GRE/CAT VOCABULARY LIST 51

GRE/CAT VOCABULARY LIST 51

addle = make or become confused; muddle; drive crazy;
become rotten (egg)
haggle = argue about prices (in an attempt to bargain)
pious = devout; religious; N. piety
lewd = lustful
imbroglio = complicated situation (as in a play); painful
or complex misunderstanding (as in a play); entanglement;
confused mass (as of papers); V. embroil
stentorian = (of the voice) extremely loud; CF. Stentor: a
loud herald in the Iliad
overwhelm = (of water) cover completely; defeat completely
by much greater force; Ex. overwhelmed by grief
hypochondriac = person unduly worried about his
health; worrier without cause about illness; ADJ. CF.
hypochondria: neurosis that one is or is becoming ill;
CF. abdomen
confide = tell in confidence (to a person one trusts); be
confident about
steep = soak; saturate; Ex. steep the fabric in the dye bath;
ADJ: precipitous
fugitive = fleeting or transitory; lasting only a short time;
roving(wandering); running away or fleeing as from the
law; N: one who flees; Ex. fugitives at large
importune = beg persistently; make repeated requests (in
an annoying way)
august = impressive; majestic
oligarchy = government by a privileged few
ruffian = violent scoundrel; bully
obligatory = binding; required; compulsory; V. oblige:
constrain; make grateful; do a favor; accommodate
disquietude = uneasiness; anxiety; V. disquiet: make anxious
adversary = opponent; enemy
grueling = exhausting; Ex. grueling marathon race
dissection = analysis; cutting apart in order to examine
vivisection = act of dissecting living animals
equestrian = rider on horseback; ADJ.
wax = increase gradually (as the moon); grow
adventitious = accidental; casual; happening by chance
sarcasm = cutting ironic remark; scornful remarks; stinging
rebuke; ADJ. sarcastic
martyr = one who voluntarily suffers death for his or her
religion or cause; great sufferer; Ex. martyr to his
rheumatism
repast = meal; feast; banquet
ferret = drive or hunt out of hiding; hunt with ferrets;
drive out (as from a hiding place); expel; uncover or discover
by searching; Ex. ferret out the secret; N. small
fierce animal which catches rats and rabbits by going
into their holes
rue = regret; lament; mourn; Ex. He will rue the day; N.
ADJ. rueful
abide = dwell; abide by: comply with; put up with; tolerate;
Ex. abide by the rules; Ex. I can.t abide rude people.
precarious = unsafe; lacking in stability; uncertain; risky;
Ex. precarious living
stun = make unconscious or numb as by a blow; amaze;
astound
expedient = suitable (for a particular purpose although
not necessarily morally correct); practical;
politic(prudent); N: something expedient
gyroscope = apparatus used to maintain balance, ascertain
direction, etc.
irremediable = incurable; uncorrectable; impossible to
remedy
shaving = very thin piece, usually of wood (cut from a
surface with a sharp blade)
unbridled = violent; uncontrolled; Ex. unbridled
rage/greed
cogitate = think over; ponder
proselytize = (induce someone to) convert to a religion or
belief; N. proselyte: new convert to a doctrine or religion
amalgam = combination of different things; mixture of
metals (containing mercury) used for filling holes in
teeth
expansive = (of a person) outgoing and sociable; broad
and extensive; able to increase in size
gait = manner of walking or running; speed
connoisseur = person competent to act as a judge of art,
etc. (whose judgments are respected); a lover of an art
alloy = mixture as of metals; something added that lowers
in value or purity; V: mix; make less pure; lower
in value or quality; spoil; CF. unalloyed: not in mixture
with other maetals; pure; complete; unqualified; Ex. unalloyed
happiness
wizardry = sorcery; magic
abrasive = rubbing away; tending to grind down
swill = drink greedily
liability = drawback; handicap; debts; obligation; responsibility;
condition of being liable; ADJ. liable: likely; responsible
(for paying)
precipitant = something that causes a substance in a
chemical = solution to separate out in solid form; gË.]j;
OP. solvent
chastise = punish as by beating; criticize severely
effulgent = shining brightly; brilliant
lode = metal-bearing vein(long deposit of an ore)
impair = injure; hurt; damage
Elysium = place or condition of bliss
adamant = hard; inflexible
vicar = parish priest; representative




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GRE/CAT VOCABULARY LIST 50

GRE/CAT VOCABULARY LIST 50

shoddy = made of inferior material; sham; not genuine;
inferior; dishonest; Ex. shoddy goods/trick
phlegmatic = calm and unexcitable; not easily disturbed;
CF. phlegm: sticky mucus produced in the respiratory
tract
topography = physical features of a region (such as the
shape and height); CF. topo-: place
nurse = suckle; take care of (as a nurse); bear in mind;
Ex. nursing mother; Ex. nurse a hope/grudge against
someone
fractious = unruly; peevish; cranky; bad-tempered; Ex.
fractious horse
negligence = neglect; failure to take reasonable care; ADJ.
negligent: neglectful; lax; not taking enough care
trappings = outward decorations; ornaments (as an outward
sign of rank)
amoral = nonmoral; having no understanding of right
and wrong
ascendancy = controlling influence; position of controlling
influence; CF. in the ascendant
swelter = (of a person) suffer from oppressive heat; be oppressed by heat
exploit = make use of, sometimes unjustly; N. exploitation
slap = hit quickly with the flat part of the hand; N. CF.
smack
magnitude = greatness (in size or extent); extent
slander = defamation; utterance of false and malicious
statements; V. ADJ. slanderous
insomnia = wakefulness; inability to sleep
florescence = condition or period of flowering
plenary = (of power) complete; full; fully attended by all
qualified members; Ex. plenary power
portend = foretell; presage; be a sign or warning of; N.
portent: sign; omen; forewarning
vaunted = boasted; bragged; highly publicized; V. vaunt:
boast; brag
pernicious = very harmful; deadly; very destructive; Ex.
pernicious effect/anemia
philanthropist = lover of mankind; doer of good; N. philanthropy
amplify = increase in size or effect; expand; broaden or
clarify by expanding; intensify; make stronger; Ex. amplify
one.s remarks with a graph
perforate = pierce; put a hole through
latent = present but not yet noticeable or active; dormant;
hidden; N. latency; CF. potential
blemish = mar; spoil the beauty or perfection of; N: flaw
or defect (that spoils perfection); Ex. blemishes in the
crystal; CF. unblemished
gibe = mock; make jeering remarks; N: jeering remarks
inebriate = make drunk; intoxicate; N. intoxicated person
tertiary = third in order or rank
wry = (esp. of an expression of the face) twisted; with a
humorous twist (expressing displeasure)
dowdy = untidy (of a woman or clothes); slovenly;
dressed in an unattractive way; shabby; CF. unattractive
woman
aphasia = loss of speech due to injury or illness
coax = persuade by flattery
jeopardize = endanger; imperil; put at risk; N. jeopardy:
danger
congeal = freeze; coagulate
recite = repeat aloud (something learned); describe; Ex.
recite his complaints; N. recitation
covenant = binding agreement between two groups or
people; compact; V: enter into a covenant; promise
primordial = existing at the beginning (of time); rudimentary
dynamo = generator for producing electricity; energetic
person
migratory = wandering; V. migrate: move from one region
and settle in another; move periodically from one
region to another
promote = advance in rank; advance; help to flourish;
advocate; help actively in forming; publicize or popularize;
Ex. Milk promotes health; Ex. promote a
match/bill; Ex. promote a new product
clavicle = collarbone
legato = (of music) played smoothly
modicum = limited quantity; small amount; Ex. He does
not have a modicum of sense; CF. moderate
tacit = understood (without actually being expressed);
not put into words; Ex. tacit agreement
nicety = precision; accuracy; minute distinction or difference;
Ex. to a nicety: exactly; precisely; Ex. distinguish
between niceties
mishap = unfortunate accident
impiety = irreverence; lack of respect for God or piety
amass = collect (gradually, in a very large amount)
obfuscate = confuse; muddle; cause confusion; make
needlessly complex; make so confused as to be difficult
to understand
sentient = capable of sensation and conscious; aware; sensitive;
Ex. sentient creature; N. sentience
grisly = ghastly; horrifying; Ex. grisly remains of the bodies
vibrant = full of vigor or energy; vibrating
atrocity = brutal deed; ADJ. atrocious
sanctimonious = displaying ostentatious or hypocritical
devoutness; N. sanctimony: hypocritical piety
underscore = underline; emphasize
groove = long narrow channel made in a surface to guide
the movement of something; Ex. groove of the record
incur = bring upon oneself



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GRE/CAT VOCABULARY LIST 49

GRE/CAT VOCABULARY LIST 49

cavalcade = procession of riders or horse-drawn carriages;
parade; CF. cavalry
idiosyncrasy = individual trait usually odd in nature; behavioral
peculiarity; eccentricity; attitude, behavior, or
opinion peculiar to a person; anything highly individual
or eccentric; ADJ. idiosyncratic
constitution = constituting; system of laws; composition
of something; physical makeup or structure of a person;
Ex. men with strong constitutions
enterprising = full of initiative; showing enterprise
invulnerable = incapable of injury; impossible to damage
or injure
prime = period of ideal or peak condition; earliest or beginning
stage; Ex. in the prime of life; Ex. prime of the
year(spring); ADJ: first in importance or rank; first; V:
make ready; prepare
corollary = natural consequence (which naturally follows
from something else)
brocade = rich, figured(patterned) fabric
laceration = torn ragged wound; V. lacerate: tear (the skin
as with broken glass); wound
pretentious = ostentatious; showy; pompous; making unjustified
claims; overambitious; Ex. pretentious films
that claim to be art
pharisee = Pharisee: member of an ancient Jewish group
that emphasized strict observance of the Mosaic law
(considering themselves very holy); hypocritical selfrighteous
person
chore = daily domestic task (such as cleaning, cooking,
and shopping); unpleasant task
ethnic = relating to races
cognate = having a common origin; related linguistically;
allied by blood; similar or akin in nature; Ex. cognate
languages; N.
stagnant = (of water) not flowing (often bad-smelling);
motionless; stale; not developing; inactive; dull; Ex.
stagnant industrial output
hide = skin of an animal
consternation = great shock; dismay
torrid = (of weather) hot or scorching; passionate; Ex. torrid
love affairs
delirium = mental disorder marked by confusion; uncontrolled
excitement; ADJ. delirious
wastrel = waster; profligate
overthrow = topple; N.
smattering = slight knowledge; small scattered number
or amount; Ex. smattering of German
throng = crowd (of people or things); V.
document = provide written evidence (for a claim);
record with documents; N.
mongrel = plant or animal (esp. a dog) of mixed breed;
ADJ.
dazzle = make blind with a sudden intense light; amaze;
fill with wonder
vouch = give a personal guarantee; Ex. I can vouch for his
integrity; N. voucher
lopsided = heavier or larger on one side than the other;
Ex. lopsided way of walking
indigenous = native; Ex. plant indigenous to the New
World
rivet = metal pin used for fastening metal plates together;
V: fasten with a rivet; engross
overture = musical introduction to a long musical piece;
first offer or proposal (to begin talks in the hope of
reaching an agreement); Ex. overtures for peace
solecism = nonstandard grammatical construction; construction
that is flagrantly incorrect grammatically; violation
of social etiquette
jaunty = cheerful and pleased with life; lighthearted; animated;
easy and carefree; dapper in appearance; Ex.
jaunty person/hat
practical = based on experience; of or acquired through
practice (rather than theory); useful; Ex. practical man
factotum = handyman; person who does all kinds of
work; CF. do everything
parable = short simple story teaching a moral
voluble = fluent; talkative; glib; N. volubility
castrate = remove the sex organs (of a male animal or person)
malevolent = wishing evil; exhibiting ill will; N. malevolence
camaraderie = good-fellowship; CF. comrade
implore = beg
nettle = irritate; annoy; vex; ADJ. nettlesome
blackball = vote against (an applicant); ostracize; N: negative
vote
ecosystem = ecological community together with its environment
discredit = defame; disgrace; destroy confidence in; disbelieve;
N. CF. discreditable: causing discredit; shameful
bilious = suffering from indigestion; sick from having too
much bile; irritable; easily irritated
rococo = ornate; highly decorated; N. CF. 18th century
disapprobation = disapproval; condemnation
shear = remove (fleece or hair) by cutting; remove the hair
or fleece from; cut with or as if with shears; N: shears;
pair of scissors
verbiage = pompous array of words; too many unnecessary
words; wordiness
invincible = unconquerable
truncate = cut the top off; shorten
allay = calm; pacify
disdain = treat with scorn or contempt
surmount = overcome



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GRE/CAT VOCABULARY LIST 48

GRE/CAT VOCABULARY LIST 48

mire = entangle; stick in swampy ground; stick or sink in
mire; N: bog; deep mud; Ex. sucked deeper into the
mire
revoke = cancel; retract; CF. irrevocable
peruse = read through with care; N. perusal
indignation = anger at an injustice; Ex. righteous indignation;
ADJ. indignant
niggle = spend too much time on minor points (esp.
when finding fault); find fault; Ex. niggle over details;
ADJ. niggling
slag = glassy residue from smelting metal; dross; waste
matter
asunder = into parts; apart; V. sunder
sleazy = shabby and dirty; flimsy; insubstantial; Ex.
sleazy back-street hotel/fabric
hallucination = delusion; false idea; false perception of
objects with a compelling sense of their reality; objects
so perceived; V. hallucinate; ADJ. hallucinatory
impervious = impenetrable; incapable of being damaged
or distressed; incapable of being affected (in one.s opinions);
Ex. impervious to water/criticism
jaunt = trip; short journey
solemnity = seriousness; gravity
thermal = pertaining to heat; producing heat; warm; Ex.
thermal bath; N: rising current of warm air
scotch = stamp out(put an end to); thwart; hinder; Ex.
scotch = the rumor; CF. cut;
cameo = shell or jewel carved in relief; star.s special appearance
in a minor role in a film
unwieldy = awkward (to carry or move); cumbersome;
unmanageable
stygian = unpleasantly dark; gloomy; hellish; deathly; CF.
Styx: the chief river in the subterranean land of the dead
touchy = oversensitive; easily offended; irasible; delicate;
needing delicate handling; Ex. touchy situation
skinflint = miser; stingy person
insurgent = rebellious; N.
replica = copy
suckle = give or take milk at the breast or udder
frolic = play and jump about happily; frisk; Ex. frolicking
young lambs
expatriate = exile; someone who has withdrawn from his
native land; V: exile; banish; leave one.s country
maladroit = clumsy; not skillful; awkward; bungling
lumen = unit of light energy (one candle.s worth)
sever = separate; cut off (a part) from a whole; break up
(a relationship); N. severance; CF. severance pay: extra
pay given an employee upon leaving a position
diurnal = daily; occurring during the daytime
predator = predatory animal or bird; predatory person;
creature that seizes and devours another animal; person
who robs or exploits others; ADJ. predatory: living by
preying on other organisms; plundering; N. predation
motility = ability to move spontaneously; ADJ. motile:
moving spontaneously
litotes = understatement for emphasis; Ex. .not
bad(=pretty good).
renown = fame; ADJ. renowned
blues = state of depression or melancholy; style of slow,
mournful music (evolved from southern Black American
songs)
concomitant = that which accompanies; Ex. Deafnes is a
frequent concommitant of old age; ADJ: existing or happening
together with something else
conceit = vanity or self-love; too high opinion of one.s
own value; extravagant metaphor (in poetry)
decelerate = slow down
indigent = poor; destitute
shrewd = clever; astute
incredulous = withholding belief; skeptical; showing disbelief
tremor = trembling; slight quiver (as of the earth or from
nervous agitation)
concur = agree; coincide; happen at the same time
smelt = melt (ore) for separating and removing the metal;
melt or blend ores changing their chemical composition
hap = chance; luck
deducible = derived by reasoning; V. deduce: infer; derive
by reasoning
demolition = destruction; V. demolish
aphorism = pithy maxim or saying; ADJ. aphoristic
motto = brief statement used to express a principle
confluence = flowing together; the place where two rivers
flow together; crowd; gathering together
bludgeon = club; heavy-headed weapon; V.
vile = despicable; unpleasant; disgusting; Ex. vile slander
glare = shine intensely and blindingly; stare fixedly and
angrily; N.
convert = one who has adopted a different religion or
opinion; V: change into another form; (persuade to)
adopt a particular religion or belief
chisel = swindle or cheat; N: wedgelike tool for cutting
avocation = secondary or minor occupation
finery = beautiful clothes for a special occasion
lush = (of a plant or grass) growing very well
marrow = soft fatty tissue that fills most bone cavities and
is the source of blood cells
vulgar = of the common people; deficient in refinement;
not refined; coarse; Ex. vulgar display of wealth; N.
vulgarism: vulgarity; crudely indecent word; CF. vulgarian:
vulgar person; boor; lout
emolument = salary; payment for an office; compensation
abysmal = bottomless




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GRE/CAT VOCABULARY LIST 47

GRE/CAT VOCABULARY LIST 47

medium = element that is a creature.s natural environment;
nutrient setting in which microorganisms are cultivated;
appropriate occupation or means of expression;
channel of communication; compromise; middle position
between extremes; intervening substance through
which something else is transmitted
deploy = spread out (troops) in an extended though shallow
battle line; distribute (persons or forces) systematically
or strategically
rectify = set right; correct; CF. rect-: right
jabber = chatter rapidly or unintelligibly
petrify = turn to stone; cause to become stonelike; stun or
paralyze
condone = overlook; forgive; give tacit approval; excuse
strut = pompous walk; V: walk in a self-important manner
collaborate = work together; cooperate treasonably with
the enemy
rationalize = make rational; devise false reasons for
(one.s behavior); offer an excuse; give a plausible reason
for an action in place of a true, less admirable ones;
N. rationalization
sensitization = process of being made sensitive or acutely
responsive to an external agent or substance; V. sensitize:
make or become sensitive
underlying = lying below; fundamental
bureaucracy = overregulated administrative system
marked by red tape; ADJ. bureaucratic
martinet = strict disciplinarian; person who demands total
obedience to rules and orders; CF. Jean Martinet
remediable = reparable
urchin = mischievous child (usually a boy); CF. urchin:
hedgehog; CF. porcupine: pig with spikes ?; CF. sea
urchin
squash = crush; quash; suppress
impassioned = (of speech) filled with passion; fervent
perpetuate = make perpetual; make something last for a
long time; preserve from extinction; N. perpetuity
anthropomorphic = having human form or characteristics
nondescript = undistinctive; ordinary; ordinary-looking;
Ex. nondescript fellow in a crowd
prognosticate = predict (according to present indications)
agog = highly excited; intensely curious
apparent = evident; easily seen or understood; appearing
as such; Ex. apparent improvement
bogus = counterfeit; not authentic; intentionally false; Ex.
bogus interview
miserly = stingy; mean
vanguard = forerunners; foremost position of an army;
advance forces; foremost position in a trend or movement;
CF. rearguard
mitigate = appease; moderate; make or become less in
force or intensity
objective = not influenced by emotions; fair; N: goal; aim
acoustics = science of sound; quality that makes a room
easy or hard to hear in
savant = scholar; learned person; CF. savoir: know
fraught = filled (with something unpleasant); full; Ex.
fraught with danger and difficulties; CF. freight
nonsense = speech or writing with no meaning; foolish
behavior or language; Ex. make (a) nonsense of: spoil;
cause to fail
penance = self-imposed punishment for sin; Ex. do
penance for one.s sins; CF. penitent
cede = yield (title or territory) to (esp. after losing a war);
surrender formally; N. cession
unanimity = complete agreement; ADJ. unanimous
reprimand = reprove severely; rebuke; N.
expertise = specialized knowledge (in a particular field);
expert skill
amicable = peaceful; politely friendly; not quarrelsome;
Ex. amicable settlement
glitter = shine brightly with flashing points of light; Ex.
glittering diamond ring; N: sparkling light; attractiveness;
glamor; Ex. glitter of the sun on the waves
dilatory = delaying; tending to delay
inept = unsuited; inappropriate; lacking skill; incompetent;
CF. inapt: (of statements or ideas) inappropriate
gorge = stuff oneself (with food); glut; CF. gorgeous: dazzlingly
beautiful
vent = small opening; outlet (as of fumes or a gas); Ex. He
gave vent to his anger by kicking the chair.
skimp = provide or use scantily; live very economically;
Ex. skimp on necessities; ADJ. skimpy: inadequate in
amount; scanty; stingy; niggardly
yeoman = man or farmer owning small estate; middleclass
farmer
construe = explain; interpret; Ex. construe her silence as
meaning that she agreed; CF. misconstrue
implement = put into effect; enforce; carry out; supply
with tools; Ex. implement the plan/suggestion; N: tool
or instrument
audit = examination of accounts of a business; official examination;
V.
seedy = run-down; decrepit; disreputable; having many
seeds; Ex. seedy downtown hotel
juggernaut = irresistible crushing force; overwhelming
advancing force that crushes everything in its path
vertebrate = having a backbone or spinal column; N:
group of animals having a segmented spinal column
epitaph = inscription in memory of a dead person (as on
a tombstone)



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GRE/CAT VOCABULARY LIST 46

GRE/CAT VOCABULARY LIST 46

spruce = neat and trim in appearance; smart; Ex. Be
spruce for your job interview; V.
jumble = mix in a confused way
grimace = facial distortion to show feeling such as pain,
disgust, etc; V.
humble = of low rank or position; modest; having a low
opinion of oneself and a high opinion of others; unassuming;
not proud; V. humiliate: make humble; cause
to feel ashamed or to lose the respect of others
lurid = wild; sensational; graphic; gruesome; horrible; Ex.
lurid details of the murder
application = diligent attention; diligence; V. apply oneself
psychosis = mental disorder; ADJ. N. psychotic
hoary = white with age
vacillate = waver (in opinion); fluctuate; sway to and fro;
N. vacillation
sturdy = strong and firm (in the body)
emblazon = ornament richly (a shield or flag); N. emblazonment
optometrist = one who fits glasses to remedy visual defects
impetus = moving force; momentum; force of a moving
body; incentive; stimulus; impulse
optional = not compulsory; left to one.s choice; N. option:
act of choosing; choice; freedom or power to choose;
something available as a choice; Ex. have no option; Ex.
two options
nadir = lowest point; point on the celestial sphere diametrically
opposite the zenith
low = moo; make the sound of a cow
pastiche = imitation of another.s style in musical composition
or in writing; work of art openly imitating the
works of other artists
selective = careful in choosing; having an effect only on
certain things; not general; Ex. eclectic weed killer
eddy = swirling current of water, air, etc.; V.
languid = lacking energy or vitality; weary; sluggish; listless
vestige = trace; remains; Ex. vestiges of some ancient religion
partisan = one-sided; prejudiced; committed to a party
(with dislike of any others); N: strong supporter of a
party; guerrilla
implicit = understood but not stated; implied; unquestioning
and complete; Ex. implicit trust
thesis = opinion put forward and supported by reasoned
arguments
symbiosis = interdependent relationship (between
groups, species) often mutually beneficial; ADJ.
symbiotic; CF. together + life
sneak = move, give, or take in a quiet, stealthy way; N:
one who sneaks; ADJ. sneaky
minutiae = petty or trivial details; CF. minutia
pass´e = old-fashioned; past the prime
dissent = disagree
centigrade = denoting a widely used temperature scale
(basically same as Celsius)
whit = small amount; smallest speck; Ex. not a whit of
arroyo = gully; narrow channel formed by rainwater
splice = join together end to end to make one continuous
length; fasten together; unite; Ex. splice two strips of
tape; N.
makeshift = temporary expedient or substitute (in the
case of urgent need); Ex. makeshift shelter
monochromatic = having only one color
irate = angry; CF. ire: anger; wrath
imposture = assuming a false identity; masquerade; CF.
impostor
flux = flowing; series of changes; fluctuation; Ex. in a state
of flux
bulwark = strong wall built for defense; earthwork or
other strong defense; person who defends
harping = tiresome dwelling on a subject; V. harp: dwell
on(think or speak a lot about) tediously
profane = violate; desecrate (something holy); treat unworthily;
be profane for; ADJ: secular; nonreligious; irreverent
for holy things
mincing = affectedly dainty(delicate); V. mince: cut (esp.
meat) into very small pieces; walk with exaggerated
primness; walk in an unnatural way, taking little short
steps; Ex. The actor minced across the stage; CF. mincemeat;
CF. mincer
partial = incomplete; favoring one side over another; having
a liking for something
sedentary = requiring sitting; done while sitting; not
moving from one place to another; settled; Ex. sedentary
job/population
tan = convert (hide) into leather; make brown by exposure
to the sun
equipoise = balance; balancing force; equilibrium
recuperate = recover; return to health; regain; Ex. recuperate
losses
fiat = command; arbitrary order; Ex. presidential fiat; CF.
let it be done
crave = desire; want intensely
putrid = decayed and foul-smelling; foul; rotten; decayed;
N. putridity
puissant = powerful; strong; potent; N. puissance: power
vendor = seller
infirmity = weakness
shoot = new growth from a plant
arcade = a covered passageway usually lined with shops
propriety = fitness; quality of being proper; correct conduct;
conformity to prevailing customs and usages; CF.
proprietor, proprietary



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GRE/CAT VOCABULARY LIST 45

GRE/CAT VOCABULARY LIST 45

sundry = miscellaneous; various; several; N. sundries:
small miscellaneous items
scurry = move hastily; hurry; move briskly
ineffectual = not effective; not having a desired effect;
weak
potent = powerful; convincing; persuasive; greatly influential
barrage = barrier laid down by artillery fire; overwhelming
profusion; large number of questions or statements;
Ex. a barrage of criticism
anchor = secure or fasten firmly; be fixed in place; N. anchorage
graphic = pertaining to the art of delineating; vividly described
cunning = clever in deceiving; sly; N: cleverness in deceiving;
deceit
subjugate = conquer; bring under control
turgid = swollen; distended (as from liquid)
scabbard = case for a sword blade; sheath
reactionary = strongly opposed to social or political
change; opposing progress; politically ultraconservative;
N. OP. radical
illimitable = infinite; limitless
undulating = moving with a wavelike motion; V. undulate;
CF. und: wave
pass = off present falsely; represent falsely to be
interloper = intruder; one who interferes
concord = harmony; accord
wade = walk through a substance, such as water, that impedes
movement
delusion = false belief; hallucination; deluding; Ex. delusions
of grandeur; Ex. under the delusion that
sublime = causing deep feelings of wonder, joy, respect,
etc.; exalted; noble and uplifting; utter
convoke = call together; Ex. convoke Parliament; N. convocation
effective = effectual; producing a strong response;
striking; in operation; in effect; Ex. effective
speech/photograph
hortatory = encouraging; exhortive; marked by exhortation;
CF. exhort
squalor = condition of being squalid; filth; degradation;
dirty neglected state; ADJ. squalid: dirty; sordid;
morally repulsive; Ex. squalid story
bivouac = temporary encampment; camp without tents;
V.
anguish = acute pain; extreme suffering
severity = harshness; intensity; sternness; austerity; ADJ.
severe: harsh; strict; extremely violent or intense
omnivorous = eating both plant and animal food; devouring
everything
smear = spread or cover with a sticky substance; N: mark
made by smearing
edifice = building (of imposing size)
hydrophobia = fear of water; rabies
grouch = bad-tempered complaint; person who keeps
complaining; V: complain; grumble
tedium = boredom; weariness; ADJ. tedious
carcinogenic = causing cancer; N. carcinogen
adage = wise saying; proverb
obsidian = black volcanic rock
pulpit = raised platform used in preaching (in a church)
luxuriate = take pleasure in great comfort
skim = read or glance through quickly; touch lightly in
passing; brush; remove from the surface of a liquid
belligerent = quarrelsome
vise = vice; tool for holding work in place; clamping device
dissipate = squander; waste foolishly; scatter
cascade = small waterfall
tart = sharp to the taste; acid-tasting; caustic; sarcastic; Ex.
tart apple/reply
miscreant = wretch; wrongdoer; villain; Ex. kindness to
the miscreant; CF. believe
doggerel = poor verse
atheistic = denying the existence of God; N. atheism
uninhibited = having no inhibitions; free in behavior and
feelings
frolicsome = prankish; gay; playful; merry; frisky
inexorable = relentless; unyielding; implacable; not capable
of being changed by entreaty or efforts; Ex. inexorable
price rises
surge = powerful movement of or like a wave; V.
surrogate = substitute; person or thing used in place of
another; Ex. surrogate mother; ADJ.
hue = and cry outcry; loud cry or clamor; strong protest;
Ex. hue and cry against the new rule
pachyderm = thick-skinned animal
emetic = substance causing vomiting; ADJ.
ironic = expressing irony; occurring in an unexpected and
contrary manner
discrete = separate; unconnected
problematic = causing a problem; open to doubt; doubtful;
unsettled; questionable; Ex. Whether the arena will
ever be completed is problematic.
purgatory = place of spiritual expiation; temporary state
or place in which the souls must expiate their sins
insalubrious = unwholesome; not healthful; Ex. insalubrious
place
meddlesome = interfering; V. meddle: interfere
cadet = student at a military school

GRE/CAT VOCABULARY LIST 44

GRE/CAT VOCABULARY LIST 44

perdition = damnation; complete ruin; hell
cajole = persuade by praise or false promise; coax; wheedle
run-down = (of a place) dilapidated; in a bad condition;
(of a person) weak or exhausted
swindler = cheater
nip = snip off; stop something.s growth or development;
bite; make numb with cold; Ex. nip the plan; Ex. A
guard dog nipped the postman; Ex. fingers nipped by
the extreme chill
parvenu = upstart; newly rich person
impolitic = not wise; not expedient; not politic
remunerative = (of work) compensating; rewarding;
profitable; well-paid; V. remunerate: reward; pay
(someone) for work or trouble
epic = long heroic poem, novel, or similar work of art (celebrating
the feats of a hero); ADJ: (of stories or events)
resembling an epic; grand
disparity = difference; condition of inequality; OP. parity
dispel = scatter; drive away; cause to vanish
brand = trademark; mark burned on the hide of an animal;
mark burned into the flesh of criminals; mark of
disgrace; V: mark with a brand; give a lasting bad name;
stigmatize; Ex. The press branded him a liar.
increment = increase
accost = approach and speak first to a person
scad = a great quantity; Ex. scads of clothes
abstinence = restraint from pleasant things, esp. eating or
drinking; CF. abstention: act of abstaining from vote
slough = (of a snake) shed or cast off (dead outer skin); N:
outer layer that is shed
execute = put into effect; carry out; kill as a lawful punishment;
N. execution
parochial = narrow in scope or outlook; provincial; related
to parishes
affidavit = written statement made under oath (for use as
proof in a court of law)
chaplain = clergyman attached to a chapel
entourage = group of attendants; retinue; CF. surround
induct = place formally in office; install; admit as a member;
initiate; N. induction: inducting; process of deriving
general principles from particular facts
remote = distant in manner; aloof
doldrums = blues; listlessness(lack of spirit or energy);
slack(inactive) period; period of stagnation; ocean area
near the equator where ships cannot move because there
is no wind; Ex. in the doldrums
dulcet = sweet sounding; pleasing to the ear; melodious
dyslexia = word blindness; learning disorder marked by
impairment of the ability to read
malleable = (of a metal) capable of being shaped by
pounding(beating); pliable; (of someone) impressionable(
easily influenced); easily controlled; tractable
eventual = happening at last as a result; Ex. eventual victory
imponderable = weightless; that cannot undergo precise
evaluation; CF. pound
pervert = corrupt; turn from right to wrong; misuse; Ex.
perverted sexual desire/scientific knowledge; N: person
whose sexual behavior is not natural
climactic = relating to the highest point; N. climax; CF. climatic
superficial = of the surface; not deep; shallow; not thorough;
trivial; Ex. superficial analysis/knowledge
argot = slang; speech spoken by only a small group of
people
genus = division of animals or plants, below a family and
above a species
withdrawn = introverted; retiring; remote
pore = study industriously; ponder; scrutinize; Ex. pore
over the book; N.
empathy = ability to identify with another.s feelings,
ideas, etc.; identification with and understanding of another.s
feelings; V. empathize; CF. sympathy
demise = death
hyperbole = exaggeration; overstatement; ADJ. hyperbolic:
of hyperbole; of a hyperbola
yoke = join together; unite; N: crossbar used to joining
two draft animals
lament = grieve; express sorrow; N. lamentation
totem = animal, plant, or natural object serving as a symbol
of a clan or family; representation of this; Ex. totem
pole
autopsy = examination of a dead body; postmortem; V.
venturesome = (of a person) bold; adventurous; daring;
(of an action) risky
indefatigable = tireless; untiring; showing no sign of getting
tired
insensible = unconscious; unresponsive; insensitive; unaware;
imperceptible; Ex. insensible of his danger/to
pain; Ex. insensible change; CF. not the opposite of sensible
squabble = minor quarrel; bickering; V: engage in a minor
quarrel; Ex. squabbling children
volatile = changeable; of a quickly changing nature (as
of temper); mercurial; tending to violence; evaporating
rapidly; Ex. volatile character/situation in the street
ewe = female sheep
covetous = avaricious; desirous of (someone else.s possessions);
V. covet: desire eagerly (someone else.s possessions)
meek = submissive; patient and long-suffering
impetuous = violent; hasty; rash; impulsive; without
careful thought; Ex. impetuous decision

GRE/CAT VOCABULARY LIST 42

GRE/CAT VOCABULARY LIST 42

smother = kill from lack of air; suppress; cover thickly;
Ex. smothered in little stickers
granulate = form into grains or granules; N. granule:
grain or particle
tessellated = mosaic; inlaid; Ex. tessellated pattern
mutablility = ability to change in form; fickleness; ADJ.
mutable: able to change; fickle; CF. mutate; CF. mutant
Epicurean = believing that pleasure is good and suffering
is bad and should be avoided; N.
abyss = enormous chasm; vast bottomless pit
retrograde = go backwards; recede; degenerate; deteriorate;
ADJ.
psychic = of psyche; mental; of or possessing extraordinary
mental powers
encircle = surround
tantrum = fit of bad temper; fit of petulance; caprice; Ex.
The child went into tantrums.
abhor = detest; hate
lassitude = languor; weariness; listlessness
wean = accustom a baby not to nurse; accustom (the
young of a mammal) to take nourishment other than by
suckling; give up a cherished activity; cause to gradually
leave (an interest or habit); Ex. wean oneself from
cigarettes
propellant(propellent) = substance which propels or
drives forward (such as an explosive charge or a rocket
fuel)
sententious = pithy; terse; concise; aphoristic
elysian = relating to paradise; blissful
adversity = great hardship or affliction; misfortune;
calamitous event
hermetic = concerning alchemy or magic; obscure and
mysterious; occult
artisan = a manually skilled worker
annex = attach; add to a large thing; take possession of;
incorporate (territory) into a larger existing political unit
(by force); N: building added to a large one
refulgent = effulgent; brilliant; brightly shining; gleaming;
Ex. refulgent moon
enrapture = please intensely; fill with rapture and delight
primp = groom oneself with care; adorn oneself
resort = turn to for help; Ex. resort to violence; N.
beget = father; become the father of; produce; give rise to
rostrum = raised platform for speech-making; pulpit
agility = nimbleness; ability to move quickly
conjugal = pertaining to marriage
woeful = sad; (of something bad) deplorable; deplorably
bad; Ex. woeful housing conditions
oatmeal = crushed oats used for making porridge
periphery = outside edge especially of a round surface;
perimeter; Ex. periphery of the town
chivalrous = courteous; faithful; brave; N. chivalry
harry = harass, annoy, torment (by repeated attacks); raid
prologue = introduction (to a poem or play)
piebald = of different colors; mottled; spotted in different
colors (esp. in black and white); Ex. piebald horse; CF.
pie+bald
polemical(polemic) = aggressive in verbal attack; disputatious
(rather than simply expressing opinions)
maroon = leave helpless on a deserted island or coast;
ADJ. red brown
talon = claw of bird
pander = cater to (the low desires of others)
archives = public records; place where public records are
kept
impious = irreverent
discompose = disturb the composure of; confuse
residue = remainder; balance
febrile = feverish
ebb = (of the tide) recede; lessen; diminish; N. OP. flow:
rise of tide
frenetic(phrenetic) = frenzied; frantic
bacchanalian = drunken
tantalize = tease; excite by exposing something desirable
while keeping it out of reach; torture with disappointment;
CF. Tantalus: Greek mythological figure
diminution = lessening; reduction in size; V. diminish
solicitous = anxious; worried; concerned; eager; Ex. solicitous
to do something; N. solicitude
contiguous = adjacent to; touching upon
refrain = abstain from; resist; forbear; N: chorus
dissolution = disintegration; reduction to a liquid form;
looseness in morals; sensual indulgence; debauchery;
ADJ. dissolute: lacking in moral restraint; leading an
immoral life
elusive = evasive; not frank; baffling; hard to grasp, catch,
or understand; V. elude: escape from; escape the understanding
or grasp of; Ex. elude the hunter; Ex. His name
eludes me.
aegis = shield; protection; defense
feline = of a member of the cat family; N.
downcast = disheartened; dejected; sad; directed downward
diatribe = bitter scolding or denunciation; invective;
abuse
license = official or legal permission; latitude of action or
speech; excessive freedom that causes harm or damage;
V.
didactic = (of speech or writing) intended to teach a moral
lesson; teaching; instructional; N. didacticism




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GRE/CAT VOCABULARY LIST 41

GRE/CAT VOCABULARY LIST 41

affirmation = positive assertion; confirmation; solemn
pledge by one who refuses to take an oath; V. affirm;
ADJ. affirmative; CF. affirmative action: positive discrimination
reparable = capable of being repaired
malaise = uneasiness; vague feeling of ill health (without
any particular pain or appearance of disease)
fecundity = fertility; fruitfulness; ADJ. fecund: very productive
of crops or young
frieze = ornamental horizontal band on a wall
canter = slow gallop; V. CF. trot
reserve = self-control; self-restraint; formal but distant
manner; reticence; Ex. without reserve: freely and
openly; ADJ. reserved: shy and uncommunicative
whimsical = capricious; fanciful; amusingly strange
feebleminded = deficient in intelligence; very stupid
exodus = departure (of a large number of people)
collate = examine and compare in order to verify authenticity;
arrange in order (the sheets of a book before they
are bound)
whittle = pare; cut away thin bits (from wood); fashion in
this way; reduce gradually; trim
soporific = sleep-causing; marked by sleepiness; drowsy
pterodactyl = extinct flying reptile; CF. wing+finger
mass = Christian religious ceremony; CF. Mass: ceremony
of the Eucharist
coagulate = congeal; thicken; clot; N. coagulant
metaphysical = pertaining to speculative philosophy; of
metaphysics; N. metaphysics: branch of philosophy
that examines the nature of reality
compulsive = resulting from compulsion
incumbent = obligatory; imposed as an obligation; currently
holding an office; N: person who holds an office
swipe = hit with a sweeping motion; N.
deify = turn into a god; make a god of; idolize; Ex. Kings
were deified; CF. deity
prodigy = highly gifted child; person with exceptional
talents; marvel; wonder
hazy = slightly obscure; misty; unclear; N. haze: light
mist or smoke; confused state of mind
incidental = not essential; minor; N: something incidental
decrepit = weak and in bad condition from old age or
hard use; Ex. decrepit old chair/man
methodical = systematic; N. method: systematic method
of procedure
malapropos = inappropriate; ADV.
capacity = mental or physical ability; role; position or
duty; ability to accommodate; Ex. in my capacity as
president
preempt = prevent in advance; head off(forestall); forestall
by acting first; appropriate for oneself before others;
supplant; take the place of; displace; Ex. preempt
any attempts; ADJ. preemptive
testator = maker of a will; CF. testatrix
libertine = debauched person; dissolute or licentious person;
rou´e; CF. free
consolidation = unification; process of becoming firmer
or stronger; V. consolidate: merge; strengthen
veto = vested power to reject a bill; exercise of this right;
V: prevent or forbid by exercising the power of veto
dishonor = disgrace; N. ADJ. dishonorable
hull = husk; dry outer covering of a seed; frame or body
of a ship
inception = start; beginning
grandeur = impressiveness; stateliness; majesty
extirpate = root up; uproot; destroy completely
bicker = quarrel
euphemism = mild expression in place of an unpleasant
one; ADJ. euphemistic
ordeal = severe trial or affliction; difficult experience;
trial(test of patience or endurance); affliction
limber = flexible; supple; pliable; V.
astronomical = enormously large or extensive
presage = foretell; be a warning or sign of; N: presentiment;
foreboding; omen
uproar = noisy confusion
nuptial = related to marriage or the wedding ceremony;
N. nuptials: wedding ceremony
chaotic = in utter disorder
shack = crude cabin
caucus = private meeting of a group of people in a political
party to select officers or determine policy; CF. the
Caucus club of Boston
inveterate = deep-rooted; habitual; CF. grow old
besiege = surround with armed forces; harass (with requests);
annoy continually
relish = enjoy; savor; N: enjoyment; zest
dull = (of colors or surfaces) not bright; cloudy; overcast;
boring; (of edge or sound) not sharp; not rapid; sluggish;
slow in thinking and understanding; stupid; V.
monumental = massive; impressively large; built as a
monument
attire = clothe; N: clothing; array; apparel
theocracy = government run by religious leaders
cerebral = pertaining to the brain or intellect; intellectual
rather than emotional; CF. cerebrum
affluence = abundance; wealth
carnage = destruction of life; slaughter; killing of large
numbers of people or animals
whelp = young animal (esp. of the dog or cat family);
young wolf, dog, tiger, etc.




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GRE/CAT VOCABULARY LIST 40

GRE/CAT VOCABULARY LIST 40

metaphor = implied comparison; CF. simile
punitive = punishing; Ex. punitive measures
vantage = position giving an advantage (such as a strategic
point); CF. vantagepoint
larceny = theft; Ex. petit larceny
impromptu = without previous preparation; off the
cuff(end of a sleeve); on the spur of the moment
excoriate = scold with biting harshness; censure strongly;
strip the skin off
taint = contaminate; cause to lose purity; modify with a
trace of something bad; Ex. tainted reputation; N: stain;
touch of decay or bad influence; CF. touch
stricture = severe and adverse criticism; critical comments;
limit or restriction
olfactory = concerning the sense of smell
galvanic = of the production of electricity by the action of
an acid on a metal; having the effect of an electric shock;
Ex. galvanic cell; galvanic effect; CF. Luigi Galvani
frock = long loose garment (worn by monks)
implication = something hinted at or suggested; implying;
implicating
neophyte = recent convert; new member of a religious
group; beginner; CF. plant
conclave = private secret meeting
distend = expand; swell out
pell-mell = in confusion; disorderly; Ex. dash pell-mell
luminous = shining (esp. in the dark); issuing light; Ex.
luminous paint/road signs
pallet = small poor bed; Ex. straw pallet
bombastic = pompous; using inflated language
reprisal = retaliation
accomplice = partner in crime
exiguous = small in amount; minute
wretch = miserable person; bad or despicable person;
ADJ. wretched: miserable; bad; contemptible; vile
mundane = worldly as opposed to spiritual; everyday; of
the ordinary; Ex. mundane existence; CF. world
internecine = mutually destructive
orator = public speaker
sanctuary = place of refuge; shelter; shrine; holy place; Ex.
The outlaw was granted sanctuary in the church.
diva = operatic singer; prima donna
ambulatory = able to walk
umbrage = resentment; anger; sense of injury or insult;
Ex. take umbrage at his rudeness
timorous = fearful; timid; demonstrating fear
rousing = lively; inducing excitement; stirring; V. rouse:
waken; arouse from sleep or depression; excite; stir up
ogle = look at amorously; make eyes at; Ex. old men
ogling young girls
mottled = blotched in coloring; spotted; Ex. mottled face;
V. mottle: mark with blotches of different colors
token = outward sign; Ex. a token of our gratitude
mote = small speck (esp. of dust)
sheathe = place into a case; insert into or provide with a
sheath; Ex. He sheathed his dagger; N. sheath: case for
a blade
attenuate = make thin; weaken
earthy = unrefined; coarse; of earth; Ex. earthy remarks;
OP. ethereal
odds = chances; probability; disagreement; Ex. The odds
are that it will rain. Ex. at odds with
tangential = only slightly connected; not central; peripheral;
digressing; showing divergence; CF. tangent
eulogistic = praising; full of eulogy
suavity = urbanity; polish; ADJ. suave: smooth and courteous
mogul = powerful person; Ex. oil moguls; CF. Mogol,
Moghul; CF. Mongolian
imperial = like an emperor; related to an empire; CF. imperialism
dumbfound(dumfound) = astonish (making dumb);
ADJ. dumbfounded, dumfounded, dumbstruck
sham = pretend; feign; ADJ: not genuine; fake; Ex. sham
jewelry; N: something that is not what it appears; impostor;
pretense; Ex. The agreement was a sham.
insightful = discerning; perceptive
atrophy = wasting away; V: weaken and lose flesh and
muscle (through lack of blood or lack of use)
nectar = drink of the gods; sweet liquid collected by bees
augment = increase; add to
frond = fern leaf; palm or banana leaf
saturnine = morose; gloomy; Ex. Do not be misled by his
saturnine countenance.
predilection = preference; partiality
sybarite = lover of luxury; person devoted to pleasure
and luxury; CF. Sybaris: an ancient Greek city in Italy
bucolic = rustic; pastoral
onerous = burdensome
hypnosis = induced sleeping state; ADJ. hypnotic; V. hypnotize
anneal = reduce brittleness and improve toughness by
heating and cooling (metal or glass)
foray = raid; sudden raid or military advance; V.
spasmodic = fitful; periodic; of or like a spasm; N. spasm:
sudden involuntary muscular contraction; sudden burst
of energy or emotion
dwindle = shrink; reduce gradually
equable = tranquil; of even calm temper; (of temperature)
steady; uniform
offhand = casual; done without prior thought or preparation




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GRE/CAT VOCABULARY LIST 39

GRE/CAT VOCABULARY LIST 39

bandy = discuss lightly or glibly; discuss in a frivolous
manner; exchange (words) heatedly; quarrel; Ex. bandy
words with
disembark = debark; go ashore (from a ship); unload
cargo from a ship; CF. embark
blush = become red in the face (from embarrassment or
shame); become red or rosy; N.
abash = embarrass
prevail = be widespread; triumph over; gain victory; prevail
on: persuade; induce; Ex. Justice has prevailed; Ex.
prevail on someone to do something
raze = destroy completely; Ex. raze the city to the ground
diaphanous = sheer; transparent
mystic = of hidden meaning and spiritual power; Ex.
mystic ceremonies; N. CF. mysticism
concoct = prepare by mixing or combining; make up in
concert; devise (something false) so as to deceive; Ex.
concoct an elaborate excuse for being late; N. concoction
guffaw = boisterous laughter; V.
affiliation = joining; associating with
trigger = set off; start
emollient = soothing or softening remedy (for the skin);
ADJ.
wilt = loose freshness; droop
iota = very small quantity
quash = crush; suppress; squash; subdue; annul; Ex.
quash a rebellion/the decision of the low court
fleece = wool coat of a sheep; V: shear the fleece from; rob
by a trick; swindle; plunder
spoilsport = one who spoils the pleasure of others
protrude = stick out; jut; project; Ex. protruding teeth
ellipsis = omission of words from a text; mark used to indicate
an omission (when the meaning can be understood
without them); PL. ellipses
clasp = hold firmly within arms
demeanor = behavior; bearing
vassal = in feudalism, one who held land of a superior
lord; subordinate or dependent
stumble = trip and almost fall; proceed unsteadily; act falteringly;
N.
fastidious = difficult to please; squeamish; fussy; finicky
brittle = hard but easily broken; difficult; unstable; Ex.
brittle situation
dogged = determined; stubborn; stubbornly persevering;
tenacious; Ex. Inspector Javert.s dogged pursuit of Jean
Valjean
bully = one who is habitually cruel to weaker people; V.
fluster = confuse; make nervous and confused; N.
desultory = aimless; haphazard; digressing at random
reimburse = repay; pay back
raucous = (of voice) harsh and unpleasant; (of people)
disorderly and boisterous; Ex. raucous shouts
baleful = evil; malignant in intent or effect; deadly; having
a malign influence; portending evil; ominous;
threatening; Ex. baleful look
noose = loop formed in a rope
clamber = climb by crawling with difficulties; scramble
accede = agree
fertile = producing many young, fruits, or seeds; (of land)
producing good crops; V. fertilize
staccato = played in an abrupt manner; marked by abrupt
sharp sound; Ex. staccato applause
weather = pass safely through (a storm or difficult period);
endure the effects of weather or other forces
cozen = cheat; hoodwink; swindle
redress = remedy; compensation; Ex. seek redress for the
damage to your car; V: put right; remedy or rectify (a
wrong); make amends for
d´enouement = final outcome; final development of the
plot of a play or other literary work; the end of a story
when everything is explained
subjective = influenced by personal feelings; occurring or
taking place within the mind; unreal; Ex. subjective sensation
of the ghostly presence
decoy = lure or bait; V.
exempt = not subject to a duty or obligation; free from a
duty; V.
qualify = reach a necessary standard; limit the meaning
of something stated
inroad = hostile invasion; advance that lessens the quantity
or difficulty of something; Ex. The long illness made
serious inroads on his savings; CF. raid
apiarist = person who keeps bees
deign = condescend; stoop
travesty = copy or example of something that completely
misrepresents the true nature of the real thing; comical
parody or imitation; treatment aimed at making something
appear ridiculous; Ex. travesty of justice; OP.
paragon
scrap = small bit or fragment; discarded waste material;
fight; Ex. a scrap of paper/cloth; V: break into parts for
disposal; discard as worthless; fight; quarrel
inconsequential = insignificant; unimportant
reconcile = make friendly again (after quarrel); make consistent
(two ideas in opposition); correct inconsistencies;
Ex. reconcile one.s political principles with one.s religious
beliefs
bevy = large group; Ex. a bevy of starlets
evoke = call forth (memory or feeling); Ex. That old film
evoked memories of my childhood; N. evocation
legislature = legislating branch of government; CF. legislate:
make laws





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GRE/CAT VOCABULARY LIST 38

GRE/CAT VOCABULARY LIST 38

dislodge = remove (forcibly); force out of a position; Ex.
dislodge the food caught in his throat; CF. lodge
preeminent = outstanding; superior
mesmerize = hypnotize; N. mesmerism; CF. Franz Mesmer
lax = careless; negligent; not paying enough attention; Ex.
lax service
scoff = laugh (at); mock; ridicule; Ex. scoff at their threats
infantile = childish; infantlike
imperious = domineering; too commanding; haughty;
CF. imperial/emperor
pastoral = rural; of rural life; idyllic; of a pastor
herald = messenger; sign of something to come; V: announce;
proclaim; Ex. unheralded researcher
hapless = unfortunate; luckless
wan = having a pale or sickly color; pallid
saboteur = one who commits sabotage; destroyer of property;
N. sabotage: destruction of property (usually carried
out secretly)
curfew = regulation requiring all people to leave the
streets at stated times; signal (as a bell) announcing the
hour of a curfew
pariah = social outcast; Ex. Mariah the pariah
slake = satisfy (thirst); quench; sate
unfeigned = genuine; real
plebeian = common; vulgar; pertaining to the common
people; N: common people in ancient Rome; CF. patrician
mock = ridicule; deride; imitate often in derision
coincidence = the chance occurrence, at the same time, of
two or more seemingly connected events; V. coincide:
happen at the same time; be in agreement; CF. coincident;
CF. coincidental
impregnate = make pregnant; fill thoroughly; saturate
vacuous = empty; lacking in ideas; inane; stupid; Ex. vacuous
expression; N. vacuity
unobtrusive = inconspicuous; not blatant
devotee = enthusiastic follower; enthusiast; Ex. devotee
of Bach
veer = change in direction; swerve
resonant = (of a sound) echoing; resounding(sounding
loudly); deep and full in sound; producing resonance;
Ex. resonant voice; N. resonance
bullion = gold and silver in the form of bars
somber = dark; gloomy; melancholy; depressing; CF.
shadow
amble = walking at an easy unhurried pace; V: walk
slowly and aimlessly
impecunious = without money
spectral = ghostly; N. specter: spectre; ghost; phantom
dichotomy = division into two opposite parts; split;
branching into two parts (especially contradictory ones)
hovel = shack; small wretched house
artful = exhibiting art or skill; deceitful; cunning; CF. artifice
deputize = work or appoint as a deputy; N. deputy: person
who has the power to take charge when the leading
person is away
responsiveness = state of reacting readily to appeals, orders,
etc.; ADJ. responsive: readily reacting; Ex. responsive
to treatment
precipice = cliff; dangerous position; Ex. on the edge of
the precipice
bauble = trinket; cheap jewel; trifle
primate = group of mammals including humans
sterile = incapable of producing young; free from microorganism;
V. sterilize
occult = mysterious; secret; supernatural; beyond human
comprehension; CF. mysterious to human ?; OP. bare
opus = work (esp. musical composition); Ex. magnum
opus: masterpiece; CF. opera
fringe = decorative edge of hanging threads; edge
whet = sharpen; stimulate; Ex. whet someone.s appetite
knoll = little round hill; hillock
graphite = black form of carbon used in lead pencils
diadem = crown
peripatetic = walking about from place to place (to work);
moving; Ex. peripatetic school of philosophy
tenet = doctrine; dogma
aloft = upward; high up in the air
nautical = pertaining to ships or navigation
acknowledge = recognize; admit
ulcer = sore place appearing on the skin inside or outside
the body; Ex. stomach ulcer; ADJ. ulcerous; V. ulcerate
propound = put forth for consideration or analysis; set
forth; Ex. propound a problem/theory
affront = insult; offense; intentional act of disrespect; V:
insult or hurt the feelings of intentionally
accelerate = move faster
beseech = beg; plead with
prototype = original work used as a model by others
aver = state confidently; declare as true
simile = comparison of one thing with another, using the
word like or as
unravel = disentangle; solve
deprecate = express disapproval of; deplore; protest
against; belittle; ADJ. deprecatory
ramification = branching out; subdivision; one branch of
a system; one of the results following from an action or
decision; Ex. ramifications of a business/the decision




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GRE/CAT VOCABULARY LIST 37

GRE/CAT VOCABULARY LIST 37

benediction = blessing
libretto = text of an opera or oratorio; CF. book
vegetate = live in a monotonous way (without interests or
activity); CF. vegetation: plants of an area; CF. vegetarian;
CF. vegan
navigable = (of a body of water) wide and deep enough to
allow ships to pass through; (of a ship or aircraft) able
to be steered
salacious = lascivious; lustful; Ex. salacious monk
neologism = new or newly coined word or phrase
codicil = supplement to the body of a will; later addition
to a will
tension = stretching; condition of being stretched; mental
strain; strained relationship between groups or people
cordon = extended line of men or fortifications to prevent
access = or egress;
disjunction = act or state of separation; disunity; CF. disjunctive:
expressing a choice between two ideas; CF.
conjunction; CF. conjunctive
wary = very cautious; watchful
effectuate = effect; produce; achieve; Ex. effectuate a reconciliation
vex = annoy; distress
clapper = striker (tongue) of a bell
brag = boast
injurious = harmful; causing injury
ciliated = having minute hairs; CF. cilium; CF. cilia: eyelash
precursor = forerunner; predecessor
repudiate = disown; disavow; deny
tome = large volume; book
flirt = behave in a way that attracts (sexual) attention; deal
triflingly with; N: one (or woman) given to flirting; ADJ.
flirtatious
diligence = steadiness of effort; persistent hard work
limn = draw; outline; describe; CF. line ?
beset = harass or trouble from all directions; hem in
platonic = purely spiritual; theoretical; without sensual
desire
parallel = similar; analogous; corresponding; N: parallel
line; person or thing that is parallel (to another); similarity;
Ex. know of no parallel to the case; Ex. without
parallel; V: be similar to; make parallel; Ex. Your experience
parallels mine; CF. unparalleled
restitution = returning something (lost or stolen) to the
rightful owner; reparation; indemnification; compensation
for loss, damage, or injury
unsightly = ugly; unpleasant to look at
domineer = rule over tyrannically
billowing = swelling out in waves; surging
aboriginal = being the first of its kind in a region; primitive;
native; indigenous; N. aborigine
recount = narrate or tell (a story); count over again
disarray = state of disorder; a disorderly or untidy state;
Ex. with her clothes in disarray
convoluted = coiled around; twisted; involved; complicated;
intricate; complex; N. convolution: twist; one of
the convex folds of the surface of the brain
indulge = yield to; gratify; allow oneself a special pleasure;
Ex. indulge one.s every whim/a child/in a big
cigarette; N. indulgence
gesticulation = motion; gesture; V. gesticulate: make gestures
(while speaking)
vixen = female fox; ill-tempered woman; CF. shrew
tarnish = make or become dull or discolored; N.
hypercritical = excessively exacting; too critical (without
noticing good qualities)
officious = meddlesome; excessively pushy in offering
one.s services; overly eager in offering unwanted services
or advices; Ex. officious bellboy
cow = terrorize; intimidate
representational = (of a style of art) showing things as
they actually appear in real life
viscid = adhesive; gluey
infraction = violation (of a rule or regulation); breach
sunder = separate; part; CF. asunder
stilted = bombastic; stiffly pompous; Ex. stilted rhetoric;
CF. stiff: formal
defile = pollute; make filthy or dirty; corrupt morally;
profane; desecrate; N: narrow passage or gorge through
mountains
pine = long for; yearn; languish from longing or grief; decline
revulsion = sudden strong feeling of disgust; sudden violent
change of feeling; negative reaction; Ex. revulsion
from the scenes of torture
refractory = unmanageable; disobedient and stubborn;
Ex. refractory horse
decorum = propriety; orderliness and good taste in manners;
appropriateness of behavior or conduct
tirade = long angry denunciatory speech; diatribe; harangue;
extended scolding; denunciation
paradigm = model; example that serves as a model; pattern;
list of all the inflectional forms of a word
sibling = brother or sister
peripheral = of a periphery; marginal; outer; of minor importance;
not central; Ex. peripheral nerve/interest
squelch = produce a splashing sound (when stepping
through = mud); crush; squash; CF.




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GRE/CAT VOCABULARY LIST 36

GRE/CAT VOCABULARY LIST 36

converse = opposite; ADJ.
invalidate = weaken; destroy; make invalid; nullify
invert = turn upside down or inside out; reverse the position
or condition of
plagiarize = steal another.s ideas or writings and pass
them off as one.s own; Ex. ideas plagiarized from my
article; N. plagiarism; CF. kidnap
forensic = suitable to debate or courts of law; of or used
in legal proceedings and the tracking of criminals; Ex.
forensic science/medicine
culvert = artificial channel for water; drain crossing under
a road
generic = characteristic of an entire class or species; of a
genus
coalesce = combine; fuse; N. coalescence
erotic = pertaining to passionate love or sexual love
incense = enrage; infuriate(make furious); make extremely
angry; outrage; N: aromatic substance burned
to produce a pleasant odor
prattle = talk idly; babble; N. CF. prate
imbalance = lack of balance or symmetry; disproportion
pseudonym = pen name; fictitious name assumed by an
author; ADJ. pseudonymous
supernumerary = person or thing excess of what is necessary;
extra; ADJ: additional to the usual or necessary
number
transitory = transient; impermanent; fleeting; N. transitoriness
alacrity = cheerful promptness without reluctance
remittance = remitting of money; amount of money remitted
timbre = quality of a musical tone produced by a musical
instrument (which distinguishes it from others of the
same pitch)
resuscitate = revive; bring back to life or consciousness;
Ex. resuscitate the drowned child
culmination = highest point; climax; V. culminate in:
reach the highest point in; end in; Ex. a series of minor
clashes culminating in war
figurine = small ornamental statuette(very small statue)
ravel = fall apart into tangles; entangle; unravel or untwist
stem = from arise from; originate from
decipher = decode; CF. indecipherable
endear = make beloved; Ex. endear her to everyone; ADJ.
dear: loved; cherished; high-priced
prohibitive = so high as to prohibit purchase or use; tending
to prevent the purchase or use of something; prohibiting;
inclined to prevent or forbid; Ex. prohibitive
tax
obdurate = stubborn; refusing to change one.s belief
millennium = thousand-year period (as in the New Testament);
hoped-for period of happiness and prosperity
pittance = small amount (of money); small allowance or
wage
admonish = warn or speak to with gentle disapproval; reprove
bane = posion; cause of ruin; ADJ. baneful: harmful; poisonous
clich´e = phrase dulled in meaning by repetition; platitude;
ADJ. clich´ed
sovereignty = complete independence and selfgovernment
(of a country); supremacy of authority;
power to govern
juridical = of the law and its administration; CF. judicial:
of courts of law; CF. judiciary
mace = ceremonial staff used as a symbol of authority;
clublike medieval weapon
incrustation = hard coating or crust; V. incrust: encrust;
cover with a crust
abject = (of a condition) wretched; as low as possible;
lacking pride; very humble; showing lack of selfrespect;
Ex. abject apology
aberration = deviation from the normal; mental disorder
desperado = reckless, desperate outlaw
concurrent = happening at the same time; in agreement
subservient = behaving like a slave; servile; obsequious;
subordinate; N. subservience
civil = having to do with citizens; not military or religious;
courteous and polite; Ex. married in a civil ceremony;
Ex. civil strife/disorder/law; N. civility; CF. civic
sully = defile; soil; tarnish; Ex. sully one.s hands in menial
labor
tend = have a tendency; take care of; minister; serve at;
apply one.s attention; attend
prone = inclined to; likely to (suffer); prostrate; lying with
the front downward; Ex. prone to disease/make mistakes;
Ex. accident-prone
sonorous = resonant; producing a full deep sound; producing
sound
chalice = goblet; consecrated cup
blighted = suffering from a disease; destroyed
lank = long and thin; Ex. Lank, gaunt, Abraham Lincoln
migrant = changing its habitat; wandering; Ex. migrant
birds/workers; N: one that migrates
collage = work of art put together from fragments
somnambulist = sleepwalker; V. somnambulate; N. somnambulism
flush = redden; blush; flow suddenly and abundantly;
wash out by a rapid brief flow of water; N: reddish
tinge; blush; brief rush; rush of strong feeling; Ex. flush
of pride; ADJ: having surfaces in the same plane; even;
blushing
dismiss = eliminate from consideration; no longer consider;
put out of court without further hearing; reject;
discharge from employment; direct to leave; ADJ. dismissive;
N. dismissal




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GRE/CAT VOCABULARY LIST 35

GRE/CAT VOCABULARY LIST 35

shed = small roofed structure for storage and shelter;
V: pour forth; lose by natural process; repel without
allowing penetration; radiate; cast; Ex. shed
tears/light/water/skin/leaves
jocular = said or done in jest or playfully; marked by joking
appropriate = acquire; take possession of for one.s own
use without permission; set aside for a particular purpose;
allocate; CF. misappropriate
corrosive = eating away by chemicals or disease; (of language)
fierce
paucity = scarcity; dearth
glutinous = sticky; viscous; gluey
unkempt = disheveled; uncared for in appearance; not
combed; CF. comb
lionize = treat (a person) as a celebrity
spare = give; use; refrain from harming; save from experiencing;
exempt; Ex. spare me 5 minutes; Ex. Take this
money and spare my life; Ex. The emperor was spared
the onus; ADJ: kept in reserve; free for other use; unoccupied;
Ex. spare time
barrister = counselor-at-law or lawyer in the higher court
of law; CF. bar
turbid = (of a liquid) having the sediment disturbed;
muddy; thick
ram = male sheep; V. strike or drive against with a heavy
impact
subside = sink to a lower level; settle down; sink to the
bottom (as a sediment); descend; grow quiet; become
less; moderate; abate
cower = shrink quivering as from fear; cringe
careen = lurch; sway from side to side; move with irregular
swinging movement; stagger
pharisaical = pertaining to the Pharisees, who paid
scrupulous attention to tradition; self-righteous; hypocritical
warrant = justification; written order that serves as authorization
(esp. a judicial writ); Ex. search/death warrant;
V: justify; guarantee
polemic = attack or defense of an opinion; controversy or
refutation; argument in support of point of view; N.
polemics: art of debate or controversy
tipple = drink (alcoholic beverages) frequently; N: alcoholic
drink
pry = inquire impertinently (someone else.s private affairs);
use leverage to raise or open something; prize;
N. pries: tool for prying
hackneyed = commonplace; trite
poise = good judgment with composure; balance; V: place
in a carefully balanced position
humility = humbleness of spirit
snub = ignore or behave coldly toward; Ex. I made a suggestion
but she snubbed me; N.
fetid(foetid) = malodorous; foul
slipshod = slovenly; careless; sloppy; untidy; shabby; Ex.
slipshod work
fluted = having vertical parallel grooves (as in a pillar); V.
flute: make long parallel inward curves in; N. flute: long
rounded groove incised on the shaft of a column
gangrene = decay of body tissue caused by insufficient
blood supply (usually following injury); ADJ. gangrenous
dynamic = energetic; vigorously active
fanaticism = excessive zeal; extreme devotion to a belief
or cause; N. fanatic; ADJ. fanatic
ambrosia = food of the gods
zealot = one who is zealous; fanatic; person who shows
excessive zeal
inimitable = matchless; not able to be imitated
catalyst = agent which brings about a chemical change
while it remains unaffected and unchanged; CF. catalysis
synthetic = not natural; artificial; resulting from synthesis;
Ex. synthetic fiber; N.
grandiloquent = (of a person or speech) using high
sounding or important-sounding language; pompous;
bombastic
solitude = state of being alone; seclusion; ADJ. solitary:
existing or living alone (esp. by choice); remote or secluded;
single; sole; Ex. solitary life/inn; Ex. no solitary
piece of proof
allegiance = loyalty
begrudge = envy; give or allow unwillingly; grudge; Ex.
We shouldn.t begrudge him his success.
bereft = deprived of (something valuable); lacking
faculty = mental or bodily powers; teaching staff
infamous = notoriously bad; notorious; well known for
being bad; Ex. infamous behavior; N: infamy: infamous
act; evil fame or reputation
importunate = urging; always demanding; troublesomely
urgent or persistent
conformist = person who uncritically conforms to the
customs of a group; OP. nonconformist: one who does
not conform to accepted beliefs of norms
prank = mischievous trick
wily = crafty; cunning; artful; N. wile: deceitful stratagem
merger = combination (of two business corporations); act
of merging
heedless = not noticing; disregarding
provenance = place of origin; origin or source of something;
Ex. Gunpowder is of Chinese provenance; CF.
come
detached = emotionally removed; free from emotional involvement;
calm and objective; physically separate; N.
detachment; CF. attachment




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GRE/CAT VOCABULARY LIST 34

GRE/CAT VOCABULARY LIST 34

mobile = movable; not fixed; N. mobility
sultry = (of weather) hot; sweltering; sensual; voluptuous
banal = hackneyed; commonplace; trite; lacking originality;
clich´ed
prehensile = capable of grasping or holding (esp. by
wrapping around); Ex. prehensile tails
unction = the act of anointing with oil; Ex. extreme unction
repulsion = distaste; disgust; act of driving back; ADJ. repulsive:
causing disgust; tending to drive away; V. repel
(not .repulse.)
deliberate = consider; ponder; ADJ: done on purpose;
slow
carafe = glass water bottle; decanter
permissive = allowing much freedom; lenient; Ex. permissive
society
touching = causing a feeling of pity or sympathy; pathetic;
V. touch: cause to feel pity or sympathy; ADJ.
touched
symmetry = arrangement of parts so that balance is obtained;
congruity; ADJ. symmetrical
serpentine = winding; twisting; of or like a serpent; Ex.
serpentine course of the river; N. serpent: snake
stymie = thwart; present an obstacle; stump
canvass = determine or seek opinions, votes, etc.; go
through (a region) to solicit votes or orders; conduct a
survey; N.
primary = first in rank or importance; principal; earliest
in time; Ex. primary stages; N. CF. first
consecrate = dedicate; sanctify; declare as sacred; Ex. consecrate
one.s life to helping the poor
provisional = tentative; temporary
marsupial = one of a family of mammals that nurse their
offspring in a pouch(pocket of skin or leather); CF. kangaroo,
opossum, wombat
debunk = expose as false, exaggerated, worthless, etc.;
ridicule
bilk = swindle; cheat
well-bred = of good upbringing; well-mannered and refined
harbinger = forerunner (which foreshadows what is to
come)
ramshackle = (of a building or vehicle) poorly constructed;
rickety; falling apart
consensus = general agreement; opinion reached by a
group
postmortem = autopsy; ADJ: occurring after death; of a
postmortem
robust = strong; vigorous
dismember = cut into small parts; cut (a body) apart limb
from limb
veneer = thin surface layer (of good quality wood, glued
to a base of inferior material); cover; surface show;
fac¸ade; V.
capillary = having a very fine bore; resembling a hair; fine
and slender; Ex. capillary attraction; N: very fine hairlike
tube; CF. capillarity
bust = piece of sculpture showing a person.s head, shoulders,
and upper chest; V: break up; arrest; Ex. crimebuster
lot = object used in making a determination at random;
fate; piece of land
minion = servile dependent; obsequious follower
incorrigible = uncorrectable
fancied = imagined; unreal
institutionalize = make into an institution; put or confine
in an institution
forfeit = something surrendered as punishment for a
crime or breach of contract; V: lose as a forfeit; N. forfeiture
rendezvous = meeting place; meeting at a set time or
place; V.
replenish = fill up again
defunct = dead; no longer in use or existence
occlude = shut; close; obstruct; Ex. A blood clot occluded
an artery.
arboretum = place where different trees and shrubs are
studied and exhibited
kindred = related; belonging to the same group; similar in
nature or character; Ex. kindred languages; N: relative;
kin; kinship
intrude = put or force in without being asked; trespass;
enter as an uninvited person; Ex. intrude one.s own
opinion into the report; CF. thrust in
maul = handle roughly; batter; injure by beating; Ex.
mauled by his overexcited fans; N: heavy long-handled
hammer
fructify = bear fruit; produce fruit
rife = (of something bad) widespread; abundant; current
niggardly = meanly stingy; parsimonious; N. niggard:
stingy person
doze = sleep lightly; nap
ratiocination = reasoning; act of drawing conclusions
from premises; V. ratiocinate: reason logically
mollycoddle = pamper; coddle; baby; indulge excessively
warble = (of a bird) sing; babble; N.
anthem = song of praise or patriotism; Ex. national anthem
defalcate = embezzle
plutocracy = society ruled by the wealthy
muse = ponder at length; N: source of inspiration (esp. of
a poet)




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