GRE 2 (Graduate Record Examination) Vocabulary Words – Online Spelling Bee

Spell: abstemious (adjective) /əbˈstiːmɪəs/
Definition: Self-restraining, particularly when it comes to food and drink.
Example Sentence: "She's impressively abstemious, even in the face of temptation."
Word origin: The word 'abstemious' has its origins in Latin.

Spell: accrue (verb) /əˈkru/
Definition: To gradually accumulate or increase something over time, typically in terms of financial benefits, interest, or other assets.
Example Sentence: "Over the years, knowledge and experience will accrue in your chosen field."
Word origin: The verb 'accrue' has its roots in the Latin word 'accrescere,' which means 'to grow' or 'to increase.

Spell: amenable (adjective) /əˈmiːnəbl/
Definition: Willing to cooperate, comply or be responsive to suggestions or requests.
Example Sentence: "The team found the client surprisingly amenable to their proposed changes."
Word origin: The adjective 'amenable' originates from the Latin word 'amenabilis,' which is derived from 'amoenus,' meaning 'pleasant' or 'agreeable.

Spell: blather (verb) /ˈblaðə/
Definition: To talk excessively or foolishly, often without making any sense or without getting to the point.
Example Sentence: "The politician's speech was nothing but blather and empty promises."
Word origin: The verb 'blather' has its roots in Middle English and Old Norse.

Spell: cathartic (adjective) /kəˈθɑːtɪk/
Definition: Having a purifying or cleansing effect, especially on the emotions.
Example Sentence: "The therapy session was cathartic for the patient, who was able to release pent-up emotions."
Word origin: The adjective 'cathartic' has its roots in ancient Greek, specifically from the word 'kathartikos,' which is derived from 'kathairein,' meaning 'to cleanse' or 'to purify.

Spell: caustic (adjective) /ˈkɔːstɪk/
Definition: Sharp, critical, and biting in nature, often intended to mock or hurt someone's feelings.
Example Sentence: "The caustic critique of the play stung the actors deeply."
Word origin: The adjective 'caustic' has an etymology that aligns with its sharp and biting nature.

Spell: compunction (noun) /kəmˈpʌŋkʃ(ə)n/
Definition: A feeling of guilt, remorse or regret about something you have done or might do.
Example Sentence: "He felt no compunction about cheating on the test."
Word origin: The noun 'compunction' has its etymological roots in Latin, specifically from the word 'compunctio,' which is derived from 'compungere.

Spell: credulous (adjective) /kredʒʊləs/
Definition: Easily willing to believe or accept something without questioning or applying critical thinking.
Example Sentence: "The scam artist targeted credulous individuals who were quick to believe his false promises."
Word origin: The term 'credulous' derives its etymology from the Latin word 'credulus,' which in turn is linked to 'credere,' meaning 'to believe' or 'to trust.

Spell: deprecate (verb) /ˈdɛprɪkeɪt/
Definition: To express a low opinion of something, or to disapprove of it, often in a mild or polite way.
Example Sentence: "I deprecate the habit of using smartphones excessively."
Word origin: The verb 'deprecate' has its etymological origins in Latin.

Spell: despotism (noun) /ˈdɛs pəˌtɪz əm/
Definition: A form of government or rule characterized by the exercise of absolute power and control by a single ruler or a small group of individuals.
Example Sentence: "The country's history was marred by centuries of despotism and autocratic rule."
Word origin: The noun 'despotism' has its etymological origins in Greek, much like the related term 'despotic.

Spell: eclectic (adjective) /ɪˈklɛktɪk/
Definition: Describing a diverse and wide-ranging collection or approach that draws from various sources, styles, or influences.
Example Sentence: "The museum's art collection is quite eclectic, featuring works from various artists and time periods."
Word origin: The adjective 'eclectic' has its origins in Greek.

Spell: effrontery (noun) /ɪˈfrʌnt(ə)ri/
Definition: Extreme boldness or impudence, particularly when directed towards someone in a position of authority.
Example Sentence: "The politician's effrontery in denying their wrongdoing was astonishing."
Word origin: The noun 'effrontery' has its origins in the Latin word 'effrons,' which means 'shameless' or 'impudent.

Spell: eulogy (noun) /ˈjuːlədʒi/
Definition: A speech or written tribute given in memory of a person who has died.
Example Sentence: "He delivered the eulogy at his grandfather's funeral."
Word origin: The noun 'eulogy' has its roots in ancient Greek, specifically from the word 'eulogia,' which is a combination of 'eu,' meaning 'well' or 'good,' and 'logos,' meaning 'speech' or 'word.

Spell: fecund (adjective) /ˈfi kʌnd/
Definition: Highly fertile, productive, or capable of producing an abundant amount of offspring or results.
Example Sentence: "She was noted for her fecund imagination, always brimming with creative ideas."
Word origin: The adjective 'fecund' has its etymology rooted in Latin.

Spell: foray (noun) /ˈfɒreɪ/
Definition: A brief and usually sudden incursion or raid into enemy territory or an unfamiliar or dangerous area.
Example Sentence: "The pirates planned a daring foray into uncharted waters."
Word origin: The noun 'foray' has its roots in the Old French word 'forrier,' which means 'to forage' or 'to raid.

Spell: fruition (noun) /frʊˈɪʃn/
Definition: The realization or attainment of a long-anticipated goal, plan, or desire, often marking the point at which something is fully achieved or completed.
Example Sentence: "The project's successful fruition brought a sense of accomplishment."
Word origin: The noun 'fruition' has its etymological origins in Latin and Old French.

Spell: gauche (adjective) /ɡəʊʃ/
Definition: Lacking social grace, sophistication, or finesse, often displaying awkwardness or a lack of tact in social situations.
Example Sentence: "The shy boy's gauche attempt at flirting left the girl confused."
Word origin: The adjective 'gauche' has its origins in the French language.

Spell: gregarious (adjective) /ɡrɪˈɡɛːrɪəs/
Definition: Naturally outgoing, sociable and enjoying the company of others.
Example Sentence: "She has gregarious parents who throw regular parties in the family home."
Word origin: The adjective 'gregarious' has its etymological origins in Latin.

Spell: haggard (adjective) /ˈhæg ərd/
Definition: Appearing exhausted, worn out, or gaunt, often as a result of physical or emotional strain.
Example Sentence: "She looked haggard after working three night shifts in a row."
Word origin: The adjective 'haggard' has a fascinating etymology with origins in falconry.

Spell: ignominious (adjective) /ˌɪɡnə(ʊ)ˈmɪnɪəs/
Definition: Characterized by humiliation, disgrace, or a loss of honor and dignity.
Example Sentence: "The king's ignominious retreat marked the end of his reign."
Word origin: The adjective 'ignominious' traces its etymology back to the Latin word 'ignominia,' which combines 'in-' meaning 'not' and 'nomen' meaning 'name' or 'reputation.

Spell: incarnation (noun) /ˌɪn kɑrˈneɪ ʃən/
Definition: The act or process of embodying or manifesting in a physical form, particularly in reference to a deity, spirit, or abstract concept taking on a human or tangible existence.
Example Sentence: "In Hinduism, Krishna is considered an incarnation of the god Vishnu."
Word origin: The noun 'incarnation' has its roots in the Latin word 'incarnatio,' which is derived from 'incarnare.

Spell: inebriate (verb) /ɪˈniːbrɪeɪt/
Definition: To make someone drunk or intoxicated with alcohol or other substances.
Example Sentence: "She had never intended to inebriate herself at the party, but the champagne was too tempting."
Word origin: The verb 'inebriate' has its roots in Latin.

Spell: innuendo (noun) /ˌɪnjʊˈɛndəʊ/
Definition: A subtle or indirect hint or reference to something, usually of a derogatory nature, that conveys a meaning that is not stated directly.
Example Sentence: "The comedian's innuendo-filled jokes had the audience in stitches."
Word origin: The noun 'innuendo' has its roots in Latin, stemming from the phrase 'innuere,' which means 'to nod at' or 'to signal.

Spell: maestro (noun) /ˈmaɪ stroʊ/
Definition: A person of exceptional skill and expertise, particularly in the field of music or conducting.
Example Sentence: "As a young musician, I aspired to be a maestro, leading symphonies with grace and precision."
Word origin: The noun 'maestro' carries a musical harmony in its etymology.

Spell: oblique (adjective) /ə(ʊ)ˈbliːk/
Definition: Neither straightforward nor direct, often characterized by subtlety or an avoidance of explicitness.
Example Sentence: "She gave him an oblique glance, hinting at her hidden intentions."
Word origin: The adjective 'oblique' has its etymological origins in Latin.

Spell: pernicious (adjective) /pəˈnɪʃəs/
Definition: Harmful or destructive, especially in a gradual or subtle way.
Example Sentence: "The pernicious effects of smoking are well-documented."
Word origin: The adjective 'pernicious' traces its origins to Latin, specifically from the word 'perniciosus,' which means 'destructive' or 'deadly.

Spell: pinnacle (noun) /ˈpɪnɪkl/
Definition: The highest point or peak of something, often used to describe a culminating moment of achievement or success.
Example Sentence: "Winning the championship was the pinnacle of their season."
Word origin: The noun 'pinnacle' draws its etymological origins from the Latin word 'pinna,' which means 'a peak' or 'a summit.

Spell: purport (verb) /pəˈpɔːt/
Definition: To claim or profess to be or do something, often with the implication that the claim may not be entirely truthful or accurate.
Example Sentence: "We purport to provide the best service in town."
Word origin: The verb 'purport' has its etymological roots in the Latin word 'purportare,' which is a combination of 'purus' meaning 'pure' and 'portare' meaning 'to carry' or 'to convey.

Spell: quisling (noun) /ˈkwɪzlɪŋ/
Definition: A traitor who collaborates with an enemy occupying their country.
Example Sentence: "The term quisling is used to describe a person who collaborates with an invading enemy."
Word origin: The noun 'quisling' has a rather unique and historical etymology.

Spell: rancid (adjective) /ˈransɪd/
Definition: Unpleasant or offensive quality that elicits strong dislike or disgust.
Example Sentence: "She recoiled from the rancid taste of spoiled milk."
Word origin: The adjective 'rancid' traces its etymological roots back to the Latin word 'rancidus,' which means 'rank' or 'foul-smelling.

Spell: remonstrate (verb) /ˈrɛmənstreɪt/
Definition: To protest or object to something in a forceful or emphatic way.
Example Sentence: "Workers remonstrate against poor conditions, demanding urgent improvements."
Word origin: The noun 'rebuff' has its origins in French and can be traced back to the Old French word 'rebouffer,' which means 'to reprimand' or 'to reject.

Spell: rescind (verb) /rɪˈsɪnd/
Definition: To revoke, cancel or annul a legal document, contract, agreement, or decision.
Example Sentence: "They decided to rescind the contract due to breach of terms."
Word origin: The verb 'rescind' has its origins in Latin, originating from the word 'rescindere.

Spell: retroactive (adjective) /ˌrɛ troʊˈæk tɪv/
Definition: Having an effect on events that have already occurred.
Example Sentence: "The retroactive law made many people unhappy, as they had to pay more taxes."
Word origin: The adjective 'retroactive' has its etymological roots in two Latin words: 'retro,' meaning 'backward,' and 'actus,' meaning 'action' or 'event.

Spell: revile (verb) /rɪˈvʌɪl/
Definition: To speak or write about someone or something in an extremely critical, abusive or condemnatory manner.
Example Sentence: "It is not right to revile others based on their appearance."
Word origin: The verb 'revile' has its origins in Old French and Middle English.

Spell: sardonic (adjective) /sɑːˈdɒnɪk/
Definition: Characterized by a mocking, cynical, or ironic sense of humor.
Example Sentence: "His sardonic wit often left others feeling uncomfortable."
Word origin: The adjective 'sardonic' has its origins in ancient Greece.

Spell: skullduggery (noun) /skʌlˈdʌɡ(ə)ri/
Definition: Dishonest or deceitful behavior that is intended to deceive or defraud others.
Example Sentence: "He was suspected of skullduggery in the handling of company funds."
Word origin: The noun 'skullduggery' has a playful and somewhat mysterious etymology.

Spell: sophomoric (adjective) /ˌsɒfəˈmɒrɪk/
Definition: Immature, overly simplistic, or lacking serious thought or judgment.
Example Sentence: "Avoid the sophomoric mistake of oversimplification."
Word origin: The adjective 'sophomoric' derives its etymology from the combination of two words: 'sophomore' and '-ic.

Spell: squalid (adjective) /ˈskwɒl ɪd/
Definition: Extremely dirty, foul, or wretched, usually as a result of poverty or neglect.
Example Sentence: "The refugee camp was overcrowded and had squalid living conditions."
Word origin: The adjective 'squalid' has its origins in the Latin word 'squalidus,' which means 'dirty' or 'unkept.

Spell: succinct (adjective) /səkˈsɪŋ(k)t/
Definition: Expressed in a clear, concise, and brief manner without unnecessary elaboration or verbosity.
Example Sentence: "The summary of the research paper was succinct and to the point."
Word origin: The adjective 'succinct' has its origins in Latin, specifically from the word 'succinctus,' which is the past participle of 'succingere.

Spell: tempest (noun) /ˈtɛmpɪst/
Definition: A violent and turbulent windstorm, often accompanied by rain, thunder, and lightning.
Example Sentence: "The sailors battled the fierce tempest on the open sea."
Word origin: The noun 'tempest' has its etymology in Latin and Old French.

Spell: temporal (adjective) /ˈtɛmp(ə)rəl/
Definition: Relating to matters of time, duration, or the earthly, material world as opposed to the spiritual or eternal.
Example Sentence: "His focus was on temporal gains, not long-term investment."
Word origin: The adjective 'temporal' has its etymological origins in Latin.

Spell: tenable (adjective) /ˈtɛn ə bəl/
Definition: Capable of being defended, supported, or justified with logical and sound reasoning.
Example Sentence: "The company's financial projections seemed tenable, supported by extensive market research."
Word origin: The adjective 'tenable' traces its etymological roots to the Latin word 'tenere,' which means 'to hold' or 'to maintain.

Spell: utopian (adjective) /juːˈtəʊpɪən/
Definition: Modelled on an idealistic or visionary concept that is impractical or impossible to achieve in reality.
Example Sentence: "Many people dismiss utopian visions as unrealistic and impractical."
Word origin: The adjective 'utopian' is intricately tied to its root word, 'Utopia.

Spell: vanity (noun) /ˈvanɪti/
Definition: An excessive preoccupation with one's appearance, abilities, or self-worth, often accompanied by a desire for admiration and validation from others.
Example Sentence: "He was known for his excessive vanity, always admiring himself in the mirror."
Word origin: The noun 'vanity' finds its etymological origins in Latin, specifically in the word 'vanitas,' which means 'emptiness' or 'futility.

Spell: vapid (adjective) /ˈvapɪd/
Definition: Dull, uninspiring, and lacking in liveliness or substance, often resulting in a sense of blandness or emptiness.
Example Sentence: "Her laughter was vapid, lacking any real emotion."
Word origin: The adjective 'vapid' has its etymological roots in the Latin word 'vapidus,' which means 'flat' or 'insipid.

Spell: veracity (noun) /veracity/
Definition: The quality or state of being truthful, accurate, or reliable.
Example Sentence: "The veracity of the news article was confirmed by multiple reputable sources."
Word origin: The noun 'veracity' is rooted in the Latin word 'veracitas,' which is derived from 'verus,' meaning 'true' or 'truthful.

Spell: vicarious (adjective) /vʌɪˈkɛːrɪəs/
Definition: Experiencing something through the actions or feelings of another person, rather than experiencing it directly.
Example Sentence: "The reader was able to experience the protagonist's journey vicariously through the book."
Word origin: The adjective 'vicarious' traces its etymological roots to Latin.

Spell: vindicate (verb) /ˈvɪndɪkeɪt/
Definition: To clear someone's name, reputation, or actions from suspicion, doubt, or unjust criticism.
Example Sentence: "The thorough investigation was necessary to vindicate the wrongly accused individual."
Word origin: The verb 'vindicate' has its etymological roots in Latin, stemming from the word 'vindicatus,' which is the past participle of 'vindicare.

Spell: voracious (adjective) /vəˈreɪʃəs/
Definition: Having or showing an urgent hunger, desire or interest in something.
Example Sentence: "He is a voracious reader and finishes multiple books every week."
Word origin: The adjective 'voracious' has its etymological origins in the Latin word 'vorax,' which is derived from 'vorare,' meaning 'to devour' or 'to swallow greedily.

Spell: zealous (adjective) /ˈzɛləs/
Definition: Showing great passion, enthusiasm and support for a person, cause, or belief.
Example Sentence: "His zealous advocacy for environmental causes is truly commendable."
Word origin: The adjective 'zealous' has its etymological origins in Greek.