Today's GRE Vocabulary
Master these 10 high-frequency GRE words. Each word includes definition, usage, and a memory trick.
gainsay (verb)
Definition: to deny or contradict; to speak against
"The scientist could not gainsay the overwhelming evidence supporting the new theory."
💡 Mnemonic: Think of 'gain'ing say - to gain the upper hand in an argument by speaking against someone.
obviate (verb)
Definition: to remove a need or difficulty; to prevent or avoid
"The new software update will obviate the need for manual data entry."
💡 Mnemonic: Think of 'obvious'ly making something unnecessary; 'obvi-ate' sounds like 'obvious ate' the problem.
prosaic (adj)
Definition: dull, commonplace, lacking inspiration or excitement
"Despite the exotic location, the hotel's atmosphere was disappointingly prosaic."
💡 Mnemonic: Sounds like 'pro-say-ic', as in something that is just 'said' without any flair or creativity.
exacerbate (verb)
Definition: to make a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worse
"His harsh criticism only served to exacerbate her insecurities."
💡 Mnemonic: Think of 'excessive' and 'aggravate'; it makes things worse.
bolster (verb)
Definition: to support or strengthen; to prop up
"The team's victory served to bolster the coach's confidence in their abilities."
💡 Mnemonic: Imagine a 'bolt' holding something up, or a 'bolster' pillow that supports you.
paucity (noun)
Definition: the presence of something only in small or insufficient quantities or amounts; scarcity
"There was a paucity of factual information in his rambling speech."
💡 Mnemonic: Sounds like 'pauper city' - a place where there's a scarcity of wealth.
sedulous (adj)
Definition: showing dedication and diligence; persistent
"Her sedulous efforts in research eventually led to a groundbreaking discovery."
💡 Mnemonic: Think of 'seeds' being planted and carefully tended to, requiring persistent effort.
lugubrious (adj)
Definition: looking or sounding sad and dismal; mournful
"The dog's lugubrious howl echoed through the empty house."
💡 Mnemonic: Sounds like 'loopy' and 'mournful' - someone acting a bit crazy because they are so sad.
malediction (noun)
Definition: a magical curse; a curse or imprecation
"The sorcerer uttered a malediction, hoping to bring ruin upon his enemies."
💡 Mnemonic: Mal- (bad) + diction (speaking) = speaking evil words or curses.
capricious (adj)
Definition: given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior; impulsive
"Her capricious decisions made it difficult to plan any long-term projects."
💡 Mnemonic: Think of a 'caprice' (a whim) – something that changes suddenly.
