Vocabulary mastery is the cornerstone of success on the GRE Verbal Reasoning section, directly influencing performance in Reading Comprehension, Text Completion, and Sentence Equivalence. The exam frequently evaluates sophisticated, low-frequency academic terms that require precise understanding of nuance, connotation, and contextual application rather than rote memorization. Building a robust lexical foundation involves mastering Latin and Greek roots, observing words in varied prose contexts, and distinguishing between subtle shades of meaning. Regular practice with targeted multiple-choice questions enables aspirants to decode dense academic passages and choose exact terms under strict time constraints.
1. What is the primary meaning of the word 'abate'?
Correct Answer: b) To become less intense or widespread
Explanation:
Abate means to subside, lessen, or reduce in degree or intensity, such as when a storm or fever abates.
2. Which of the following best defines 'abdicate'?
Correct Answer: a) To formally renounce or relinquish a throne, power, or responsibility
Explanation:
To abdicate is to give up a position of high office or duty voluntarily.
3. What does the word 'aberrant' describe?
Correct Answer: b) Departing from an accepted standard, normal, or typical course
Explanation:
Aberrant refers to a deviation from what is normal, standard, or usual.
4. To 'abhor' something means to:
Correct Answer: b) Regard with disgust and hatred
Explanation:
Abhorrence is a feeling of intense loathing or detestation toward something.
5. What is the definition of 'abject'?
Correct Answer: a) Extremely bad, unpleasant, and degrading (often used of poverty or failure)
Explanation:
Abject emphasizes a state of being completely wretched, hopeless, or humiliated.
6. To 'abjure' a belief or claim is to:
Correct Answer: b) Solemnly renounce, give up, or reject it
Explanation:
To abjure means to formally reject or recant a previously held belief or oath.
7. What does 'abrasive' mean when applied to a person's personality?
Correct Answer: b) Showing little concern for others; harsh, rough, and annoying
Explanation:
An abrasive personality rubs people the wrong way, much like sandpaper on wood.
8. To 'abridge' a text means to:
Correct Answer: b) Shorten it without losing the sense
Explanation:
An abridged book or document has been condensed or shortened.
9. What is the meaning of 'abscond'?
Correct Answer: a) To leave hurriedly and secretly, typically to escape from custody or legal prosecution
Explanation:
To abscond means to bolt or run away secretly, often taking something unlawfully.
10. To 'absolve' someone is to:
Correct Answer: b) Set or declare them free from blame, guilt, or responsibility
Explanation:
Absolution releases an individual from the consequences or guilt of an action.
11. What does 'abstemious' mean?
Correct Answer: b) Not self-indulgent, especially when eating and drinking
Explanation:
An abstemious person exercises moderation, particularly regarding consumption.
12. To 'abstract' an idea means to:
Correct Answer: b) Consider something apart from concrete existence or specific instances
Explanation:
Abstract concepts deal with general ideas rather than physical or specific things.
13. What is the definition of 'abstruse'?
Correct Answer: b) Difficult to understand; obscure and esoteric
Explanation:
Abstruse subjects or writings require specialized knowledge to comprehend.
14. To 'accede' to a request means to:
Correct Answer: b) Assent or agree to a demand, request, or treaty
Explanation:
To accede is to yield or agree to give consent.
15. What does 'acerbic' mean in tone or style?
Correct Answer: b) Sharp, bitter, and sarcastic
Explanation:
Acerbic comments are biting and critical in a clever or harsh way.
16. To 'acknowledge' a fact is to:
Correct Answer: b) Accept or admit the existence or truth of it
Explanation:
Acknowledgment involves recognizing the validity or reality of something.
17. What is the meaning of 'acme'?
Correct Answer: b) The point at which something is best, perfect, or most successful
Explanation:
The acme represents the peak, summit, or zenith of achievement.
18. To 'acquiesce' means to:
Correct Answer: b) Accept something reluctantly but without protest
Explanation:
Acquiescence is passive submission or compliance.
19. What does 'acrid' describe?
Correct Answer: b) An unpleasantly bitter, pungent, or stinging taste or smell
Explanation:
Acrid typically describes chemical fumes, smoke, or harsh tastes that irritate.
20. What is the definition of 'acrimonious'?
Correct Answer: b) (Typically of a debate or speech) angry and bitter
Explanation:
Acrimony refers to harsh, biting hostility in interactions or disputes.
21. To 'acumen' refers to:
Correct Answer: b) The ability to make good judgments and quick decisions, typically in a particular domain
Explanation:
Business acumen or political acumen indicates sharp insight and expertise.
22. What does 'adament' (or adamant) mean?
Correct Answer: a) Refusing to be persuaded or to change one's mind
Explanation:
An adamant stance is unyielding, firm, and resolute.
23. To 'adapt' means to:
Correct Answer: b) Adjust or modify to new conditions or environments
Explanation:
Adaptation involves fitting oneself or a system to changing circumstances.
24. What is the meaning of 'addled'?
Correct Answer: b) Unable to think clearly; confused or muddled
Explanation:
An addled mind is confused, scrambled, or unable to function logically.
25. To 'adduce' evidence means to:
Correct Answer: b) Cite as evidence or proof for an argument
Explanation:
To adduce is to bring forward facts or examples as support.
26. What does 'adept' describe?
Correct Answer: a) Very skilled or proficient at something
Explanation:
An adept practitioner is highly skilled, expert, or accomplished.
27. To 'adhere' to a rule means to:
Correct Answer: b) Stick fast to or follow faithfully
Explanation:
Adherence involves compliance with rules or physical attachment.
28. What is the definition of 'admonish'?
Correct Answer: b) To warn or reprimand someone firmly
Explanation:
To admonish is to offer firm advice, caution, or mild scolding.
29. To 'adorn' something is to:
Correct Answer: b) Make more beautiful or attractive; decorate
Explanation:
Adornment adds beauty, ornaments, or grace to an object or person.
30. What does 'adroit' mean?
Correct Answer: a) Clever or skillful in using the hands or mind
Explanation:
Adroit implies dexterity, resourcefulness, and clever execution.
31. To 'adulate' someone is to:
Correct Answer: b) Fawn over them; pay excessive or slavish praise
Explanation:
Adulation involves extreme, over-the-top praise or flattery.
32. What is the meaning of 'adulterate'?
Correct Answer: b) Render poorer in quality by adding another substance
Explanation:
To adulterate food or chemicals is to contaminate or debase them with inferior additives.
33. To 'adumbrate' means to:
Correct Answer: b) Report or represent faintly; outline or foreshadow
Explanation:
To adumbrate is to give a sketchy outline or a shadowy preview of something.
34. What does 'adversity' represent?
Correct Answer: b) A state or instance of serious difficulty or misfortune
Explanation:
Adversity encompasses hardship, trials, and unfavorable conditions.
35. An 'advocate' is someone who:
Correct Answer: b) Publicly supports or recommends a cause or policy
Explanation:
An advocate champions a position, person, or reform.
36. What is the definition of 'aesthetic'?
Correct Answer: a) Concerned with beauty or the appreciation of beauty
Explanation:
Aesthetics deals with artistic appeal and visual or sensory beauty.
37. To 'affable' describes someone who is:
Correct Answer: b) Friendly, good-natured, or easy to talk to
Explanation:
An affable person is warm, amiable, and approachable.
38. What does 'affectation' mean?
Correct Answer: b) Behavior, speech, or writing that is artificial and designed to impress
Explanation:
An affectation is a pretentious display or adopted mannerism intended to deceive or impress.
39. To 'affiliated' means to:
Correct Answer: a) Be officially attached or connected to an organization
Explanation:
Affiliation denotes an association or partnership with a larger body.
40. What is the meaning of 'affinity'?
Correct Answer: a) A natural liking for and understanding of someone or something
Explanation:
An affinity implies a close relationship, empathy, or attraction.
41. To 'affirm' a statement is to:
Correct Answer: b) State strongly and publicly as a fact
Explanation:
To affirm is to assert, confirm, or ratify solemnly.
42. What does 'affluent' mean?
Correct Answer: b) Having a great deal of money; wealthy
Explanation:
An affluent society or individual is prosperous and well-off.
43. To 'aggrandize' means to:
Correct Answer: b) Increase the power, status, or wealth of
Explanation:
To aggrandize is to enhance or exaggerate importance, wealth, or power.
44. What is the definition of 'aggregate'?
Correct Answer: b) A whole formed by combining several (typically disparate) elements
Explanation:
An aggregate is a total sum or collection compiled from multiple parts.
45. To 'agitate' can mean to:
Correct Answer: b) Campaign publicly to arouse public concern; or to disturb/trouble
Explanation:
Agitation involves stirring up trouble, debate, or physical liquid mixing.
46. What does 'alacrity' mean?
Correct Answer: a) Brisk and cheerful readiness
Explanation:
Alacrity is eager, prompt willingness to act.
47. To 'alchemy' historically referred to:
Correct Answer: b) A medieval chemical philosophy aiming to turn base metals into gold
Explanation:
Alchemy is often used metaphorically to describe a magical or mysterious transformation.
48. What is the meaning of 'alias'?
Correct Answer: b) A false or assumed identity
Explanation:
An alias is an alternate name used to conceal one's true identity.
49. To 'alienate' someone is to:
Correct Answer: a) Make them feel isolated or estranged
Explanation:
Alienation causes a loss of support, sympathy, or connection.
50. What does 'allay' mean?
Correct Answer: a) Diminish or put at rest (fear, suspicion, or worry)
Explanation:
To allay is to calm, pacify, or relieve concerns.
51. To 'allege' something means to:
Correct Answer: b) Claim or assert that someone has done something illegal or wrong, typically without proof
Explanation:
An allegation is an assertion made before it has been proven.
52. What is the definition of 'alleviate'?
Correct Answer: a) Make (suffering, deficiency, or a problem) less severe
Explanation:
To alleviate is to relieve pain, stress, or burdens.
53. An 'allusion' is:
Correct Answer: b) An expression designed to call something to mind without mentioning it explicitly; an indirect reference
Explanation:
An allusion references a literary, historical, or cultural figure or event.
54. What does 'aloof' describe?
Correct Answer: b) Not friendly or forthcoming; cool and distant
Explanation:
An aloof person remains detached and emotionally removed from others.
55. To 'altercation' refers to:
Correct Answer: b) A noisy argument or disagreement, especially in public
Explanation:
An altercation is a heated verbal or physical dispute.
56. What is the meaning of 'altruism'?
Correct Answer: b) The belief in or practice of disinterested and selfless concern for the well-being of others
Explanation:
Altruism is unselfish devotion to the welfare of others.
57. To 'amalgamate' means to:
Correct Answer: a) Combine or unite to form one organization or structure
Explanation:
Amalgamation merges separate entities into a unified whole.
58. What does 'ambiguous' mean?
Correct Answer: b) Open to more than one interpretation; having a double meaning
Explanation:
Ambiguous statements lack clarity and can be interpreted in multiple ways.
59. An 'ambivalent' attitude is characterized by:
Correct Answer: b) Having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone
Explanation:
Ambivalence means being torn between two conflicting feelings or opinions.
60. What is the definition of 'ameliorate'?
Correct Answer: a) To make something bad or unsatisfactory better
Explanation:
To ameliorate is to improve or upgrade conditions.
61. To 'amenable' describes someone who is:
Correct Answer: b) Open and responsive to suggestion; easily persuaded or controlled
Explanation:
An amenable person is cooperative and willing to comply.
62. What does 'amiable' mean?
Correct Answer: b) Having or displaying a friendly and pleasant manner
Explanation:
Amiable is a core synonym for friendly, warm, and agreeable.
63. An 'amicable' settlement is one that is reached:
Correct Answer: b) In a friendly and peaceful manner, without serious disagreement
Explanation:
Amicable describes relations or agreements free of animosity.
64. What is the meaning of 'amortize'?
Correct Answer: b) To gradually write off the initial cost of an asset or debt over a period
Explanation:
Amortization refers to the gradual liquidation of a financial debt through periodic payments.
65. To 'amply' provide means to do so:
Correct Answer: b) Enough or more than enough; plentifully
Explanation:
Ample provision supplies more than the bare minimum required.
66. What does 'anachronism' refer to?
Correct Answer: a) Something belonging or appropriate to a period other than that in which it exists
Explanation:
An anachronism is something out of its proper historical time (e.g., a knight wearing a wristwatch).
67. To 'analogous' means to be:
Correct Answer: b) Comparable in certain respects, typically in a way that makes clearer the nature of the things compared
Explanation:
Analogous items share a similarity that allows for useful comparison.
68. What is the definition of 'anarchy'?
Correct Answer: b) A state of disorder due to absence or nonrecognition of authority
Explanation:
Anarchy represents lawlessness and the breakdown of governmental control.
69. An 'anathema' is something or someone that is:
Correct Answer: b) A curse; or something intensely disliked or shunned
Explanation:
If something is anathema to you, it is abhorrent and completely contrary to your principles.
70. What does 'ancillary' mean?
Correct Answer: b) Providing necessary support to the primary operation or activity
Explanation:
Ancillary staff or services act as supplementary support to the main enterprise.
71. To 'anecdote' refers to:
Correct Answer: b) A short and amusing or interesting story about a real incident or person
Explanation:
An anecdote is a brief narrative often used to illustrate a point.
72. What is the meaning of 'animadversion'?
Correct Answer: b) Criticism or censure
Explanation:
Animadversion is a critical remark or expression of disapproval.
73. To 'animosity' represents:
Correct Answer: a) Strong hostility or active dislike
Explanation:
Animosity is bitter antagonism or ill will.
74. What does 'annex' mean as a verb?
Correct Answer: b) To append or add as an extra or subordinate part, especially a territory
Explanation:
To annex is to incorporate territory into an existing political domain.
75. To 'annul' a marriage or law is to:
Correct Answer: b) Declare it void and invalid, effectively canceling it
Explanation:
An annulment wipes away the legal status of an agreement or union.
76. What is the definition of 'anomalous'?
Correct Answer: b) Deviating from what is standard, normal, or expected
Explanation:
An anomaly is an irregularity or departure from the common rule.
77. To 'antagonize' someone is to:
Correct Answer: b) Cause them to become hostile or angry
Explanation:
Antagonism provokes opposition, irritation, or hostility.
78. What does 'antecedent' mean?
Correct Answer: a) A thing or event that existed before or logically precedes another
Explanation:
An antecedent comes prior to a current development, serving as its precursor.
79. An 'antediluvian' idea or object is:
Correct Answer: b) Ridiculously old-fashioned; predating the biblical flood
Explanation:
Antediluvian literally means before the flood, used metaphorically for ancient antiquities.
80. What is the meaning of 'antipathy'?
Correct Answer: a) A deep-seated feeling of dislike; aversion
Explanation:
Antipathy is a natural repugnance or opposition of feeling.
81. To 'antiquated' describes something that is:
Correct Answer: b) Old-fashioned or obsolete due to age
Explanation:
Antiquated systems or machinery are outdated and no longer useful.
82. What does 'antithesis' mean?
Correct Answer: a) A direct opposite or contrast to something
Explanation:
The antithesis of a concept is its exact reverse or polar opposite.
83. To 'apathy' describes:
Correct Answer: b) Absence of interest, enthusiasm, or concern
Explanation:
Apathy represents emotional numbness, indifference, or laziness.
84. What is the definition of 'apex'?
Correct Answer: b) The highest point; the peak or summit
Explanation:
The apex is the pinnacle or topmost point of achievement or structure.
85. An 'aphorism' is:
Correct Answer: b) A pithy observation that contains a general truth
Explanation:
An aphorism is a concise maxim or adage (e.g., 'Actions speak louder than words').
86. What does 'aplomb' mean?
Correct Answer: b) Self-confidence or assurance, especially in a demanding situation
Explanation:
Handling pressure with aplomb means staying cool, poised, and confident.
87. To 'apocryphal' stories are ones that are:
Correct Answer: b) Of doubtful authenticity, although widely circulated as being true
Explanation:
Apocryphal tales are urban legends or unverified myths.
88. What is the meaning of 'apoplectic'?
Correct Answer: b) Overcome with anger; extremely indignant
Explanation:
Someone who is apoplectic is so furious that they look ready to have a stroke.
89. To 'apostasy' refers to:
Correct Answer: b) The abandonment or renunciation of a religious or political belief
Explanation:
Apostasy is the act of deserting one's faith, party, or cause.
90. What does 'appall' mean?
Correct Answer: b) To greatly dismay or horrify
Explanation:
An appalling event causes shock, disgust, and profound dismay.
91. To 'appease' someone is to:
Correct Answer: b) Pacify or placate (someone) by acceding to their demands
Explanation:
Appeasement aims to bring peace by giving in to demands.
92. What is the definition of 'appellation'?
Correct Answer: b) A name or title
Explanation:
An appellation designates or identifies a person or geographic region.
93. To 'apprehend' someone means to:
Correct Answer: b) Arrest someone for a crime; or to understand an idea
Explanation:
Apprehension involves either catching a criminal or grasping a complex concept.
94. What does 'approbation' mean?
Correct Answer: b) Approval or praise
Explanation:
Approbation is formal or official approval and commendation.
