GRE 14 (Graduate Record Examination) Vocabulary Words – Online Spelling Bee

Spell: alacrity (noun) /əˈlakrɪti/
Definition: A state of eagerness, promptness, and cheerful willingness to carry out a task or respond to a situation.
Example Sentence: "His alacrity in helping others is admirable."
Word origin: The noun 'alacrity' has its roots in the Latin word 'alacritas,' which is derived from 'alacer,' meaning 'cheerful' or 'lively.

Spell: ambidextrous (adjective) /ˌambɪˈdɛkstrəs/
Definition: Having the ability to use both hands with equal ease and proficiency.
Example Sentence: "He amazed everyone with his ambidextrous juggling skills."
Word origin: The adjective 'ambidextrous' has its etymological roots in Latin.

Spell: amnesty (noun) /ˈamnɪsti/
Definition: A formal act of forgiveness or pardon for a group or category of individuals who have committed certain offenses, usually of a political nature.
Example Sentence: "The amnesty program allowed undocumented immigrants to apply for citizenship."
Word origin: The term 'amnesty' finds its origins in the Greek word 'amnestia,' which signifies forgetfulness or oblivion.

Spell: ancillary (adjective) /anˈsɪləri/
Definition: Auxiliary, supplementary, or additional, often in a supportive or secondary role.
Example Sentence: "The book included ancillary materials such as study guides and practice quizzes."
Word origin: The adjective 'ancillary' has its etymological origins in the Latin word 'ancillaris,' which is derived from 'ancilla,' meaning 'handmaid' or 'maid servant.

Spell: antithesis (noun) /anˈtɪθəsɪs/
Definition: A person or thing that is the direct opposite of someone or something else.
Example Sentence: "In politics, he's the antithesis of compromise."
Word origin: The noun 'antithesis' has its roots in ancient Greek.

Spell: assiduous (adjective) /əˈsəːtɪv/
Definition: Diligent, dedicated, and painstakingly attentive to one's work or tasks.
Example Sentence: "He was an assiduous worker who always gave 100% to every task."
Word origin: The adjective 'assiduous' has its etymological roots in Latin.

Spell: augment (adjective) /ɔːɡˈmɛnt/
Definition: Having been increased, enlarged, or enhanced in size, quantity, or quality.
Example Sentence: "The surgeon performed an operation to augment the patient's hearing."
Word origin: The adjective 'augment' has its etymological roots in Latin.

Spell: clandestine (adjective) /klanˈdɛstɪn/
Definition: Done secretly or in a way that is meant to be hidden or concealed, especially because it is illicit or illegal.
Example Sentence: "A clandestine operation, shrouded in secrecy, was underway to apprehend the notorious criminal."
Word origin: The adjective 'clandestine' has a fascinating etymology that can be traced back to the Latin word 'clandestinus,' which is a combination of 'clam,' meaning 'secretly,' and 'destinare,' meaning 'to establish' or 'to determine.

Spell: cognitive (adjective) /ˈkɒɡnɪtɪv/
Definition: Relating to the process of thinking, understanding, learning, and perceiving.
Example Sentence: "Cognitive processes are essential for learning and problem-solving."
Word origin: The adjective 'cognitive' has its etymological roots in Latin.

Spell: construe (verb) /kənˈstruː/
Definition: To interpret, understand or explain something it in a particular way.
Example Sentence: "You can construe her silence as agreement."
Word origin: The verb 'construe' has its etymological roots in Latin, tracing back to the word 'construere,' which means 'to build' or 'to construct.

Spell: coy (adjective) /kɔɪ/
Definition: Displaying a modest or shy demeanor, often in an attempt to appear alluring, intriguing, or mysterious.
Example Sentence: "He played coy, refusing to reveal the surprise he had planned."
Word origin: The adjective 'coy' has an intriguing etymology that reflects its meaning of displaying a modest or shy demeanor with a hint of allure.

Spell: credence (noun) /ˈkriːd(ə)ns/
Definition: The acceptance or belief in something as true or valid, often based on the credibility or trustworthiness of the source or evidence.
Example Sentence: "The detective gave credence to the witness's testimony, as it corroborated other evidence."
Word origin: The noun 'credence' has its roots in the Latin word 'credentia,' which means 'belief' or 'trust.

Spell: decrepit (adjective) /dɪˈkrɛpɪt/
Definition: In a state of extreme disrepair or deterioration, often as a result of age or neglect.
Example Sentence: "The once majestic castle now appears decrepit and crumbling."
Word origin: The adjective 'decrepit' has its origins in Latin, coming from the word 'decrepitus,' which means 'worn out' or 'broken down.

Spell: delineate (verb) /dɪˈlɪnɪeɪt/
Definition: To describe, depict or outline something in a clear and detailed way.
Example Sentence: "The rules clearly delineate the responsibilities of each member."
Word origin: The verb 'delineate' has its etymological roots in Latin.

Spell: despondent (adjective) /dɪˈspɒnd(ə)nt/
Definition: Having a deep and lingering sense of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of motivation.
Example Sentence: "She struggled with feelings of despondency after the break-up of her long-term relationship."
Word origin: The adjective 'despondent' traces its etymology back to Latin.

Spell: discombobulate (verb) /ˌdɪskəmˈbɒbjʊleɪt/
Definition: To confuse, disorient, or unsettle someone or something.
Example Sentence: "This puzzle is sure to discombobulate even the smartest among us."
Word origin: The verb 'discombobulate' has a whimsical and somewhat mysterious etymology.

Spell: disseminate (verb) /dɪˈsɛmɪneɪt/
Definition: To spread, disperse, or distribute information, knowledge, ideas, or something more tangible to a wider audience or across various locations.
Example Sentence: "The organization plans to disseminate information about their new initiative through social media."
Word origin: The verb 'disseminate' has its origins in Latin, specifically from the word 'disseminare,' which is derived from 'dis-' (meaning 'in all directions') and 'seminare' (meaning 'to sow' or 'to plant').

Spell: embellish (verb) /ɪmˈbɛlɪʃ/
Definition: To add details or information to something in order to make it more interesting or impressive.
Example Sentence: "The artist used vibrant colors to embellish the painting, adding depth and beauty."
Word origin: The verb 'embellish' has its roots in Old French and Latin.

Spell: enunciate (verb) /ɪˈnʌnsɪeɪt/
Definition: To pronounce words or articulate sounds, speech, or ideas with precision, clarity, and careful articulation.
Example Sentence: "The linguist can enunciate even the most complex phonetic sounds flawlessly."
Word origin: The verb 'enunciate' has its etymological origins in Latin.

Spell: epiphany (noun) /ɪˈpɪfəni/
Definition: A sudden and profound realization or insight, often marked by a heightened understanding of a situation, problem, or aspect of life.
Example Sentence: "His epiphany came from nowhere, like a message from god."
Word origin: The noun 'epiphany' has its etymological origins in Greek.

Spell: esoteric (adjective) /ˌiːsə(ʊ)ˈtɛrɪk/
Definition: Intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialized knowledge or interest.
Example Sentence: "The professor's lectures were often filled with esoteric references that left students bewildered."
Word origin: The adjective 'esoteric' has a fascinating etymology rooted in the Greek word 'esōterikos,' which is derived from 'esōterō' meaning 'inner' or 'within.

Spell: exonerate (verb) /ɪɡˈzɒnəreɪt/
Definition: To absolve or clear someone of blame, guilt, or responsibility for a particular wrongdoing or accusation.
Example Sentence: "The investigation revealed crucial information that could potentially exonerate the suspect."
Word origin: The verb 'exonerate' has its etymological roots in Latin.

Spell: extrapolate (verb) /ɪkˈstrapəleɪt/
Definition: To forecast future values, trends, or outcomes by extending or projecting known data or information beyond its current range or scope.
Example Sentence: "The scientists extrapolate data to make predictions."
Word origin: The verb 'extrapolate' has its etymological origins in Latin.

Spell: feckless (adjective) /ˈfɛkləs/
Definition: Weak in character, ineffective, and unable to take charge or take care of one's responsibilities.
Example Sentence: "She was tired of dealing with the feckless attitude of her coworkers."
Word origin: The adjective 'feckless' has its origins in Scotland, where it originally emerged as a dialectal word.

Spell: halitosis (noun) /ˌhalɪˈtəʊsɪs/
Definition: Chronic bad breath or an ongoing condition characterized by foul-smelling breath that is persistently unpleasant.
Example Sentence: "His chronic halitosis made social interactions challenging."
Word origin: The noun 'halitosis' has its origins in Latin and Latinized Greek.

Spell: hyperbole (noun) /hʌɪˈpəːbəli/
Definition: A figure of speech in which exaggeration is used for emphasis or effect.
Example Sentence: "She used hyperbole to describe the concert as the greatest performance in the history of music."
Word origin: The noun 'hyperbole' has its etymological roots in ancient Greek.

Spell: inculpate (verb) /ˈɪnkʌlpeɪt/
Definition: To implicate or accuse someone of wrongdoing, typically in a legal or investigative context.
Example Sentence: "The forensic analysis helped inculpate the perpetrator."
Word origin: The verb 'inculpate' has its etymological roots in Latin.

Spell: inexorable (adjective) /ɪnˈɛks(ə)rəb(ə)l/
Definition: Unyielding, relentless, and incapable of being influenced, persuaded, or stopped by any means.
Example Sentence: "She was up against the inexorable laws of physics."
Word origin: The adjective 'inexorable' has its origins in Latin.

Spell: laborious (adjective) /ləˈbɔːrɪəs/
Definition: Requiring a great deal of effort, hard work, and painstaking detail to accomplish.
Example Sentence: "The intricate artwork demanded a laborious attention to detail."
Word origin: The adjective 'laborious' has its etymological roots in the Latin word 'laboriosus,' which is derived from 'labor,' meaning 'work' or 'toil.

Spell: licentious (adjective) /lʌɪˈsɛnʃəs/
Definition: Sexually promiscuous, morally unrestrained, or lacking in self-control.
Example Sentence: "The licentious behavior at the party shocked the guests."
Word origin: The adjective 'licentious' has its roots in Latin, stemming from 'licentiosus,' which is derived from 'licentia,' meaning 'freedom' or 'license.

Spell: loquacious (adjective) /lə(ʊ)ˈkweɪʃəs/
Definition: Tending to talk a lot, often in a way that is considered excessive or unnecessary.
Example Sentence: "Despite his loquacious nature, he struggled to express his true feelings on the matter."
Word origin: The adjective 'loquacious' finds its origins in the Latin word 'loquax,' which means 'talkative' or 'chatty.

Spell: mendacious (adjective) /mɛnˈdeɪʃəs/
Definition: Habitually or intentionally dishonest, deceptive or untruthful.
Example Sentence: "She was known for her mendacious gossip, spreading rumors without regard for the truth."
Word origin: The adjective 'mendacious' has its etymological origins in the Latin word 'mendax,' which means 'lying' or 'false.

Spell: orator (noun) /ˈɒrətə/
Definition: A skilled and eloquent public speaker who possesses the ability to convey ideas, messages, or persuasive arguments effectively to an audience.
Example Sentence: "He was known as a skilled orator, able to captivate audiences with his speeches."
Word origin: The noun 'orator' finds its etymological origins in the Latin word 'orator,' which is derived from the verb 'orare,' meaning 'to speak' or 'to pray.

Spell: pedestrian (adjective) /pɪˈdɛstrɪən/
Definition: Ordinary, unremarkable, and lacking in imagination or originality.
Example Sentence: "His speech was painfully pedestrian, devoid of any fresh or thought-provoking ideas."
Word origin: The adjective 'pedestrian' has its etymological roots in the Latin word 'pedester,' which is related to 'pes,' meaning 'foot.

Spell: perpetuate (verb) /pərˈpɛtʃ uˌeɪt/
Definition: To prolong, sustain, or continue a situation, condition, or belief, often in a negative or harmful sense.
Example Sentence: "Family recipes can perpetuate flavors that have been enjoyed for generations."
Word origin: The verb 'perpetuate' has its etymological roots in Latin.

Spell: pervade (verb) /pəˈveɪd/
Definition: To spread or diffuse throughout a particular area, object, or environment, often in a subtle and all-encompassing manner.
Example Sentence: "In autumn, a gentle chill pervade, painting trees in hues of gold and ember."
Word origin: The verb 'pervade' has a fascinating etymology that traces its origins to Latin.

Spell: plethora (noun) /ˈplɛθ(ə)rə/
Definition: An excessive or overabundant quantity or supply of something, often to the point of excess or saturation.
Example Sentence: "The store had a plethora of options for shoppers."
Word origin: The noun 'plethora' has an intriguing etymology that traces its origins to both Greek and Latin.

Spell: precursor (noun) /prɪˈkəːsə/
Definition: Something that comes before and leads to the development or existence of something else.
Example Sentence: "The movement was a precursor to the revolution."
Word origin: The noun 'precursor' can be traced back to its Latin origins.

Spell: profane (adjective) /prəˈfeɪn/
Definition: Disrespectful, irreverent, or impious, especially in relation to sacred or holy matters.
Example Sentence: "Profane jokes have no place in such a solemn ceremony."
Word origin: The adjective 'profane' has its etymological origins in the Latin word 'profanare,' which is a combination of 'pro,' meaning 'before' or 'outside of,' and 'fanum,' meaning 'temple' or 'sacred place.

Spell: ravenous (adjective) /ˈravənəs/
Definition: Intense hunger, particularly an insatiable appetite, often associated with a sense of urgency or desperation.
Example Sentence: "The lion was ravenous after days without food."
Word origin: The adjective 'ravenous' has its etymological origins in Latin.

Spell: ravish (verb) /ˈreɪvɪʃ/
Definition: To delight or enchant someone or something to a great degree, as if to take them captive through pleasure.
Example Sentence: "The breathtaking beauty of the landscape would ravish anyone who laid eyes on it."
Word origin: The verb 'ravish' has a complex and fascinating etymology.

Spell: recompense (noun) /ˈrɛkəmpɛns/
Definition: Compensation or payment given as a reward or in return for something, especially loss or injury.
Example Sentence: "Adequate recompense eased the pain of the accident."
Word origin: The noun 'recompense' has its origins in Old French, where it was spelled as 'recompens.

Spell: remittance (noun) /rɪˈmɪt(ə)ns/
Definition: A sum of money sent or transferred, typically from one individual or entity to another, often across geographical distances.
Example Sentence: "The company sent a timely remittance to cover the outstanding invoice."
Word origin: The noun 'remittance' has its etymological origins in Latin and Old French.

Spell: repartee (noun) /ˌrɛpɑːˈtiː/
Definition: A witty or clever exchange of remarks or banter in a conversation or debate.
Example Sentence: "The comedians engaged in hilarious repartee on stage."
Word origin: The noun 'repartee' has its origins in French and traces its etymology to the early 17th century.

Spell: ribald (adjective) /ˈrɪb(ə)ld/
Definition: Vulgar, coarse, and often characterized by sexually explicit or indecent content.
Example Sentence: "The comedian's ribald humor pushed the boundaries."
Word origin: The adjective 'ribald' traces its etymological roots back to the medieval Latin term 'ribaldus,' which originally referred to a common, low-class person or a rogue.

Spell: sobriquet (noun) /ˈsəʊbrɪkeɪ/
Definition: A nickname or a term of endearment that is used in place of a person's real name.
Example Sentence: "She was known by her sobriquet "The Queen of Soul."
Word origin: The noun 'sobriquet' carries a certain charm in its etymology.

Spell: specter (noun) /ˈspɛk tər/
Definition: A haunting or unsettling image, concept, or idea that elicits fear, anxiety, or unease.
Example Sentence: "The specter of economic recession loomed over the country, causing widespread anxiety."
Word origin: Specter,' as a noun, originates from the Latin word 'spectrum,' which meant 'apparition' or 'ghost.

Spell: subservient (adjective) /səbˈsəːvɪənt/
Definition: Excessively obedient or submissive to another person or group.
Example Sentence: "In many traditional societies, women were expected to be subservient to men."
Word origin: The adjective 'subservient' finds its roots in the Latin word 'subserviens,' which is derived from 'sub,' meaning 'under,' and 'servire,' meaning 'to serve.

Spell: veritable (adjective) /ˈvɛrɪtəbl/
Definition: To emphasize the authenticity or validity of a statement or claim.
Example Sentence: "The old library was a veritable haven for book lovers."
Word origin: The adjective 'veritable' originates from the Latin word 'veritas,' which means 'truth' or 'verity.

Spell: vitriolic (adjective) /ˌvɪ triˈɒl ɪk/
Definition: Characterized by strong, bitter, and caustic language or behavior.
Example Sentence: "Her vitriolic remarks left a lasting impact on the audience."
Word origin: The adjective 'vitriolic' has its etymological origins in the word 'vitriol,' which comes from Latin and Old French.