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GRE Vocabulary Words

English Vocabulary · GRE Live Review Preview

GRE Vocabulary Words

The GRE Verbal Reasoning measure asks test takers to understand and evaluate written material, analyze relationships among ideas, and use evidence within a sentence or passage. Reading Comprehension, Text Completion, and Sentence Equivalence all reward careful attention to connotation, contrast, logic, and precise word choice—not isolated memorization alone.

This independently authored 800-word beta curriculum prioritizes vocabulary identified in Magoosh’s official public GRE vocabulary ebook, then draws on advanced KSSR entries that have already passed English safety and structure audits. Additional official and public GRE references guide test alignment and editorial review. Overlap with SAT and advanced school-level vocabulary is intentional because the tests share academic language. Pages containing words 1–500 include five cloze questions; every word remains visible, editable in Vocabulary Studio, and available for private difficult/learned tracking. This unofficial resource is not endorsed by or affiliated with ETS.

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800 words
Words 176–210 of 800
#WordDetailsMeaningSample sentence
176cursoryadjective
Study

Field: GRE words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: cursory is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

baixoA cursory inspection failed to reveal the small fracture.
177dearthnoun
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Field: GRE words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: dearth is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

fomeA dearth of reliable records limits the historian's conclusions.
178debunkverb
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Field: GRE words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: debunk is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

desacreditarThe experiment helped debunk a popular myth about memory.
179deferencenoun
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Field: GRE words in context and precision

Word study: Suffix focus: -ence commonly forms a noun naming an action, quality, or state.

deferênciaOut of deference to local experts, the team revised its plan.
180delineateverb
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Field: GRE words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: delineate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

delinearThe contract must delineate each partner's responsibilities.
181denigrateverb
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Field: GRE words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: denigrate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

denegrirThe article should challenge the theory without trying to denigrate its author.
182denoteverb
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Field: GRE words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: denote is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. denotar 2. indicarOn this map, a dashed line may denote a seasonal trail.
183derideverb
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Field: GRE words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: deride is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. escarnecer 2. ridicularizarCritics began to deride the invention before testing it.
184derivativeadjective
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Field: GRE words in context and precision

Word study: Suffix focus: -ive commonly forms an adjective meaning having a quality or tendency.

derivativoReviewers found the sequel derivative despite its impressive effects.
185despondentadjective
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Field: GRE words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: despondent is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. abatido 2. desencorajado 3. desanimadoThe repeated rejections left the applicant despondent.
186didacticadjective
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Field: GRE words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: didactic is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

didáticoThe novel is didactic, but its characters still feel convincing.
187diffidentadjective
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Field: GRE words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: diffident is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. tímido 2. inseguroThe diffident student spoke more freely in a small group.
188diligentadjective
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Field: GRE words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: diligent is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

diligenteA diligent researcher checks every citation against its source.
189discerningadjective
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Field: GRE words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: discerning is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. astuto 2. perspicaz 3. sagazA discerning reader notices when evidence does not support a conclusion.
190discreditverb
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Field: GRE words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: discredit is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

desacreditarOne fabricated result can discredit an otherwise valuable study.
191discrepancynoun
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Field: GRE words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: discrepancy is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

discrepânciaAuditors investigated a discrepancy between the invoice and the payment.
192discreteadjective
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Field: GRE words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: discrete is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. distinguido 2. distinto 3. discretoThe survey measures three discrete aspects of public opinion.
193disdainnoun
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Field: GRE words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: disdain is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. desdém 2. desprezoThe narrator expresses disdain for empty displays of wealth.
194dispassionateadjective
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Field: GRE words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: dispassionate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

calmoA judge must offer a dispassionate evaluation of the evidence.
195disseminateverb
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Field: GRE words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: disseminate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

disseminarPublic agencies disseminate storm warnings through several channels.
196divergeverb
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Field: GRE words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: diverge is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

divergirThe researchers' interpretations diverge after the first experiment.
197dogmaticadjective
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Field: GRE words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: dogmatic is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

dogmáticoThe essay sounds dogmatic because it ignores reasonable objections.
198eclecticadjective
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Field: GRE words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: eclectic is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

ecléticoThe exhibit presents an eclectic mix of sculpture, film, and textiles.
199elicitverb
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Field: GRE words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: elicit is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. conseguir 2. levantar 3. obterThe interviewer used open questions to elicit detailed memories.
200eloquentadjective
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Field: GRE words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: eloquent is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

eloquenteHer eloquent defense of the library changed several votes.
201elusiveadjective
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Field: GRE words in context and precision

Word study: Suffix focus: -ive commonly forms an adjective meaning having a quality or tendency.

elusivoA simple explanation for the pattern remains elusive.
202emulateverb
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Field: GRE words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: emulate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

emularYoung architects often emulate designs they admire.
203engenderverb
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Field: GRE words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: engender is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

engendrarTransparent rules can engender trust in public institutions.
204enigmaticadjective
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Field: GRE words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: enigmatic is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

enigmáticoThe painting's enigmatic symbols invite several interpretations.
205ephemeraladjective
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Field: GRE words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: ephemeral is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. efêmero 2. efémeroOnline fame can be ephemeral without meaningful work behind it.
206equanimitynoun
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Field: GRE words in context and precision

Word study: Suffix focus: -ity commonly forms a noun naming a quality, state, or condition.

equanimidadeThe pilot responded to the emergency with remarkable equanimity.
207erroneousadjective
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Field: GRE words in context and precision

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

1. erróneo 2. errôneoThe article withdrew an erroneous claim about the study.
208eruditeadjective
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Field: GRE words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: erudite is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

eruditoThe historian's erudite lecture remained accessible to beginners.
209esotericadjective
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Field: GRE words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: esoteric is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

esotéricoThe journal translates esoteric research into language the public can follow.
210exacerbateverb
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Field: GRE words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: exacerbate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

exacerbarDelaying repairs will exacerbate the damage caused by rain.

Vocabulary reading and practice

Page 6 vocabulary review

Review five selected words from page 6.

Vocabulary quiz

Choose the dictionary equivalent for each of 5 selected words.

About GRE Verbal Reasoning

The GRE Verbal Reasoning measure examines how well test takers understand and evaluate written material, recognize relationships among words and concepts, and analyze how parts of a sentence work together. Its three principal verbal question types are Reading Comprehension, Text Completion, and Sentence Equivalence.

Vocabulary matters on the GRE, but memorizing a definition is only the beginning. Strong preparation also connects each word to its connotation, common contrasts, near-synonyms, and role in an argument. Use the examples, readings, and quizzes here to practise choosing words from evidence in the sentence, then use official ETS material to learn the precise test format.

ETS test overview

Sources and curriculum references

These references guide selection and calibration. Definitions, sample sentences, readings, questions, and teaching notes are independently written and reviewed.