GRE 7 (Graduate Record Examination) Vocabulary Words – Online Spelling Bee

Spell: anathema (noun) /əˈnaθəmə/
Definition: Something or someone that is vehemently disliked or detested by an individual or group.
Example Sentence: "The concept of a social credit system is anathema to most people in the West."
Word origin: The noun 'anathema' has its etymological origins in Greek.

Spell: attest (verb) /əˈtɛst/
Definition: To provide evidence or testimony to confirm the truth or accuracy of something.
Example Sentence: "The notary public will attest the authenticity of the document."
Word origin: The verb 'attest' has its etymological roots in the Latin word 'attestari,' which is a combination of 'ad,' meaning 'to,' and 'testari,' meaning 'to bear witness' or 'to testify.

Spell: binary (adjective) /ˈbʌɪn(ə)ri/
Definition: Characterized by the use of two distinct and mutually exclusive options or elements.
Example Sentence: "The decision was binary, with only two possible outcomes."
Word origin: The adjective 'binary' has its etymological roots in Latin.

Spell: brandish (verb) /ˈbrændɪʃ/
Definition: To wave or shake something in a threatening or dramatic manner, typically a weapon or an object that is intended to be used as a weapon.
Example Sentence: "The protesters decided to brandish their signs to make their message known."
Word origin: The verb 'brandish' has its origins in the Old French word 'brandir,' which meant 'to flourish' or 'to wave.

Spell: commensurate (adjective) /kəˈmɛnʃ(ə)rət/
Definition: Proportionate or equivalent in size, amount, or degree to something else.
Example Sentence: "The punishment should be commensurate with the crime."
Word origin: The adjective 'commensurate' has its etymological origins in the Latin word 'commensuratus,' which is a combination of 'com,' meaning 'together,' and 'mensuratus,' derived from 'mensura,' meaning 'measure.

Spell: commiserate (verb) /kəˈmɪzəreɪt/
Definition: To express or feel sympathy and sorrow for someone who is in a difficult or unfortunate situation.
Example Sentence: "They sat together to commiserate over their shared disappointment."
Word origin: The verb 'commiserate' has its origins in Latin, specifically from the word 'commiserari,' which is a combination of 'com-' meaning 'together' and 'miserari' meaning 'to lament' or 'to feel pity.

Spell: convoluted (adjective) /ˈkɒn vəˌlu tɪd/
Definition: Intricate, complex, or intricately twisted in nature.
Example Sentence: "The plot of the movie was convoluted, full of unexpected twists and turns."
Word origin: The adjective 'convoluted' has its etymological roots in the Latin word 'convolutus,' which is a combination of 'con-' meaning 'together' and 'volvere' meaning 'to roll' or 'to twist.

Spell: covenant (noun) /ˈkʌv(ə)nənt/
Definition: A legally binding agreement or promise to do or not do something.
Example Sentence: "A covenant was established to protect the rights of both parties in the contract."
Word origin: The noun 'covenant' has its etymological roots in both Latin and Old French.

Spell: culpable (adjective) /ˈkʌlpəb(ə)l/
Definition: Deserving of blame, guilt, or responsibility for a particular action, decision, or situation.
Example Sentence: "She felt guilty and culpable for not speaking up when she witnessed the accident."
Word origin: The adjective 'culpable' has its etymological roots in Latin.

Spell: defamation (noun) /ˌdɛfəˈmeɪʃn/
Definition: The act of making false and damaging statements about someone, with the intent to harm their reputation or character.
Example Sentence: "The celebrity filed a lawsuit against the tabloid for defamation of character."
Word origin: The noun 'defamation' has its etymological roots in Latin.

Spell: deleterious (adjective) /ˌdɛlɪˈtɪərɪəs/
Definition: Having a harmful or damaging effect on something or someone.
Example Sentence: "The pollution from the factory had a deleterious impact on the environment."
Word origin: The adjective 'deleterious' has its roots in Latin, originating from the word 'deleterius,' which means 'harmful' or 'noxious.

Spell: dogmatic (adjective) /dɒɡˈmatɪk/
Definition: Strict adherence to a set of beliefs or doctrines, often without considering other possibilities or alternatives.
Example Sentence: "She left the religious group because she found their beliefs too dogmatic."
Word origin: The adjective 'dogmatic' traces its etymological origins to ancient Greece and the philosophical traditions of the time.

Spell: effulgent (adjective) /ɪˈfʌl dʒənt/
Definition: Emitting or glowing an intense and radiant light, often in a way that is exceptionally bright, dazzling, or luminous.
Example Sentence: "The bride's effulgent smile lit up the room."
Word origin: The adjective 'effulgent' derives its etymology from the Latin word 'effulgere,' which combines 'ex' (meaning 'out') and 'fulgere' (meaning 'to shine' or 'to glow').

Spell: ephemeral (adjective) /ɪˈfɛm(ə)rəl/
Definition: Having a very brief and transitory existence, emphasizing a fleeting and impermanent nature.
Example Sentence: "Fame in the entertainment industry can be incredibly ephemeral."
Word origin: The adjective 'ephemeral' has its etymology rooted in Greek.

Spell: epicure (noun) /ˈɛp ɪˌkyʊər/
Definition: An individual who has a refined and sophisticated appreciation for fine food and drink.
Example Sentence: "He was known among his friends as an epicure with refined taste buds."
Word origin: The noun 'epicure' has its etymological origins in ancient Greece.

Spell: equivocation (noun) /ɪˌkwɪv əˈkeɪ ʃən/
Definition: The act of deliberately using ambiguous or vague language in order to mislead or deceive others, often with the intention of avoiding the truth or committing to a clear stance.
Example Sentence: "She resorted to equivocation when asked about her involvement in the controversial decision."
Word origin: The noun 'equivocation' has its etymological roots in Latin and, more specifically, in the Latin word 'aequivocatio.

Spell: expurgate (verb) /ˈɛkspəɡeɪt/
Definition: To remove or censor objectionable or offensive content from a text or other work of media.
Example Sentence: "The professor expurgated the offensive remarks from the student's essay before grading it."
Word origin: The verb 'expurgate' has its etymology rooted in Latin.

Spell: galumph (verb) /gəˈlʌmf/
Definition: To move in a clumsy, heavy, or awkward manner.
Example Sentence: "Watch the kangaroo galumph across the Australian plains with surprising speed."
Word origin: The verb 'galumph' is a whimsical word with an uncertain but playful etymology.

Spell: genteel (adjective) /dʒɛnˈtiːl/
Definition: Describing a refined and polite manner or social behavior that adheres to traditional norms and customs.
Example Sentence: "The genteel host greeted guests with impeccable grace."
Word origin: The word 'genteel' has its origins in the Old French term 'gentil,' which was derived from the Latin word 'gentilis.

Spell: guffaw (noun) /gʌˈfɔ/
Definition: A loud, boisterous burst of laughter.
Example Sentence: "The comedian's punchline elicited a hearty guffaw from the audience."
Word origin: The term 'guffaw' has a colorful etymology that reflects the raucous nature of this hearty burst of laughter.

Spell: histrionic (adjective) /ˌhɪstriˈɑnɪk/
Definition: Excessively dramatic or theatrical in one's behavior, often with the intention of drawing attention to oneself.
Example Sentence: "The actor's histrionic performance moved the audience to tears."
Word origin: The adjective 'histrionic' has an etymology rooted in the world of theater and drama.

Spell: ignoramus (noun) /ˌɪɡnəˈreɪməs/
Definition: A person who is profoundly ignorant, lacking specific knowledge or understanding, or exhibiting a general lack of education or awareness.
Example Sentence: "Despite his claims, he was just an ignoramus who knew very little about the subject."
Word origin: The noun 'ignoramus' has a straightforward etymology rooted in Latin.

Spell: illicit (adjective) /ɪˈlɪsɪt/
Definition: Pertaining to actions, behaviors, or activities that are prohibited, forbidden, or considered unlawful by established laws, regulations, or ethical standards.
Example Sentence: "The couple engaged in an illicit affair behind their spouses' backs."
Word origin: The adjective 'illicit' has its etymology rooted in Latin.

Spell: impertinent (adjective) /ɪmˈpəːtɪnənt/
Definition: Rude, disrespectful, or inappropriate in behavior or speech.
Example Sentence: "I will not tolerate your impertinent behavior," the boss told the employee."
Word origin: The adjective 'impertinent' has its roots in Latin and Old French.

Spell: impetuous (adjective) /ɪmˈpɛtjʊəs/
Definition: Characterized by impulsiveness, rashness, and a tendency to act quickly and without careful thought or consideration of consequences.
Example Sentence: "The impetuous wind blew fiercely, tearing the leaves from the trees."
Word origin: The adjective 'impetuous' has its roots in Latin, deriving from the word 'impetuosus.

Spell: impetus (noun) /ˈɪmpɪtəs/
Definition: The force or energy that drives a person or thing to action or movement.
Example Sentence: "The crisis provided the impetus for the government to take action."
Word origin: The noun 'impetus' has its etymological origins in Latin.

Spell: impugn (verb) /ɪmˈpjuːn/
Definition: To challenge or attack the integrity, credibility or reputation of something or someone.
Example Sentence: "His political opponents impugn his intentions whenever he makes a controversial decision."
Word origin: The verb 'impugn' has its etymological roots in Latin.

Spell: infallible (adjective) /ɪnˈfalɪbl/
Definition: Incapable of making mistakes or errors, and considered completely trustworthy and flawless in action or judgment.
Example Sentence: "Chocolate is an infallible cure for boredom."
Word origin: The adjective 'infallible' traces its roots to Latin, where it originates from 'infallibilis.

Spell: insolent (adjective) /ˈɪn sə lənt/
Definition: Disrespectful, rude, or contemptuous.
Example Sentence: "Her insolent remarks during the meeting angered the senior staff members."
Word origin: The adjective 'insolent' has its etymological roots in the Latin word 'insolentem,' which is the present participle of 'insolere.

Spell: laggard (noun) /ˈlaɡəd/
Definition: A person or thing that falls behind in terms of progress, development, or achievement.
Example Sentence: "Despite encouragement, the project remained a laggard in terms of completion."
Word origin: The noun 'laggard' has its origins in the late 16th century and is believed to have originated from the Scottish word 'lagart,' which means 'lazy' or 'sluggish.

Spell: malapropism (noun) /ˈmaləprəpɪz(ə)m/
Definition: The incorrect use of a word that is similar in sound to the word they intended to use, often with humorous or amusing effect.
Example Sentence: "The comedian's routine was a masterpiece of malapropism humor."
Word origin: The term 'malapropism' finds its origins in the character Mrs.

Spell: mitigate (verb) /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/
Definition: To lessen, alleviate, or reduce the severity, intensity, or impact of something, typically a problem, challenge, or adverse situation.
Example Sentence: "Adequate preparation can mitigate the risks associated with natural disasters."
Word origin: The verb 'mitigate' finds its origins in Latin, coming from the word 'mitigare.

Spell: narcissism (noun) /ˈnɑːsɪsɪzᵊm/
Definition: A psychological trait or personality disorder characterized by an excessive preoccupation with oneself, an inflated sense of self-importance, and a constant craving for admiration and validation.
Example Sentence: "The keynote address delved into the perils of unchecked narcissism."
Word origin: The noun 'narcissism' has its etymological origins in Greek mythology.

Spell: nostalgic (adjective) /nɒˈstaldʒɪk/
Definition: Characterized by a longing or wistful affection for the past, particularly for moments, experiences, or aspects of one's personal history.
Example Sentence: "Listening to their favorite song made them feel nostalgic."
Word origin: The adjective 'nostalgic' has its etymological roots in two Greek words: 'nostos,' meaning 'return home,' and 'algos,' meaning 'pain' or 'ache.

Spell: obtuse (adjective) /əbˈtjuːs/
Definition: Slow to understand or perceive things, often characterized by a lack of insight, intelligence, or sharpness in grasping concepts or ideas.
Example Sentence: "Despite clear instructions, the obtuse employee failed to grasp the importance of the deadline."
Word origin: The adjective 'obtuse' originates from the Latin word 'obtusus,' which is the past participle of 'obtundere,' a verb that means 'to dull' or 'to blunt.

Spell: poignant (adjective) /ˈpɔɪnjənt/
Definition: Evoking a strong emotional response, often a feeling of sadness or nostalgia.
Example Sentence: "The documentary delivered a poignant reminder of the hardships endured during the war."
Word origin: The adjective 'poignant' has a poignant etymology rooted in Old French.

Spell: portentous (adjective) /pɔːˈtɛntəs/
Definition: Ominous or foreboding, suggesting something bad or significant is about to happen.
Example Sentence: "His portentous warning about the mysterious creature in the woods left us on edge."
Word origin: The adjective 'portentous' has its etymological roots in Latin.

Spell: posit (verb) /ˈpɒzɪt/
Definition: To put forward a theory, idea, or argument, often as a starting point for further discussion or investigation.
Example Sentence: "It is essential to carefully posit the problem before seeking solutions."
Word origin: The verb 'posit' has its origins in Latin, specifically from the word 'ponere,' which means 'to place' or 'to put.

Spell: prodigy (noun) /ˈprɒdɪdʒi/
Definition: An individual, typically a child or young person, who possesses exceptional and extraordinary talents, skills, or abilities well beyond their years.
Example Sentence: "The fifteen year-old sprinting prodigy is the youngest athlete ever to reach the Olympic finals."
Word origin: The noun 'prodigy' has its etymological origins in Latin.

Spell: quintessence (noun) /kwɪnˈtɛsns/
Definition: The most essential or perfect embodiment of something.
Example Sentence: "The painting is considered the quintessence of Impressionism."
Word origin: The noun 'quintessence' has a fascinating etymology.

Spell: rankle (verb) /ˈraŋkl/
Definition: To cause lingering resentment, bitterness, or irritation, often as a result of a perceived offense, insult, or unfair treatment.
Example Sentence: "The criticism he received from his peers began to rankle him deeply."
Word origin: The verb 'rankle' has an intriguing etymology that can be traced back to the Middle English word 'ranklen,' which meant to fester or cause a sore to become painful and inflamed.

Spell: regurgitate (verb) /rɪˈɡəːdʒɪteɪt/
Definition: To repeat information without understanding or analyzing it.
Example Sentence: "During the exam, she struggled not to regurgitate memorized answers."
Word origin: The verb 'regurgitate' is derived from the Latin word 'regurgitare,' which is a combination of 're-' (meaning 'back' or 'again') and 'gurgitare' (meaning 'to overflow' or 'to flood').

Spell: reiterate (verb) /ˌriːˈɪtəreɪt/
Definition: To say or do something again, often in order to emphasize or clarify a point.
Example Sentence: "Allow me to reiterate: punctuality is of utmost importance in our organization."
Word origin: The verb 'reiterate' has its roots in Latin.

Spell: remedial (adjective) /rɪˈmidiəl/
Definition: Intended to provide a solution or cure for a problem, or to improve a situation that is in need of assistance.
Example Sentence: "The therapist recommended remedial exercises for her back pain."
Word origin: The adjective 'remedial' has its roots in Latin.

Spell: sagacious (adjective) /səˈɡeɪʃəs/
Definition: Having or showing perceptive judgement and discerning decision making.
Example Sentence: "He is a sagacious businessman with a discerning eye for a deal."
Word origin: The adjective 'sagacious' has its roots in the Latin word 'sagax,' derived from 'sagire,' which means 'to perceive keenly' or 'to discern.

Spell: sanguine (adjective) /ˈsaŋɡwɪn/
Definition: Optimistic, cheerful, and confident, often in the face of challenging or uncertain circumstances.
Example Sentence: "He is remarkably sanguine about his prospects of getting a new job"
Word origin: The adjective 'sanguine' has its origins in the Latin word 'sanguineus,' which is derived from 'sanguis,' meaning 'blood.

Spell: schadenfreude (noun) /ˈʃɑːd(ə)nˌfrɔɪdə/
Definition: The feeling of pleasure or satisfaction that comes from the failure or misfortune of others.
Example Sentence: "It's important to avoid indulging in schadenfreude when someone faces difficulties."
Word origin: The noun 'schadenfreude' has an interesting etymology rooted in German.

Spell: subjugate (verb) /ˈsʌbdʒʊɡeɪt/
Definition: To bring under control, dominate or conquer by force or by other means.
Example Sentence: "We must never try to subjugate others for our own gain."
Word origin: The verb 'subjugate' has its origins in Latin, specifically from the word 'subjugare.

Spell: symbiosis (noun) /sɪmbʌɪˈəʊsɪs/
Definition: A relationship between two or more different species that benefits each of them in some way.
Example Sentence: "The coral and algae share a symbiosis crucial to the reef's health."
Word origin: The noun 'symbiosis' finds its origin in the Greek word 'symbiōsis,' which is derived from the root word 'symbios,' meaning 'living together.

Spell: ubiquitous (adjective) /juːˈbɪkwɪtəs/
Definition: Omnipresent, seemingly present everywhere at the same time, or very commonly and widely encountered.
Example Sentence: "The Internet has made information ubiquitous, accessible from anywhere in the world."
Word origin: The adjective 'ubiquitous' has its etymological origins in Latin.