent of the sheer cliff face was met with both awe and concern."
💡 Mnemonic: Imagine someone being so 'awful' (aud) in their boldness, they are almost shocking.
epicure (noun)
Definition: A person who takes particular pleasure in fine food and drink.
"As a true epicure, she was always on the lookout for rare and exquisite culinary experiences."
💡 Mnemonic: Think of 'epic' food experiences – for someone who loves 'epic' food.
quiescent (adjective)
Definition: In a state or period of inactivity or dormancy.
"The volcano, long quiescent, showed signs of renewed activity."
💡 Mnemonic: Sounds like 'quiet' – when something is quiet, it's inactive.