GRE 13 (Graduate Record Examination) Vocabulary Words – Online Spelling Bee

Spell: accede (verb) /əkˈsiːd/
Definition: To agree to a request, proposal, or demand, often by giving one's formal consent or approval.
Example Sentence: "The company's board must accede to shareholders' demands for transparency."
Word origin: The verb 'accede' has its roots in the Latin word 'accedere,' which is a combination of 'ad,' meaning 'to,' and 'cedere,' meaning 'to yield' or 'to go.

Spell: ameliorate (verb) /əˈmiːlɪəreɪt/
Definition: To make something better or more bearable, often by addressing problems or issues that are causing difficulties.
Example Sentence: "Centralized governance tends to compound, not ameliorate, problems in society."
Word origin: The verb 'ameliorate' has a Latin origin, stemming from the Latin word 'ameliorare.

Spell: amorphous (adjective) /əˈmɔːfəs/
Definition: Lacking a definite or well-defined shape, structure, or form.
Example Sentence: "The concept was vague and amorphous, lacking clarity."
Word origin: The adjective 'amorphous' has its etymological origins in the Greek language.

Spell: anachronism (noun) /əˈnakrənɪz(ə)m/
Definition: Something that is out of its proper chronological or historical order when considered in a specific context.
Example Sentence: "Her vintage typewriter seemed like an anachronism in the office."
Word origin: The noun 'anachronism' owes its etymology to the Greek language, where it originates from the combination of two words: 'ana,' meaning 'against,' and 'chronos,' meaning 'time.

Spell: aplomb (noun) /əˈplɒm/
Definition: A self-assured and confident composure in the face of challenges or difficult situations.
Example Sentence: "She handled the crisis with aplomb, remaining calm and collected in the face of adversity."
Word origin: The noun 'aplomb' has its origins in the French word 'à plomb,' which literally translates to 'perpendicular' or 'plumb.

Spell: aspersion (noun) /əˈspəːʃ(ə)n/
Definition: A negative remark or statement that is intended to damage the reputation of someone or something.
Example Sentence: "The aspersion he cast on her competence was both unfair and baseless."
Word origin: The noun 'aspersion' has its origins in Latin, specifically from the word 'aspersio,' which is derived from 'aspersus,' the past participle of 'aspersere.

Spell: avarice (noun) /ˈav(ə)rɪs/
Definition: An extreme and insatiable desire for wealth, material possessions, or monetary gain.
Example Sentence: "Avarice can blind people to the needs of others."
Word origin: The noun 'avarice' has its etymological roots in Latin.

Spell: carte-blanche (noun) /kɑːt ˈblɑːnʃ/
Definition: A situation where someone is given complete freedom to act as they see fit.
Example Sentence: "The artist was given carte blanche to create whatever masterpiece he desired."
Word origin: The noun 'carte blanche' has its etymological origins in French.

Spell: castigate (verb) /ˈkastɪɡeɪt/
Definition: To criticize or reprimand someone severely, especially in a public or formal way.
Example Sentence: "Managers who constantly castigate their employees create a hostile work environment."
Word origin: The verb 'castigate' has an etymology that conveys the severity of criticism or reprimand.

Spell: catalyst (noun) /ˈkatəlɪst/
Definition: Any person or thing that triggers or sparks a significant event or change, often by serving as a facilitator or accelerator.
Example Sentence: "Innovation serves as the catalyst for economic growth."
Word origin: The noun 'catalyst' has its etymological roots in Greek.

Spell: chagrin (noun) /ˈʃaɡrɪn/
Definition: A feeling of embarrassment, humiliation, or distress caused by a sense of disappointment, failure, or inadequacy.
Example Sentence: "She couldn't hide her profound chagrin after the team's unexpected loss in the championship game."
Word origin: The noun 'chagrin' has its roots in French, specifically from the word 'chagrin,' which means 'grief' or 'sorrow.

Spell: contravene (verb) /ˌkɒntrəˈviːn/
Definition: To violate or go against a rule, law, regulation, or agreement.
Example Sentence: "It is illegal to contravene the terms of the contract."
Word origin: The verb 'contravene' has its etymological roots in Latin, particularly from the word 'contravenire.

Spell: curative (adjective) /ˈkjʊrətɪv/
Definition: Having the power or ability to heal or cure a disease or condition.
Example Sentence: "Restorative yoga has curative effects on stress."
Word origin: The adjective 'curative' has its origins in the Latin word 'curare,' which means 'to heal' or 'to care for.

Spell: emancipate (verb) /ɪˈmæn səˌpeɪt/
Definition: To liberate or set free from bondage, oppression, or a state of subjugation.
Example Sentence: "The suffragettes rallied together to emancipate women and secure their right to vote."
Word origin: The verb 'emancipate' has its etymological roots in Latin.

Spell: enmity (noun) /ˈɛnmɪti/
Definition: A deep and typically mutual feeling of hostility, hatred, or animosity between individuals, groups, or entities.
Example Sentence: "His betrayal created enmity that could never be mended."
Word origin: The noun 'enmity' has its roots in Middle English and Old French.

Spell: excoriate (verb) /ɪkˈskɔːrɪeɪt/
Definition: To criticize or condemn someone or something severely and often publicly.
Example Sentence: "Health experts excoriate soda companies for their contribution to the obesity epidemic."
Word origin: The verb 'excoriate' has its etymological origins in Latin, shedding light on its meaning.

Spell: exculpate (verb) /ˈɛkskʌlpeɪt/
Definition: To clear someone from blame or to prove someone's innocence.
Example Sentence: "The confession made by the suspect may exculpate the other person involved."
Word origin: The verb 'exculpate' has its etymological origins in Latin, specifically from the word 'exculpare,' which is a combination of 'ex-' (out of) and 'culpa' (blame).

Spell: flaccid (adjective) /ˈflasɪd/
Definition: Limp, lacking firmness, or devoid of the expected tension or stiffness.
Example Sentence: "The wrestler's opponent easily pinned him down due to his flaccid resistance."
Word origin: The adjective 'flaccid' has its etymological roots in the Latin word 'flaccidus,' derived from 'flaccus,' meaning 'flabby' or 'drooping.

Spell: flout (verb) /flaʊt/
Definition: To openly and deliberately disregard or disrespect a rule, law, or social convention.
Example Sentence: "Some motorists consistently flout traffic laws, endangering themselves and others."
Word origin: The verb 'flout' has its origins in Middle English and can be traced back to the Old French word 'floter,' which means 'to play the flute' or 'to jest.

Spell: gallimaufry (noun) /ɡa.lɪˈmɔː.fɹi/
Definition: A confused or jumbled collection of various things or ideas, often with no clear organization or structure.
Example Sentence: "The menu offered a gallimaufry of international cuisines to please every palate."
Word origin: The noun 'gallimaufry' has an intriguing etymology that reflects its meaning of a jumbled or confused collection of various things.

Spell: garish (adjective) /ˈɡɛːrɪʃ/
Definition: Excessively bright, loud, or showy, and often in a way that is considered tasteless or vulgar.
Example Sentence: "Her outfit was a clash of garish colors that drew attention wherever she went."
Word origin: The adjective 'garish' has its etymological origins in the Middle English word 'gawrish,' which meant 'showy' or 'ostentatious.

Spell: gravitas (noun) /ˈɡravɪtas/
Definition: A quality of seriousness, dignity, and importance in a person's demeanor, speech, or actions.
Example Sentence: "The judge's presence in the courtroom exuded gravitas."
Word origin: The noun 'gravitas' has its etymological origins in Latin, and it conveys a sense of weightiness and importance.

Spell: ideology (noun) /ˌaɪ diˈɒl ə dʒi/
Definition: A comprehensive set of ideas, beliefs, or principles that form the basis of a particular political, social, or economic system.
Example Sentence: "His strong adherence to socialist ideology shaped his views on wealth distribution."
Word origin: The noun 'ideology' has its origins in the combination of two Greek words: 'idein,' which means 'to see' or 'to perceive,' and 'logos,' which translates to 'study,' 'discourse,' or 'reasoning.

Spell: impervious (adjective) /ɪmˈpəːvɪəs/
Definition: Resistant or unaffected by external influences, forces, or factors.
Example Sentence: "The impervious shield protected the knight from the onslaught of arrows."
Word origin: The adjective 'impervious' has its etymological origins in Latin, specifically from the Latin word 'impervius.

Spell: incisive (adjective) /ɪnˈsʌɪsɪv/
Definition: Expressing difficult ideas or opinions in a clear, direct and confident manner.
Example Sentence: "She offered an incisive analysis of the current economic climate."
Word origin: The word 'incisive' derives its etymology from the Latin word 'incisus,' which is the past participle of 'incidere,' meaning 'to cut into' or 'to carve.

Spell: irreverent (adjective) /ɪˈrɛvərənt/
Definition: Showing a lack of respect or reverence towards something that is typically held in high regard.
Example Sentence: "I couldn't help but laugh at her irreverent take on classical music."
Word origin: The adjective 'irreverent' has its etymological origins in Latin.

Spell: iteration (noun) /ˌɪtəˈreɪʃn/
Definition: The repetition of a process or the execution of a set of instructions a specified number of times or until a certain condition is met.
Example Sentence: "This iteration proves more efficient than the last."
Word origin: The noun 'iteration' derives from the Latin word 'iteratio,' which is formed from 'iterare,' meaning 'to repeat' or 'to do again.

Spell: junta (noun) /ˈdʒʌntə/
Definition: A military or political group that takes control of a government, often by force, with the intention of ruling the country.
Example Sentence: "His belief in the justice of the junta was slowly eroding."
Word origin: The noun 'junta' has its etymological origins in Spanish.

Spell: luminary (noun) /ˈluːmɪn(ə)ri/
Definition: A brilliant and prominent person who inspires or influences others.
Example Sentence: "The night sky was dotted with luminaries."
Word origin: The noun 'luminary' finds its origins in Latin, deriving from the word 'luminarius,' which is related to 'lumen,' meaning 'light.

Spell: lustration (noun) /lʌsˈtreɪʃᵊn/
Definition: The process of purifying or cleansing individuals or institutions associated with a previous regime, typically after a significant event or regime change.
Example Sentence: "Many citizens supported the lustration process as a means of cleansing the government of its corrupt past."
Word origin: The noun 'lustration' finds its etymological roots in the Latin word 'lustratio,' which refers to a purification or cleansing ritual.

Spell: meritocracy (noun) /ˌmɛrɪˈtɒkrəsi/
Definition: A political and social system in which power and opportunity are based on merit, or individual ability and achievement.
Example Sentence: "The government of this country operates on a meritocracy system."
Word origin: The noun 'meritocracy' is a relatively modern term, coined in the mid-20th century by the British sociologist Michael Young in his book 'The Rise of the Meritocracy.

Spell: modicum (noun) /ˈmɒdɪkəm/
Definition: A small or moderate amount of something, often implying that the quantity is sufficient for a particular purpose but not abundant or excessive.
Example Sentence: "He found a modicum of peace in the quiet of the library."
Word origin: The noun 'modicum' has its etymological roots in Latin.

Spell: moribund (adjective) /ˈmɒrɪbʌnd/
Definition: In a state of decline, stagnation, or near extinction, often referring to organizations, industries, or activities.
Example Sentence: "The town was considered moribund, with little economic activity or population growth."
Word origin: The adjective 'moribund' has its roots in Latin, stemming from the word 'moribundus,' which is the present participle of 'mori,' meaning 'to die.

Spell: obstinate (adjective) /ˈɒbstɪnət/
Definition: Unyielding, stubbornly resistant to change, persuasion, or compromise.
Example Sentence: "Her obstinate refusal to adapt to new technology hindered her career progress."
Word origin: The adjective 'obstinate' has its etymological roots in the Latin word 'obstinatus,' which means 'resolved' or 'firmly determined.

Spell: pastoral (adjective) /ˈpɑːst(ə)rəl/
Definition: Relating to the countryside, rural life, or the peaceful and idyllic qualities of rural landscapes.
Example Sentence: "She longed for a pastoral retreat, away from the hustle and bustle of city life."
Word origin: The adjective 'pastoral' has an etymology rooted in Latin.

Spell: paucity (noun) /ˈpɔːsɪti/
Definition: A scarcity or shortage of something, or a lack of abundance or resources.
Example Sentence: "Her job search is hindered by a paucity of job openings."
Word origin: The noun 'paucity' has its etymological origins in Latin.

Spell: philanthropic (adjective) /ˌfɪl ənˈθrɒp ɪk/
Definition: Characterized by a genuine desire to promote the welfare and well-being of others, particularly through acts of generosity, charity, and humanitarianism.
Example Sentence: "The philanthropic organization donated a substantial amount of money to fund medical research."
Word origin: The adjective 'philanthropic' finds its etymological roots in ancient Greek.

Spell: prehensile (adjective) /priːˈhɛnsʌɪl/
Definition: Referring to a body part or appendage that possesses the ability to grasp, seize, or hold objects.
Example Sentence: "The chameleon's prehensile tongue quickly snatched up the insect."
Word origin: The adjective 'prehensile' traces its origins to the Latin word 'prehendere,' meaning 'to grasp' or 'to seize.

Spell: putative (adjective) /ˈpjuːtətɪv/
Definition: Generally considered or believed to be true or accurate, but has not been proven or confirmed.
Example Sentence: "A putative artifact was unearthed, yet its origins are unknown."
Word origin: The adjective 'putative' has a fascinating etymology rooted in Latin.

Spell: qualm (noun) /kwɑːm/
Definition: A feeling of uneasiness, doubt or hesitation, often about the morality or propriety of a particular action or decision.
Example Sentence: "She felt a sudden qualm when asked to compromise her principles."
Word origin: The noun 'qualm' has a fascinating etymology that traces its origins to Middle English and Old English.

Spell: ramification (noun) /ˌræmɪfɪˈkeɪʃᵊn/
Definition: The complex, often unforeseen consequences, outcomes, or branches that result from a particular action, decision, event, or situation.
Example Sentence: "The environmental impact study revealed a significant ramification."
Word origin: The noun 'ramification' has its etymological roots in Latin.

Spell: ramshackle (adjective) /ˈramˌʃakl/
Definition: In a state of severe disrepair, decay, or deterioration, to the point where it appears unstable and unsafe.
Example Sentence: "The children built a ramshackle fort out of old wooden pallets and discarded boxes."
Word origin: The adjective 'ramshackle' has a somewhat uncertain etymology, but it is believed to have originated in Britain in the early 19th century.

Spell: semblance (noun) /ˈsɛmbləns/
Definition: The outward appearance or perception of something, often in contrast to the reality or truth.
Example Sentence: "Her smile gave a semblance of happiness, but her eyes told a different story."
Word origin: The noun 'semblance' traces its origins to the Old French word 'semblance,' which means 'appearance' or 'semblance.

Spell: serendipity (noun) /ˌsɛrənˈdɪpɪti/
Definition: The phenomenon of finding or discovering valuable or fortunate things by chance.
Example Sentence: "Serendipity led them to stumble upon a long-lost family heirloom in the attic."
Word origin: The noun 'serendipity' has a charming and somewhat serendipitous etymology.

Spell: sophistry (noun) /ˈsɒfɪstri/
Definition: The use of clever but unsound reasoning or fallacious arguments in order to deceive or mislead.
Example Sentence: "The company's advertising was criticized for being full of sophistry and not providing real information."
Word origin: The noun 'sophistry' has its origins in ancient Greece.

Spell: sublime (adjective) /səˈblʌɪm/
Definition: Of the highest, most elevated, or transcendent quality, often evoking a sense of awe, wonder, or profound admiration.
Example Sentence: "Her performance on the piano was nothing short of sublime, moving the audience to tears."
Word origin: The adjective 'sublime' has its etymological origins in the Latin word 'sublimis,' which combines 'sub-' (meaning 'up to' or 'toward') and 'limen' (signifying 'threshold' or 'lintel').

Spell: supercilious (adjective) /ˌsuːpəˈsɪlɪəs/
Definition: Displaying an attitude of haughty superiority or disdain towards others.
Example Sentence: "He wore a supercilious smirk as he dismissed their opinions with a wave of his hand."
Word origin: The adjective 'supercilious' has its origins in Latin, specifically from the word 'supercilium,' which means 'eyebrow.

Spell: sycophant (noun) /ˈsɪkəfant/
Definition: A person who acts in an obsequious, flattering or servile manner towards someone powerful in order to gain advantage.
Example Sentence: "The office sycophant constantly complimented the boss in an attempt to get promoted."
Word origin: The noun 'sycophant' has its origins in ancient Greece.

Spell: terse (adjective) /təːs/
Definition: Brief, concise, and to the point, often using as few words as necessary to convey a message or idea.
Example Sentence: "The instructions were so terse that I had trouble understanding them."
Word origin: The adjective 'terse' has its origins in the Latin word 'tersus,' which means 'clean' or 'polished.

Spell: verbiage (noun) /ˈvəːbɪɪdʒ/
Definition: An excessive or unnecessary use of words, often resulting in long-winded, convoluted, or overly complex language that obscures the intended meaning.
Example Sentence: "Clarity often gets lost amidst lengthy, verbose verbiage."
Word origin: The noun 'verbiage' is rooted in the French word 'verbier,' which means 'to chatter' or 'to prattle.