As the GRE exam continues to be a popular choice for graduate school admissions, mastering a strong vocabulary is an essential part of achieving a high score. Each month, I release a new set of challenging GRE vocabulary words that are likely to appear in future GRE exams. In this post, we will explore 25 GRE words and provide tips on how to master them to ensure your success on the GRE.
- Consequential: having significant and important consequences or results.
Two sentences:
The consequential decision made by the government had a lasting impact on the economy.
The consequential nature of the error caused significant delays in the project.
Mnemonic: Consequential decisions have consequences that are significant and important.
- Rehabilitate: to restore to a condition of health or useful and constructive activity.
Two sentences:
The rehabilitation program helped the injured athlete return to professional sports.
The rehabilitation center worked to rehabilitate the former drug addict and help them reintegrate into society.
Mnemonic: Rehabilitate can be remembered by thinking of the prefix “re-” which means again, and “habilitate” which means to make able or fit. Together, the word means to make someone able or fit again.
- Shrewd: having or showing good judgement, skill, or intelligence in practical matters.
Two sentences:
The shrewd businessman was able to negotiate a favorable deal for his company.
She was very shrewd at spotting potential investment opportunities.
Mnemonic: Shrewd can be remembered by thinking of the word shrew, a small, intelligent mammal. Someone who is shrewd is similarly clever and wise in practical matters.
- Hands-off: not involving oneself in the affairs or control of something.
Two sentences:
The new manager adopted a hands-off approach, allowing her team to work independently.
The government took a hands-off approach to regulating the industry, leaving it to self-regulation.
Mnemonic: Hands-off can be remembered by thinking of the phrase “keeping your hands off” something, meaning not interacting with or controlling it.
- Acute: having a sharp or keen edge or point; intensely severe or sharp.
Two sentences:
The patient was experiencing acute pain in his lower back.
The acute angles of the triangle made it a difficult shape to work with.
Mnemonic: Acute can be remembered by thinking of the word “a cut,” which refers to a sharp edge or wound. Something that is acute is similarly sharp or intense.
- Pellucid: transparently clear; easily understandable.
Two sentences:
The pellucid water of the lake provided a clear reflection of the surrounding mountains.
The writer’s pellucid prose made the complex topic easy to understand.
- Affable: friendly and likable.
Two sentences:
The affable host made everyone feel welcome at the party.
Despite being a high-ranking executive, he was known for his affable personality and willingness to help his coworkers.
Mnemonic: Affable can be remembered by thinking of the word “affectionate,” which means showing or expressing love or fondness. Someone who is affable is similarly friendly and likable.
- Convolute: complicated and intricate.
Two sentences:
The convolute legal document was difficult for even experienced attorneys to understand.
The convolute plot of the mystery novel kept readers guessing until the very end.
- Caricature: a picture, description, or imitation of a person or thing in which certain striking characteristics are exaggerated for comic or grotesque effect.
Two sentences:
The artist’s caricature of the politician was so exaggerated that it was almost unrecognizable.
The actor’s performance as a caricatured version of a pompous professor was a hit with audiences.
- Clangorous: making a loud, harsh noise; characterized by a harsh, discordant sound.
Two sentences:
The clangorous construction work was a nuisance to the residents of the neighborhood.
The clangorous bells of the church could be heard for miles around.
Mnemonic: Clangorous can be remembered by thinking of the word “clang,” which refers to a loud, metallic sound. Something that is clangorous is similarly loud and harsh-sounding.
- Emulate: to imitate or copy, especially with the aim of achieving the same level of excellence.
Two sentences:
The young athlete was eager to emulate the success of his idol.
The company’s new product was designed to emulate the features of its popular competitor.
Mnemonic: Emulate can be remembered by thinking of the word “imitate.” To emulate something is to imitate it, often with the aim of achieving the same level of excellence.
- Profound: deep or thorough; having deep insight or understanding.
Two sentences:
The speaker’s words had a profound impact on the audience.
The scientist’s research was groundbreaking and had a profound effect on the field.
Mnemonic: Profound can be remembered by thinking of the word “pro,” which means “in favor of,” and “found,” which means established or discovered. Something that is profound is deeply established or discovered, and therefore has deep insight or understanding.
- Absolute: complete or total; not qualified or restricted in any way.
Two sentences:
The dictator ruled with absolute power.
The evidence presented was absolute proof of the defendant’s guilt.
- Forgo: to abstain from or give up (something desirable).
Two sentences:
He decided to forgo dessert in order to save room for dinner.
Despite her love of ice cream, she decided to forgo it in favor of a healthier snack.
- Evoke: to bring or recall (something, such as a feeling, memory, or image) to the conscious mind.
Two sentences:
The smell of baking cookies always evokes memories of her childhood.
The musician’s performance was so emotive that it evoked tears from the audience.
Mnemonic: Evoke can be remembered by thinking of the word “invoke,” which means to call upon or appeal to. To evoke something is to bring it to mind or recall it.
- Derivative: obtained or derived from something else; not original.
Two sentences:
The movie was criticized for being too derivative of other films in the genre.
The artist’s work was heavily derivative of the styles of his mentors.
Mnemonic: Derivative can be remembered by thinking of the word “derive,” which means to come from or be based on something else. Something that is derivative is similarly obtained or derived from something else and is not original.
- Pessimistic: having a tendency to see the worst aspect of things or believe that the worst will happen.
Two sentences:
The pessimistic forecast predicted a gloomy future for the economy.
Despite the optimistic outlook of his colleagues, he remained pessimistic about the outcome of the project.
- Unpretentious: not pompous or showy; modest.
Two sentences:
The unpretentious cafe was a refreshing change from the flashy, overpriced restaurants in the area.
Despite his success, he remained unpretentious and down-to-earth.
Mnemonic: Unpretentious can be remembered by thinking of the word “unpretending,” which means not pompous or showy. Something that is unpretentious is modest and not trying to impress or show off.
- Makeshift: temporary or improvised; not intended as a permanent solution.
Two sentences:
The storm left us without power, so we had to use a makeshift lamp made out of a flashlight and a jar.
The team had to use a makeshift lineup due to injuries to several key players.
Mnemonic: Makeshift can be remembered by thinking of the word “make,” as in to create or construct, and “shift,” as in to change or adapt. Something that is makeshift is a temporary or improvised solution that is not intended to be permanent.
- Incongruous: not in harmony or agreement; incompatible.
Two sentences:
The incongruous combination of flavors in the dish was unappealing.
The incongruous behavior of the normally serious and professional employee raised red flags.
- Idealistic: characterized by the pursuit of ideals or perfection; tending to believe in or pursue high or noble principles, purposes, or goals.
Two sentences:
The idealistic young politician was determined to bring about social change.
Despite being realistic about the challenges ahead, he remained idealistic about the potential for positive change.
Mnemonic: Idealistic can be remembered by thinking of the word “ideal,” which refers to a perfect or ideal version of something. Someone who is idealistic tends to pursue or believe in high or noble principles, purposes, or goals.
- Waggish: playful or mischievous in a good-natured way.
Two sentences:
The waggish prankster was always up to something mischievous.
Despite his waggish personality, he was well-liked by his friends and coworkers.
Mnemonic: Waggish can be remembered by thinking of the word “wag,” which refers to a playful or mischievous action or behavior
- Ensue: to follow as a result or consequence; to happen afterward.
Two sentences:
The consequences of his actions ensued soon after he made the poor decision.
The concert was a great success, and a series of sold-out shows ensued.
- Irreconcilable: incapable of being reconciled or made compatible; incompatible.
Two sentences:
The couple’s irreconcilable differences ultimately led to their divorce.
Despite efforts to find a compromise, the irreconcilable positions of the two sides made a resolution unlikely.
- Amiable: pleasant and likable; good-natured.
Two sentences:
The amiable host made everyone feel welcome at the party.
Despite being a high-ranking executive, he was known for his amiable personality and willingness to help his coworkers.
Mnemonic: Amiable can be remembered by thinking of the word “amiable,” which sounds similar to “amicable,” which means characterized by or showing goodwill. Someone who is amiable is pleasant and likable and has a good-natured personality.