GRE 12 (Graduate Record Examination) Vocabulary Words – Online Spelling Bee

Spell: abscond (verb) /əbˈskɒnd/
Definition: To leave secretly and quickly, especially to avoid capture or arrest.
Example Sentence: "She planned to abscond from the boring meeting, but her boss caught her."
Word origin: The verb 'abscond' has an etymology that can be traced back to Latin.

Spell: acrimonious (adjective) /ˌæk rəˈmoʊ ni əs/
Definition: Intense bitterness, hostility, and resentment.
Example Sentence: "His acrimonious remarks about the painting didn't sit well with the artist."
Word origin: The adjective 'acrimonious' has its etymological roots in Latin.

Spell: adage (noun) /ˈadɪdʒ/
Definition: A statement that expresses a truth or a piece of wisdom that has been passed down through the ages.
Example Sentence: "Grandma always had a wise adage for every situation."
Word origin: The noun 'adage' has its origins in the Latin word 'adagium,' which in turn comes from 'adagio,' meaning 'saying' or 'proverb.

Spell: affinity (noun) /əˈfɪnəti/
Definition: A natural liking or connection between two or more people, things, or ideas.
Example Sentence: "Her affinity for animals led her to become a veterinarian."
Word origin: The noun 'affinity' has its roots in the Latin word 'affinitas,' which means 'relationship by marriage' or 'kinship.

Spell: affluent (adjective) /ˈaflʊənt/
Definition: Possessing considerable wealth, prosperity, or financial resources.
Example Sentence: "She enjoyed an affluent lifestyle, traveling to exotic destinations."
Word origin: The adjective 'affluent' has its etymological origins in the Latin word 'affluens,' which is formed from the prefix 'ad-' meaning 'to' or 'toward,' and 'fluere,' meaning 'to flow.

Spell: bourgeois (adjective) /ˈbʊəʒwɑː/
Definition: Associated with the middle or upper-middle class in society.
Example Sentence: "His bourgeois values clashed with the bohemian spirit of the artists."
Word origin: The adjective 'bourgeois' has a French origin, and its etymology can be traced back to the Old French word 'burgeis,' which means 'an inhabitant of a town' or 'a freeman of a borough.

Spell: brusque (adjective) /brʊsk/
Definition: Abrupt, curt, or short in speech, often indicating impatience, irritation, or rudeness.
Example Sentence: "The receptionist’s brusque tone made me feel unwelcome at the office."
Word origin: The adjective 'brusque' is believed to have originated from the Italian word 'brusco,' which means 'rough' or 'abrupt.

Spell: camaraderie (noun) /ˌkaməˈrɑːd(ə)ri/
Definition: A friendly and spirited rapport among a group of people who are working towards a common goal.
Example Sentence: "Nothing compares to the camaraderie that develops from going into battle with someone."
Word origin: The noun 'camaraderie' has its origins in the French word 'camarade,' which means 'comrade' or 'friend.

Spell: cartel (noun) /kɑːˈtɛl/
Definition: An association of independent firms or individuals who come together to regulate prices and restrict competition.
Example Sentence: "The oil cartel was formed to regulate oil production and prices."
Word origin: The noun 'cartel' finds its etymological roots in the French language.

Spell: cavil (verb) /ˈkavəl/
Definition: To make petty or trivial objections, criticisms, or complaints, often with the intention of finding fault or nitpicking over minor details.
Example Sentence: "During the editing process, some writers tend to cavil at the slightest change in their text."
Word origin: The verb 'cavil' has its origins in the Latin word 'cavillari,' which means 'to jest' or 'to mock.

Spell: circumvent (verb) /ˌsəːkəmˈvɛnt/
Definition: To avoid or get around something, often by using a clever or indirect approach.
Example Sentence: "To achieve their goal, they must circumvent the obstacles in their path."
Word origin: The verb 'circumvent' has its origins in Latin, where it is rooted in the word 'circumvenire.

Spell: connotation (noun) /ˌkɒnəˈteɪʃn/
Definition: The emotional or cultural associations and implications that a word carries with it, in addition to its literal or dictionary definition.
Example Sentence: "Her choice of words carried a negative connotation."
Word origin: The noun 'connotation' finds its origins in Latin, where 'connotare' means 'to mark together' or 'to signify in addition to.

Spell: crapulous (adjective) /ˈkrapjʊləs/
Definition: Suffering physically from the consequences of excessive indulgence in food or drink, especially alcohol.
Example Sentence: "The excessive drinking left him with a severe and crapulous hangover."
Word origin: The adjective 'crapulous' has its etymological roots in the Latin word 'crapula,' which means 'intoxication' or 'excessive drinking.

Spell: debilitate (verb) /dɪˈbɪlɪteɪt/
Definition: To weaken or impair the strength, ability, or functioning of something or someone.
Example Sentence: "The heavy workload began to debilitate her spirit."
Word origin: The verb 'debilitate' has its origins in Latin, specifically from the word 'debilitare,' which is derived from 'debilis,' meaning 'weak' or 'feeble.

Spell: disingenuous (adjective) /ˌdɪs(ɪ)nˈdʒɛnjʊəs/
Definition: Slightly dishonest, insincere, or not speaking the complete truth.
Example Sentence: "She wore a disingenuous smile, hiding her true feelings behind a façade of friendliness."
Word origin: The adjective 'disingenuous' has its etymological roots in the Latin word 'disingenuus,' which is a combination of 'dis-' meaning 'not' and 'ingenium' meaning 'nature' or 'innate quality.

Spell: edifying (adjective) /ˈɛdɪfʌɪɪŋ/
Definition: Uplifting, or informative in a way that leads to personal growth or moral improvement.
Example Sentence: "Reading classic literature can be an edifying experience, enriching your understanding of human nature."
Word origin: The adjective 'edifying' has its etymological roots in Latin.

Spell: elixir (noun) /ɪˈlɪksɪə
Definition: A potion or medicine that is believed to have the power to cure or to rejuvenate.
Example Sentence: "The potion was said to be an elixir of eternal youth."
Word origin: The noun 'elixir' has a fascinating etymology that can be traced back to several linguistic sources.

Spell: equinox (noun) /ˈɛkwɪnɒks/
Definition: An astronomical event that occurs twice a year when the sun is directly above the equator and the day and night are of approximately equal length.
Example Sentence: "People around the world celebrate the vernal equinox as the arrival of spring."
Word origin: The noun 'equinox' has its etymology rooted in Latin.

Spell: evanescent (adjective) /ˌɛv əˈnɛs ənt/
Definition: Fleeting and transient, existing only briefly before disappearing or fading away.
Example Sentence: "Morning fog created an evanescent mystery in the forest."
Word origin: The adjective 'evanescent' has its etymology rooted in Latin.

Spell: expatiate (verb) /ɪkˈspeɪʃɪeɪt/
Definition: To speak or write at length and in detail about a particular subject or idea.
Example Sentence: "During the conference, he will expatiate on the latest advancements in technology."
Word origin: The verb 'expatiate' has its etymological origins in Latin.

Spell: fastidious (adjective) /faˈstɪdɪəs/
Definition: Giving very careful or excessive attention to detail and accuracy.
Example Sentence: "She was fastidious about keeping her home clean and organized."
Word origin: The adjective 'fastidious' has an etymology rooted in Latin.

Spell: fatuous (adjective) /ˈfatjʊəs/
Definition: Incredibly foolish, trivial, or devoid of meaning, often to the point of being silly or absurd.
Example Sentence: "She was annoyed by the fatuous behavior of her coworkers."
Word origin: The adjective 'fatuous' has its etymological roots in Latin.

Spell: germane (adjective) /kənˈstɪtjʊənsi/
Definition: Closely related, pertinent, or relevant to a particular subject, topic, or discussion.
Example Sentence: "The data she presented was highly germane."
Word origin: The adjective 'germane' has an etymology rooted in Old French, where it was originally 'germain,' meaning 'closely related' or 'akin.

Spell: hegemony (noun) /hɪˈdʒɛməni/
Definition: The dominant power or influence that one group or nation has over others, often through political, economic, or cultural means.
Example Sentence: "Media conglomerates often shape cultural hegemony by controlling narratives and public discourse."
Word origin: The noun 'hegemony' has its etymological origins in Greek.

Spell: hierarchy (noun) /ˈhʌɪərɑːki/
Definition: A system for which people or things are organized according to status or power.
Example Sentence: "The military's hierarchical structure ensures discipline."
Word origin: The noun 'hierarchy' traces its origins to the ancient Greek word 'hierarchia,' which was a compound of 'hieros,' meaning 'sacred' or 'holy,' and 'archein,' which means 'to rule' or 'to lead.

Spell: hirsute (adjective) /ˈhəːsjuːt/
Definition: Covered in an abundant growth of hair, typically referring to body hair.
Example Sentence: "The hirsute chest hair peeked out from his unbuttoned shirt."
Word origin: The adjective 'hirsute' traces its origins to the Latin word 'hirsutus,' which means 'shaggy' or 'hairy.

Spell: holistic (adjective) /hə(ʊ)ˈlɪstɪk/
Definition: An approach that considers the whole picture, rather than just focusing on individual parts.
Example Sentence: "Holistic nutrition focuses on consuming whole, unprocessed foods."
Word origin: The adjective 'holistic' is derived from the Greek word 'holos,' which means 'whole' or 'entire.

Spell: ineffable (adjective) /ɪnˈɛfəb(ə)l/
Definition: Beyond the capacity of words to adequately describe or express.
Example Sentence: "The feeling of love was ineffable, indescribable."
Word origin: The adjective 'ineffable' finds its etymological origins in the Latin language.

Spell: levity (noun) /ˈlɛvɪti/
Definition: A lightness of tone, manner, or expression, especially in a situation where it is inappropriate or in poor taste.
Example Sentence: "The comedy show provided a much-needed dose of levity after a long day."
Word origin: The noun 'levity' traces its origins to the Latin word 'levitas,' which means 'lightness' or 'lack of weight.

Spell: luminescent (adjective) /ˌluːmɪˈnɛsnt/
Definition: Emitting light without heat.
Example Sentence: "She wore a luminescent dress that shimmered under the evening lights."
Word origin: The adjective 'luminescent' traces its etymological roots to two Latin words: 'lumen,' meaning 'light,' and 'escens,' which is a present participle suffix indicating a state or condition.

Spell: masticate (verb) /ˈmæstɪkeɪt/
Definition: To chew or grind food with one's teeth in order to break it down into smaller pieces that can be easily swallowed and digested.
Example Sentence: "The dentist advised me to masticate on the left side of my mouth due to a sensitive tooth on the right."
Word origin: The verb 'masticate' has its etymological origins in Latin.

Spell: matriculate (verb) /məˈtrɪkjʊleɪt/
Definition: To enrol or register in an educational institution, typically a college or university.
Example Sentence: "Jane and Alex hope to matriculate into the same university this fall."
Word origin: The verb 'matriculate' has its etymological origins in Latin.

Spell: morose (adjective) /məˈrəʊs/
Definition: Sullen, gloomy, and generally inclined to be in a bad mood or display a dark temperament.
Example Sentence: "The morose weather matched her somber mood perfectly."
Word origin: The word 'morose' has its origins in Latin, specifically from the word 'morosus,' which means 'peevish' or 'morose.

Spell: onerous (adjective) /ˈəʊn(ə)rəs/
Definition: Burdensome, difficult or oppressive, particularly in terms of responsibility or obligation.
Example Sentence: "The onerous paperwork made the immigration process daunting."
Word origin: The adjective 'onerous' has its origins in Latin, specifically from the word 'onerosus,' which is derived from 'onus,' meaning 'burden' or 'load.

Spell: paradox (noun) /ˈparədɒks/
Definition: A statement or situation that seems to be contradictory or false, but upon closer examination, may actually be true or make sense.
Example Sentence: "It's a paradox that solitude can be both lonely and liberating."
Word origin: The verb 'muse' has its etymological roots in Middle English and Old French.

Spell: parody (noun) /ˈparədi/
Definition: A form of satire in which an original work is imitated in a way that is meant to be humorous or satirical.
Example Sentence: "The political parody show took a satirical approach to current events, mocking politicians and their policies."
Word origin: The noun 'parody' has its roots in the Greek word 'parōidia,' which combines 'para,' meaning 'beside,' and 'aoidē,' meaning 'song' or 'ode.

Spell: parsimonious (adjective) /ˌpɑːsɪˈməʊnɪəs/
Definition: Characterized by extreme frugality and an unwillingness to spend money or resources generously.
Example Sentence: "She earned a reputation for being parsimonious with her expenses."
Word origin: The adjective 'parsimonious' has its etymological origins in Latin.

Spell: perspicacious (adjective) /ˌpəːspɪˈkeɪʃəs/
Definition: Insightful, perceptive, and able to understand things clearly and quickly.
Example Sentence: "The detective's perspicacious mind solved the complex case."
Word origin: The adjective 'perspicacious' has its etymological roots in Latin and is linked to the Latin word 'perspicax,' which means 'sharp-sighted' or 'clear-sighted.

Spell: pilfer (verb) /ˈpɪl fər/
Definition: To steal or take small items or insignificant amounts of goods, often in a secretive or furtive manner.
Example Sentence: "It's not uncommon for birds to pilfer shiny objects for their nests."
Word origin: The term 'pilfer' has its origins in Middle English, where it was originally spelled as 'pylferen' or 'pelfren.

Spell: platonic (adjective) /pləˈtɒnɪk/
Definition: Characterized by intellectual or emotional connection, rather than physical or romantic attraction.
Example Sentence: "They enjoyed a platonic bond based on mutual respect and understanding."
Word origin: The adjective 'platonic' has its etymological origins in the ancient Greek philosopher Plato.

Spell: politic (adjective) /ˈpɒlɪtɪk/
Definition: Marked by shrewdness, prudence, and strategic thinking within the realm of politics or other sensitive situations.
Example Sentence: "Her politic decisions deftly navigate sensitive matters, earning respect."
Word origin: The adjective 'politic' has its etymological origins in both Latin and Greek.

Spell: precipitous (adjective) /prɪˈsɪpɪtəs/
Definition: Extremely steep, sudden, or dramatic in its descent or progress.
Example Sentence: "The precipitous cliff face loomed over the crashing waves below."
Word origin: The adjective 'precipitous' has its etymological origins in Latin.

Spell: retrospective (adjective) /ˌrɛ trəˈspɛk tɪv/
Definition: Concerned with or relating to the past, specifically reflecting or looking back on past events, experiences, or accomplishments.
Example Sentence: "The professor assigned a retrospective essay on the historical significance of a particular event."
Word origin: The adjective 'retrospective' is rooted in the Latin word 'retrospectus,' which is the past participle of 'retrospicere.

Spell: revere (verb) /rɪˈvɪər/
Definition: To deeply admire, respect, and hold someone or something in high esteem.
Example Sentence: "In ancient times, societies used to revere the sun as a god."
Word origin: The noun 'reverberation' has its origins in Latin and is rooted in the word 'reverberatio,' which was derived from 'reverberare.

Spell: squalor (noun) /ˈskwɒlə/
Definition: A state of extreme dirtiness and poverty, typically associated with living conditions.
Example Sentence: "The squalor of the homeless encampment was heartbreaking."
Word origin: The noun 'squalor' has its origins in Latin.

Spell: taxonomy (noun) /takˈsɒnəmi/
Definition: The branch of biology that deals with the classification and naming of living organisms.
Example Sentence: "Understanding the taxonomy of plants is essential to botany."
Word origin: The noun 'taxonomy' has its etymological roots in Greek.

Spell: tenuous (adjective) /ˈtɛnjʊəs/
Definition: Thin, fragile, or having a weak or delicate connection, often implying that it is easily breakable or unstable.
Example Sentence: "The bridge's tenuous structure made it unsafe to cross."
Word origin: The adjective 'tenuous' finds its roots in Latin.

Spell: torpid (adjective) /ˈtɔːpɪd/
Definition: Inactivity, lethargy, or sluggishness, often associated with a lack of energy or motivation.
Example Sentence: "The town was torpid, showing no sign of the bustling life it once held."
Word origin: The adjective 'torpid' traces its origins to the Latin word 'torpidus,' which is derived from 'torpere,' meaning 'to be numb' or 'to be sluggish.

Spell: troglodyte (noun) /ˈtrɔːɡlədaɪt/
Definition: A person who lives in seclusion or in a primitive, cave-like dwelling.
Example Sentence: "Some people consider me a troglodyte because I prefer old-school technology."
Word origin: The noun 'troglodyte' has its origins in the Greek word 'troglodytai,' which referred to a people believed to live in caves along the shores of the Red Sea.

Spell: unorthodox (adjective) /ʌnˈɔːθədɒks/
Definition: Not in keeping with established or traditional practices or beliefs.
Example Sentence: "The chef's unorthodox recipe combined unexpected ingredients for a delightful taste."
Word origin: The adjective 'unorthodox' has its etymological roots in Greek and Latin.