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Content Curator | Updated On - May 2, 2024

Highlights: 

  • GRE vocabulary can be improved by using flashcards and playing vocabulary word games. 
  • There are multiple books available especially designed for GRE vocabulary.
  • GRE Vocabulary Flashcards by Magoosh, and GRE Practice, Prep, Flashcards by Varsity Tutors are some of the best vocabulary apps. 
  • There are certain GRE vocabularies that you must memorize to inculcate them in your answers. 

How do you tackle the GRE vocabulary? GRE vocabulary is an essential part of the GRE verbal exam. If you have a good grasp of the English vocabulary, GRE verbal will seem much easier for you. GRE test words help you to implement them in graduate-level communication. Knowing all the major GRE words can save you from, being lost in a communication or a lecture. Now coming to the preparation part, you can use Magoosh vocab builder to learn and memorize the word lists. Remember that memorizing all the GRE vocab not only gets you high scores but also makes you a confident speaker, writer, and reader. 

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How a GRE Vocabulary List has been Compiled?

Candidates can compile a GRE verbal word list by carefully studying top-rated prep courses and understanding which all words are missing. Those missing words are useful for GRE vocabulary preparation. The list might not be comprehensive or cover all the words but it will be a good start to improving your GRE vocabulary.

Essential GRE Vocabulary List

In the list, a word will be introduced along with its definition. A word can have more than one definition and the most frequent version of GRE has been chosen in order to avoid confusion. You must also follow the GRE verbal tips that includes steps to improve your vocabulary.

Word Meaning Example
Prosaic: (adj.) commonplace, dull or unimaginative The prosaic life of a hardworking student.
Quotidian: (adj.) daily, customary or usual occurrence of something Mobile has become part of our quotidian existence.
Restive: (adj.) uneasy or restless The audience was becoming restive as they waited for the Badsah’s performance to begin.
Pernicious: (adj.) causing gradual or subtle type of harm The cuts in government funding have had a pernicious effect on local health services.
Diffident: (adj.) lacks self-worth or confidence She felt diffident about speaking to police about domestic violence.
Equivocal: (adj.) allowing the possibility of multiple meanings His equivocal response has been done to bring the situation under control.
Erudite: (adj.) showing or having great knowledge R. Ramalingam is a well-respected and erudite scholar.
Prodigal: (adj.) extravagant or wasteful recklessly A prodigal person spends money recklessly rather than an ideal person.
Laudable: (adj.) something or someone deserving commendation or praise Enhancing the development of schools for children's education is a laudable act.
Laconic: (adj.) using a few words to explain everything in the process which can be shortened to concise Laconic situation made him do the drama.
Enervate: (v.) weaken or sap energy Using my phone is definitely going to enervate me for the rest of the day.
Ambivalence: (n.) having mixed feelings or uncertainty She viewed her balcony plants with ambivalence.
Agog: (adj.) very excited about something with curiosity, anticipation or eagerness The news about the chemists agog the market.
Artless: (adj.) without any kind of greed, guilt or deceit Artless is a very positive word.
Gossamer: (adj.) delicate, light or thin like a veil This dress appears to be gossamer fabric as it is sheer.
Harangue: (n.) ong, vehement or angry He kept his harangue about someone.
Insipid: (adj.) lack of enthusiasm or interest Insipid at times is confused with the word insidious but they are two different words with different meanings.
Maudlin: (adj.) someone who is tearful or weakly emotional Maude Latour was an emerging artist and Colombian philosophy major who wrote some peppy tracks with whom you can associate the word maudlin.
Nonplussed: (adj.) being completely puzzled or perplexed He got nonplussed with her behavior.
Urbane: (adj.) refined and courteous Urbane is a person who is refined and courteous in terms of mannerisms
Ersatz: (adj.) substitute for a specific product, mostly of inferior quality He can eat ersatz chocolate made from carob beans.
Anodyne: (adj.) bland and weakened He is an anodyne and will not cause controversy.
Euphony: (n.) pleasing sound to the ear Poetry and euphony goes hand in hand.
Extant: (adj.) surviving and still in existence The extant animals must be kept in the biosphere reserve.
Lachrymose: (adj.) sad, tear-inducing and mournful Losing her father made her lachrymose all day.
Munificent: (adj.) very generous in an unusual way The word should not be confused with maleficent which means working to produce evil or harm.
Nadir: (n.) lowest point, a point of great despair or adversity He was at his nadir when she left her.
Pellucid: (adj.) understood or lucid The Atlantic ocean water is pellucid.
Philistine: (n.) person who is hostile towards arts and lacks culture Lots of pseudo philistine are gaining social media attention these days.
Polemic: (n.) written or verbal attack on something or someone The news reports throw a polemic on celebrities.
Puerile: (adj.) trivial or very silly Band organizers branded the group's actions as puerile.
Quixotic: (adj.) exceedingly impractical, unrealistic and idealistic She was extensively quixotic from the real world.
Raconteur: (n.) gifted and skilful in storytelling The guy was a raconteur.
Soporific: (adj.) tending or causing sleep Taking soporific medicines can be harmful to health.
Belligerent: (adj.) quick or eager to argue and fight He was belligerent, when the case went to trial.
Tyro: (n.) novice or someone new to learning something The new team members are tyro to the work environment.
Auspicious: (adj.) favourable, success promising and opportune It is a very auspicious day for the beginning of his new career.
Capricious: (adj.) something whimsical or unpredictable His actions were capricious.
Inculpate: (v.) accusation or charges of wrongdoing against someone Prakash, unwilling to inculpate maintains an obstinate silence.
Specious: (adj.) an argument which is wrong or incorrect but superficially plausible some specious excuse about failing to recognize her made her escape the situation.
Banal: (adj.) obvious and boring or lacking in originality Tom wrote banal but the story was good.
Hegemony: (adj.) dominance or leadership over a group or country Only Cruise can bring hegemony in his state.
Paucity: (n.) lacking something This curry has a paucity in taste.
Innocuous: (adj.) something which will not produce any ill effects and is harmless This might seem innocuous until he got it precisely.
Alacrity: (n.) an eager willingness to do something Alacrity word is very positive in nature although it gives a negative connotation.

GRE Flashcards

Candidates who want to ace the GRE vocab flashcards are a great way to do so. They can go for Magoosh Flashcards for GRE vocabulary app. The app can help you in mastering 100 to 1,000 gre high frequency words. In addition to this, if you are looking for a review course which will help in improving your score or acing the exam, try Magoosh GRE words. You can also refer to books for Verbal GRE prepatation to memorise the words from them. 

How to Improve GRE Vocabulary?

Apart from using flashcards and review courses, there are many other ways to help in GRE vocabulary preparation. Some of them are:

  1. Read challenging material from various sources in good frequency. In case you come across an unfamiliar word, note them and look up for their definitions. Resources like Barrons GRE word list, Magoosh GRE vocabulary helps candidates in preparing for GRE.
  2. A mobile flashcard app like AnkiApp to keep a track of words you have discovered yourself. The app helps in making your flashcard decks easy and quick. It also has a spaced repetition algorithm to improve recalling hard gre words. These decks can help in the standard vocabulary study routine.
  3. If you are studying alone, try saying aloud the vocab words with their definitions. Enroll Yourself in GRE online classes as they help you to be in a competttive enrionment and you can converse in English. 
  4. Make your own visualizations and make-up anecdotes to help you in remembering the words you continuously miss. The weird and individualized visualizations are much better.
  5. A well-structured review course with an emphasis on GRE important words like Achievable. It is the best way to learn tough GRE important words.

GRE Vocabulary Books

Here is a list of the top GRE preparation books for helping the candidates during GRE preparation:

  • The Official Guide to the GRE® General Test, Third Edition- Check PDF
  • Kaplan’s GRE Verbal Workbook- Check PDF
  • Manhattan 5 lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems- Check PDF
  • Manhattan Prep GRE Verbal Strategies- Check PDF
  • The Vocabulary Builder Workbook- Check PDF
  • GRE Verbal Grail- Check PDF

  • The Official Guide to the GRE Revised General Test- Check PDF

Best Apps to Improve GRE Vocabulary

GRE vocabulary preparation depends on the knowledge and difficulty level of GRE vocabulary. To learn more words in less time, the best apps to improve GRE preparation for vocabulary are listed below:

  • GRE Vocabulary Flashcards by Magoosh
  • GRE Practice, Prep, Flashcards by Varsity Tutors
  • GRE Prep and Practice by Magoosh vocabulary
  • Manhattan Prep GRE by Higher Learning Technologies
  • GRE Test Prep by Galvanize
  • GRE Daily Vocabulary by The Economist

This article will surely help you in understanding all about GRE root words and learn all gre english words with ease. A GRE vocabulary book like Barrons wordlist is also useful along with gre words with pictures which will help you in analyzing GRE important words.

FAQs

Ques. What is the best way to prepare for GRE vocabulary?

Ans. The best way to prepare for GRE vocabulary is through systematic study using flashcards, vocabulary lists, and practice tests. It's important to learn words in context and understand their usage.

Ques. How many words should I learn for the GRE?

Ans. There is no limit to the number of words that you should learn. But you should try to learn at least 100 words a day. 

Ques. Are there any shortcuts to learning GRE vocabulary?

Ans. While there are no shortcuts, association techniques, and regular review can aid in enhancing vocabulary. 

Ques. Should I focus on memorizing definitions or understanding word usage?

Ans. Both are important. Memorizing definitions helps with recognition while understanding usage aids in comprehension.

Ques. What are some resources for GRE vocabulary practice?

Ans. Resources include GRE prep books, online flashcards, vocabulary apps, and GRE practice tests. Reading widely and critically also enhances vocabulary skills.

Ques. Is it necessary to learn every word on GRE vocabulary lists?

Ans.  It is not necessary. Focus on mastering the most common and versatile words, but also be prepared for encountering unfamiliar words on the test.

Ques. How should I approach learning word roots, prefixes, and suffixes?

Ans. Start with common roots, prefixes, and suffixes and learn their meanings. Understanding these elements can help you decipher the meanings of unfamiliar words by breaking them down into smaller, recognizable parts.

Ques. Should I memorize synonyms and antonyms for GRE vocabulary words?

Ans. While it's helpful to know synonyms and antonyms to deepen understanding, focus primarily on grasping the core meaning of each word and its usage in context.

Ques. How can I retain GRE vocabulary words long-term?

Ans. Use spaced repetition techniques, incorporate words into your everyday language and writing, and revisit words periodically to reinforce your memory.

Ques. How can I improve my ability to infer the meaning of unfamiliar words from context?

Ans. Practice reading passages from diverse sources and paying attention to context clues such as surrounding words, phrases, and the overall tone. Try to deduce the meaning of unfamiliar words based on these contextual cues.

Ques. Is it beneficial to learn GRE vocabulary through thematic groups or categories?

Ans. Organizing vocabulary into thematic groups or categories can facilitate learning and retention. For example, grouping words related to emotions, science, or politics can provide context and aid in memory recall.

Ques. Should I use GRE vocabulary words in my writing and speaking practice?

Ans. Integrating GRE vocabulary into your writing and speaking practice increases your understanding and helps you become more comfortable using these words naturally. Be sure to use them appropriately and accurately.

Ques. How can I track my progress in learning GRE vocabulary?

Ans. Track your progress by regularly reviewing words you've learned, taking practice tests, and evaluating your performance. Monitor how well you recognize and understand GRE vocabulary in different contexts.

Ques. Are there any tips for tackling vocabulary questions on the GRE?

Ans. Read each question carefully and pay attention to context. Eliminate incorrect answer choices first, and then use your knowledge of word meanings and context to select the best option.

Ques. What should I do if I encounter unfamiliar vocabulary words on the GRE?

Ans. Try to infer the meaning of the word based on context clues, and any other information provided in the passage. 

*The article might have information for the previous academic years, please refer the official website of the exam.

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