GRE/CAT VOCABULARY LIST 53
cosmic = pertaining to the universe; vast
gratify = please; satisfy; Ex. gratify a desire
slack = moving slowly; sluggish; inactive; (of a rope)
loose; negligent; lax; Ex. slack season; Ex. slack in one.s
work; N. V.
truculence = aggressiveness; ferocity; ADJ. truculent: aggressive;
pugnacious; fierce
healthy = possessing good health; healthful
mash = crush into mash; convert into mash; N: mixture of
ground grain and nutrients fed to livestock and fowl
humanitarian = one devoted to the promotion of human
welfare; CF. humanism
idyllic = charmingly carefree; simple and happy; Ex. idyllic
scene
chase = ornament a metal surface by indenting; follow
rapidly to catch
recline = lie down
militate = work against; Ex. militate against the chances
of promotion; CF. serve as a soldier
astute = wise; shrewd; keen; seeing quickly something
that is to one.s advantage
cantankerous = ill-humored; irritable
berate = scold strongly
artery = blood-vessel; CF. vein
mantle = loose sleeveless outer garment; cloak; something
that covers or envelops; the layer of the earth between
the crust and the core
unassailable = not open to attack; impregnable; not subject
to question
gnome = dwarf; underground spirit who guards treasure
hoards
limpid = crystal clear
embed(imbed) = enclose; place in something; fix firmly in
a surrounding mass
lachrymose = producing tears; tearful
creep = move with body close to the ground; move
stealthily or slowly; N.
confidant(confidante) = trusted friend (to whom one tells
one.s secret)
fissure = crevice; crack
draw = choosing of a lot or card
sanction = approve; ratify; N: permission; penalty intended
to enforce compliance
amend = correct; change ; generally for the better
irony = hidden sarcasm or satire; use of words that seem
to mean the opposite of what they actually mean; use of
words to convey the opposite of their literal meaning
galvanize = stimulate or shock by an electric current;
stimulate by shock; shock into action; stir up; coat with
rust-resistant zinc by using electricity
efface = rub out; remove the surface of
meander = wind or turn in its course; follow a winding or
turning course; move aimlessly and idly
virtual = in essence; existing in essence though not
in actual form; for practical purposes; Ex. virtual
ruler/space
shimmer = shine with a flickering light; glimmer intermittently;
Ex. The moonlight shimmered on the water;
N.
visionary = produced by imagination; fanciful; mystical;
showing foresight; N: one having foresight; one given
to speculative impractical ideas
prosper = become successful (esp. financially); thrive;
grow well; Ex. children prospering under his care
plait = braid; interwine; interweave strands or lengths of;
make by weaving strands together; Ex. plaited hair; N:
braided length as of hair o fabric; CF. pigtail, ponytail
mercurial = capricious; quick and changing; fickle; containing
the element mercury; Ex. mercurial temper; CF.
mood
historic = important in history; Ex. historic battle
imminent = impending; near at hand
wiggle = wriggle; move from side to side with irregular
twisting motions
curtail = shorten; reduce
narcissist = conceited person; N. narcissism; CF. narcissus
pejorative = (of a word or phrase) suggesting that someone
is of little value; negative in connotation; having
a belittling effect; Ex. Many women now considers
.housewife. a pejorative expression, because it patronized
them.
ration = fixed portion; V: distribute as rations
levity = lack of seriousness or steadiness; frivolity; lightness
of manner
quagmire = bog; marsh; soft, wet, boggy land; predicament;
complex or dangerous situation from which it is
difficult to free oneself
aplomb = poise; composure in difficult situations; assurance;
self-confidence
adhere = stick fast; be a devotd follower; N. adhesion: adhering;
devotion; loyality
doff = take off; OP. don
corrugated = wrinkled; ridged
esteem = respect; value; judge; N.
ambiguous = unclear or doubtful in meaning; having
more than one possible interpretation
wrest = obtain by pulling violently; pull away; take by violence;
Ex. wrest victory from their grasp
spate = sudden flood or rush; Ex. spate of accidents
inanimate = lifeless; not animate
armada = fleet of warships
polarize = split into opposite extremes or camps
rolling = (of land) rising and falling in long gentle slopes;
happening continuously by stages; Ex. rolling devolution
of power to local governments
practicable = feasible
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