11). DINGY: GLISTEN::
(A) slippery: Adhere
(B) coarse: Polish
(C) sharp: Hone
(D) shallow: Overflow
(E) savory: Taste
12). COUNTENANCE: TOLERATION::
A) defer: ignorance
B) renounce: mistrust
C) encroach: jealousy
D) demur: objection
E) reject: disappointment
13). SLITHER: SNAKE::
A) perch: eagle
B) bask: lizard
C) waddle: duck
D) circle: hawk
E) croak: frog
14). REDOLENT: SMELL::
A) curious: knowledge
B) lucid: sight
C) torpid: motion
D) ephemeral: touch
E) piqant: taste
15). PROCTOR: SUPERVISE::
A) prophet: rule
B) profiteer: consume
C) profligate: demand
D) prodigal: squander
E) prodigy: wonder
Answer -
11). A is the best choice - something X will not Y
12). D is the right choice -- To "countenance" can mean to approve or make a show of "toleration." To "demur" means to express or to show an "objection." -- "To X is to show Y."
(A) -- incorrect - To "defer" does not clearly mean to express "ignorance." To "defer" could show "ignorance" in certain contexts and but there is not enough information in the analogy to allow this conclusion.
(B) -- incorrect - To "renounce" could indicate "mistrust," "Mistrust" is not an essential element in the definition of renunciation.
(C) -- incorrect - To "encroach" could be said to cause "jealousy," not to show it.
(E) -- incorrect - To "reject" could be a way of showing "disappointment," Rejection is not an essential element in the definition of "disappintment."
13). C is the correct answer - In order to go forward and a "snake" will "slither," -- "In order to go forward animal Y will X." or "To X is a characteristic way for animal Y to move forward." In order to go forward and a "duck" will "waddle." To "waddle" is a characteristic way for a "duck" to go forward.
A) -- incorrect - An "eagle" may "perch," but to "perch" does not imply forward movement.
B) -- incorrect - A "lizard" may "bask", but to "bask" does not imply forward movement.
D) -- incorrect - "Circle" describes the path of forward motion and not the characteristic physical motion by which the "hawk" moves forward. E) -- incorrect - A "frog" "croaks," but to "croak" is not a way of moving forward.
14). E is the right answer - Something "redolent" stimulates the sense of "smell." -- "Something described as X stimulates sense Y." Something described as "piquant" stimulates the sense of "taste."
A) -- incorrect - Something "curious" might stimulate one to acquire "knowledge," but "knowledge" itself cannot be stimulated.
B) -- incorrect - "Lucid" means intelligible, clear and or understandable and Something "lucid" does not necessarily stimulate one's sense of "sight"
C) -- incorrect - "Torpid" means having lost "motion"
D) -- incorrect - Something "ephemeral" lasts for only a short time. No conclusion can be drawn about its ability to stimulate the sense of "touch."
15). D is the best choice -- A "proctor" is by definition one who "supervises" -- "X is one who, by definition, Ys and that is supervise (s)." "prodigal," one who is recklessly extravagant, "squander (s)" or spends wastefully.
A) -- incorrect - A "prophet" does not by definition "rule."
B) -- incorrect - A "profiteer" may "consume," but to "consme" is not a part of the definition of a "profiteer"
C) -- incorrect - A "profligate" (one who is wildly extravagant) is likely to "demand," but demanding is not a defining characteristic of a "profligate"
E) -- incorrect - A "prodigy" may cause wonder and but to "wonder" is not a defining characteristic of a "prodigy."
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Analogies 1 - 10
GRE analogies -- Tips
1). TIRE : RUBBER::
A). fork : metal
B). tree : wood
C). glass : silica
D). candle : wax
E). pottery : clay
2). NEEDLE:KNIT::
A). loom:weave
B). soap:wash
C). bed:sleep
D). bait:fish
E): match:fire
3). DEPART:ABSCOND::
A). store : secrete
B). close : occlude
C). speak : harangue
D). intervene : interfere
E). cover : eclipse
4). CURTAIN:STAGE::
A). lid : pan
B). veil : face
C). tarpaulin : car
D). hair : head
E). satchel : book
5). HACKNEYED : ORIGINAL
A). mature:juvenile
B). trite:morbid
C). withdrawn: reserved
D). evasive: elusive
E). derivative: traditional
6). ALARM:TRIGGER::
A). prison:escape
B). tunnel:dig
C). criminal:corner
D). fright:allay
E). trap:spring
7). ALCOVE: RECESS::
A). turret:chimney
B). dome:roof
C). column:entrance
D). foyer:ballroom
E). foundation:building
8). REDOUBTABLE: AWE::
A). tart: pungency
B). tacit: solitude
C). despicable: contempt
D). engrossing: obliviousness
E). venerable: renown
9). SKIRMISH: INSIGNIFICANCE::
A). revolution: democracy
B). duel: formality
C). feud: impartiality
D). bout: sparring
E). crusade: remoteness
10). PLUCK: QUIT::
A). verve:flinch
B). gall:skimp
C). pride:grovel
D). charm:smile
E). poise:waver
Answers -
1). D is the right answer -- X is primarily composed of Y and in process of using X , Y gets used up. -- "A tire/candle is primarily composed of rubber/wax, and in the process of using a tire/candle, the rubber/wax gets used up."
2). A is the best answer -- Y is the function of X - results in some creation.
Needle knits
Loom weaves.
3). A is the correct answer. Bridge -- Y is the secret form of X.
To secrete is to store secretly
To abscond is to depart secretly.
4). B is the right choice -- Curtain is used to cover the stage as veil is used to cover the face.
5). A is the correct answer -- bridge is "x lacks y"
6). E is the right answer -- an alarm is triggered; a trap is sprung.
7). B is the correct choice -- X is a kind of Y.
ALCOVE is a kind of RECESS and DOME is a kind of ROOF
8). C is the best answer -- X invokes feeling of Y in someone
a redoutable(formidable,causing fear) thing fills u with awe;
a despicable statement fills u with contempt.
9). B is the correct answer -- Y is the defining or characterising noun that describes X
Skirmish is a fight of insignificance (as quality)
Duel is a fight of formality (of quality)
10). C is the right choice -- X is an intention/feeling toward something positive which lacks Y.
Pluck - noun - means "courageous intention/feeling to fight against odds", that excludes the possibility to quit.
1). TIRE : RUBBER::
A). fork : metal
B). tree : wood
C). glass : silica
D). candle : wax
E). pottery : clay
2). NEEDLE:KNIT::
A). loom:weave
B). soap:wash
C). bed:sleep
D). bait:fish
E): match:fire
3). DEPART:ABSCOND::
A). store : secrete
B). close : occlude
C). speak : harangue
D). intervene : interfere
E). cover : eclipse
4). CURTAIN:STAGE::
A). lid : pan
B). veil : face
C). tarpaulin : car
D). hair : head
E). satchel : book
5). HACKNEYED : ORIGINAL
A). mature:juvenile
B). trite:morbid
C). withdrawn: reserved
D). evasive: elusive
E). derivative: traditional
6). ALARM:TRIGGER::
A). prison:escape
B). tunnel:dig
C). criminal:corner
D). fright:allay
E). trap:spring
7). ALCOVE: RECESS::
A). turret:chimney
B). dome:roof
C). column:entrance
D). foyer:ballroom
E). foundation:building
8). REDOUBTABLE: AWE::
A). tart: pungency
B). tacit: solitude
C). despicable: contempt
D). engrossing: obliviousness
E). venerable: renown
9). SKIRMISH: INSIGNIFICANCE::
A). revolution: democracy
B). duel: formality
C). feud: impartiality
D). bout: sparring
E). crusade: remoteness
10). PLUCK: QUIT::
A). verve:flinch
B). gall:skimp
C). pride:grovel
D). charm:smile
E). poise:waver
Answers -
1). D is the right answer -- X is primarily composed of Y and in process of using X , Y gets used up. -- "A tire/candle is primarily composed of rubber/wax, and in the process of using a tire/candle, the rubber/wax gets used up."
2). A is the best answer -- Y is the function of X - results in some creation.
Needle knits
Loom weaves.
3). A is the correct answer. Bridge -- Y is the secret form of X.
To secrete is to store secretly
To abscond is to depart secretly.
4). B is the right choice -- Curtain is used to cover the stage as veil is used to cover the face.
5). A is the correct answer -- bridge is "x lacks y"
6). E is the right answer -- an alarm is triggered; a trap is sprung.
7). B is the correct choice -- X is a kind of Y.
ALCOVE is a kind of RECESS and DOME is a kind of ROOF
8). C is the best answer -- X invokes feeling of Y in someone
a redoutable(formidable,causing fear) thing fills u with awe;
a despicable statement fills u with contempt.
9). B is the correct answer -- Y is the defining or characterising noun that describes X
Skirmish is a fight of insignificance (as quality)
Duel is a fight of formality (of quality)
10). C is the right choice -- X is an intention/feeling toward something positive which lacks Y.
Pluck - noun - means "courageous intention/feeling to fight against odds", that excludes the possibility to quit.
About GRE
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GRE Essay topics -- Pool of issue topics
GRE Essay topics -- Pool of argument topics
How to approach Essays in AWA section
Introduction to AWA
Introduction and sample writing
Mathematical skills and concepts/topics likely to be tested on the GRE General Test -- Maths review
All about GRE Scores -- GRE Test scores
GRE power prep software -- Download link
GRE free general test Download -- GRE Test download
GRE Essay topics -- Pool of issue topics
GRE Essay topics -- Pool of argument topics
How to approach Essays in AWA section
Introduction to AWA
Introduction and sample writing
Mathematical skills and concepts/topics likely to be tested on the GRE General Test -- Maths review
All about GRE Scores -- GRE Test scores
GRE power prep software -- Download link
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Word power -3 -- root : biblio
Root word biblio means book
e.g - bibliography, bibliophile
Bibliography - list of books or articles about a particular subject or by a particular author.
There is a usual bibliography at the end of each chapter.
Bibliophile - A person who loves or collect books.
e.g - bibliography, bibliophile
Bibliography - list of books or articles about a particular subject or by a particular author.
There is a usual bibliography at the end of each chapter.
Bibliophile - A person who loves or collect books.
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Suffixes - 2 with meanings
Suffix - Meaning - example
1). er, or - one who; person or thing that does something; or - condition, activity
e.g - In Porter PORT is a root word which means to carry and ER is the suffix meaning one who, thus porter means a person who carries things.
Error means condition of being wrong.
2). oid - like or resembling.
e.g - Humanoid means having human characteristics or form.
Note - Nouns ending in -oid form adjectives by adding the suffix -al e.g spheroid, spheroidal.
3). ose - possessing; having the characteristics of; full of.
e.g - Verbose means using or containing too many words.
4). ism - the act, state, or theory of, belief
e.g - Fascism means a political theory advocating an authoritarian hierarchical government (as opposed to democracy or liberalism)
5). fic - doing, making, producing, or causing (the thing specified in the initial element)
e.g - Horrific means causing horror.
1). er, or - one who; person or thing that does something; or - condition, activity
e.g - In Porter PORT is a root word which means to carry and ER is the suffix meaning one who, thus porter means a person who carries things.
Error means condition of being wrong.
2). oid - like or resembling.
e.g - Humanoid means having human characteristics or form.
Note - Nouns ending in -oid form adjectives by adding the suffix -al e.g spheroid, spheroidal.
3). ose - possessing; having the characteristics of; full of.
e.g - Verbose means using or containing too many words.
4). ism - the act, state, or theory of, belief
e.g - Fascism means a political theory advocating an authoritarian hierarchical government (as opposed to democracy or liberalism)
5). fic - doing, making, producing, or causing (the thing specified in the initial element)
e.g - Horrific means causing horror.
Word power -2 -- root : ag, act
Latin root ag, act means to do, perform actions, drive.
e.g - agenda, agile, enact, agent.
Agenda - listof things to be done, to be discussed or decided upon.
The agenda for the meeting is as follows....
Agile - active, able to move quickly and easily.
as agile as a monkey
Enact - perform (a part, play etc) on, make or pass (a decree)
Drama enacted by children
Recently a new bill was enacted by the Parliament.
Agent - a person who acts for or manages the affairs of, other people in business, politics etc.
a travel agent
e.g - agenda, agile, enact, agent.
Agenda - listof things to be done, to be discussed or decided upon.
The agenda for the meeting is as follows....
Agile - active, able to move quickly and easily.
as agile as a monkey
Enact - perform (a part, play etc) on, make or pass (a decree)
Drama enacted by children
Recently a new bill was enacted by the Parliament.
Agent - a person who acts for or manages the affairs of, other people in business, politics etc.
a travel agent
Friday, August 18, 2006
Suffixes - 1 with meanings
Suffix - Meaning - example
1). id - with a particular quality
e.g - In acrid ACR means sharp ID means quality in smells and tastes thus refers to a particular quality.
2). able, ible - capable of
e.g - In credible root word CRED means trust, believe and suffix IBLE means capable of , thus credible means that can be believed.
3). acy - state of
e.g - celibacy means (state of) living unmarried.
4). ant - full of
e.g - luxuriant means growing thickly and strongly for instance luxuriant tropical vegetation
5). ate - to make
e.g - legitimate means to make legal
1). id - with a particular quality
e.g - In acrid ACR means sharp ID means quality in smells and tastes thus refers to a particular quality.
2). able, ible - capable of
e.g - In credible root word CRED means trust, believe and suffix IBLE means capable of , thus credible means that can be believed.
3). acy - state of
e.g - celibacy means (state of) living unmarried.
4). ant - full of
e.g - luxuriant means growing thickly and strongly for instance luxuriant tropical vegetation
5). ate - to make
e.g - legitimate means to make legal
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Few deceptive GRE Words
Words that are often thrown on the GRE to fool the test-takers as they do not resemble their meanings. e.g
Restive -- on edge (for example you would think of “rest/resting” but instead its not, that is deceptive vocabulary)
Protean -- variable
Noisome -- foul smelling
Prolix -- rambling & wordy
Tortuous -- full of plot twists
Obviate -- to make unnecessary
Ponderous -- bogged down, tedious
Equivocate -- to use ambiguous language with deceptive intent
The above is from the link below
7 must know deceptive words for GRE
Restive -- on edge (for example you would think of “rest/resting” but instead its not, that is deceptive vocabulary)
Protean -- variable
Noisome -- foul smelling
Prolix -- rambling & wordy
Tortuous -- full of plot twists
Obviate -- to make unnecessary
Ponderous -- bogged down, tedious
Equivocate -- to use ambiguous language with deceptive intent
The above is from the link below
7 must know deceptive words for GRE
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Word power -1 -- root : ac, acr, acu
Latin root ac, acr, acu means keen, sharp, unpleasantly bitter
e.g - acrid, acrimony, acuity, acute, acerbic, acumen, acupuncture.
Acrid - having sharp quality in smells and taste; bitter or burning to the senses; bitter in temper or manner
An acrid dispute
Acrid fumes from burning rubber
Acrimony - sharpness of speech or temper; bitterness of manner or words
The dispute was settled without acrimony
Acuity - sharpness of mind, thought, vision or hearing; quick in understanding
The teacher has great mental acuity
Acumen - sharpness of mind; intelligence; ability to take good decisions; shrewdness.
Display great political acumen
Acid - sharp; sour
Vinegar has an acid taste.
Acerbic - sharp and harsh
An acerbic remark
Online link to Root Words Suffix Prefix
e.g - acrid, acrimony, acuity, acute, acerbic, acumen, acupuncture.
Acrid - having sharp quality in smells and taste; bitter or burning to the senses; bitter in temper or manner
An acrid dispute
Acrid fumes from burning rubber
Acrimony - sharpness of speech or temper; bitterness of manner or words
The dispute was settled without acrimony
Acuity - sharpness of mind, thought, vision or hearing; quick in understanding
The teacher has great mental acuity
Acumen - sharpness of mind; intelligence; ability to take good decisions; shrewdness.
Display great political acumen
Acid - sharp; sour
Vinegar has an acid taste.
Acerbic - sharp and harsh
An acerbic remark
Online link to Root Words Suffix Prefix
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Good GRE Links !
GRE sample questions
Practice Exercises GRE
Roots Download Link
Online vocabulary testing link
word flash online
Practice Exercises GRE
Roots Download Link
Online vocabulary testing link
word flash online
Download link for strenghtening your vocabulary
Link below is maintained by princeton
Another good GRE Link
Saturday, July 29, 2006
Links to various wordlists
1). http://wordlist.gredic.com/
2). 299 most frequently occuring words.
http://wordlist.gredic.com/hotlist.html
3).Wordhacker
4). http://www.freevocabulary.com
5). GRE Big Book Wordlist
http://www.vyomworld.com/gre/wl.asp
6). http://supervoca.net/grelist.cgi/
7). Word Usage Example for GRE Words
http://supervoca.net/example/gre.html
8). http://www.greword.com/
2). 299 most frequently occuring words.
http://wordlist.gredic.com/hotlist.html
3).Wordhacker
4). http://www.freevocabulary.com
5). GRE Big Book Wordlist
http://www.vyomworld.com/gre/wl.asp
6). http://supervoca.net/grelist.cgi/
7). Word Usage Example for GRE Words
http://supervoca.net/example/gre.html
8). http://www.greword.com/
Monday, July 24, 2006
Antonyms 1, 2, 3, 4
1). LOQUACIOUS:
(A) Tranquil.
(B) Skeptical.
(C) Morose.
(D) Taciturn.
(E) Witty.
2). REPINE:
(A) Intensify.
(B) Excuse.
(C) Express joy.
(D) Feel sure.
(E) Rush forward.
3). INVETERATE:
(A) Casual.
(B) Public.
(C) Satisfactory.
(D) Trustworthy.
(E) Sophisticated
4). UNDERMINE:
(A) Submerge.
(B) Supersede.
(C) Overhaul.
(D) Undergird.
(E) Intersperse.
Answers -
1). Correct option is D . Loquacious means talkative.
Tranquil - means calm and peaceful, referring to the lack of noise. Noisy is not the same as talkative.
Skeptical - means doubtful. Believing something to be true or not doubting is not the same as talkative.
Morose - means peevish, moody and ill humored. To be cheerful is not the same as talkative.
Taciturn - means disinclined to speak. or inclined to silence. This is the exact opposite of loquacious.
Intersperse - means witty or clever
2). Correct ans is C . To repine is to feel or express discontent or dejection, or to long for something.
Intensify - decrease in intensity is not the same as repine.
Not to excuse, forgive and to take exception to is not the repine
Expressing joy encompasses the entire connotation of the word repine as an antonym.
Feeling sure itself is the opposite of feeling unsure, is not the same as complaining or being in a dreadful, regretful state.
The opposite of to rush forward is to move slowly forward or rush backward. These are not the same as repine.
3). The correct ans is A . Inveterate means firmly established by persistence, or confirmed in a habit.
Public - private is not inveterate.
Satisfactory - unsatisfactory is not inveterate or habitual.
Casual indicates an attitude that is neither deep seated nor a compulsive characteristic, for example: a casual playing of cards. It is not an obsession or a regular habit that is suggested by its opposite 'inveterate'.
Trustworthy - untrustworthy is not habitual, unchanging, etc.
Sophisticated - unsophisticated is not habitual.
4). Correct answer is D. Undermine means weaken, decrease the strength, to injure or destroy by secret means suddenly.
Submerge is to immerse completely in underwater. Removing out of water is not undermining.
Supersede means take the place of, replace, take precedence over, thereby nullifying the other. Not replacing is not the same as undermining.
Overhaul means to repair or restore to serviceable condition. Overhauling means bring back to a workable stage. It also means to overtake. Not overtaking is not the same as undermining.
Undergird means providing foundational support, securing strong base, strengthening, supporting, is the opposite of 'undermine'.
To intersperse means to scatter here and there, is not the equivalent of undermine.
(A) Tranquil.
(B) Skeptical.
(C) Morose.
(D) Taciturn.
(E) Witty.
2). REPINE:
(A) Intensify.
(B) Excuse.
(C) Express joy.
(D) Feel sure.
(E) Rush forward.
3). INVETERATE:
(A) Casual.
(B) Public.
(C) Satisfactory.
(D) Trustworthy.
(E) Sophisticated
4). UNDERMINE:
(A) Submerge.
(B) Supersede.
(C) Overhaul.
(D) Undergird.
(E) Intersperse.
Answers -
1). Correct option is D . Loquacious means talkative.
Tranquil - means calm and peaceful, referring to the lack of noise. Noisy is not the same as talkative.
Skeptical - means doubtful. Believing something to be true or not doubting is not the same as talkative.
Morose - means peevish, moody and ill humored. To be cheerful is not the same as talkative.
Taciturn - means disinclined to speak. or inclined to silence. This is the exact opposite of loquacious.
Intersperse - means witty or clever
2). Correct ans is C . To repine is to feel or express discontent or dejection, or to long for something.
Intensify - decrease in intensity is not the same as repine.
Not to excuse, forgive and to take exception to is not the repine
Expressing joy encompasses the entire connotation of the word repine as an antonym.
Feeling sure itself is the opposite of feeling unsure, is not the same as complaining or being in a dreadful, regretful state.
The opposite of to rush forward is to move slowly forward or rush backward. These are not the same as repine.
3). The correct ans is A . Inveterate means firmly established by persistence, or confirmed in a habit.
Public - private is not inveterate.
Satisfactory - unsatisfactory is not inveterate or habitual.
Casual indicates an attitude that is neither deep seated nor a compulsive characteristic, for example: a casual playing of cards. It is not an obsession or a regular habit that is suggested by its opposite 'inveterate'.
Trustworthy - untrustworthy is not habitual, unchanging, etc.
Sophisticated - unsophisticated is not habitual.
4). Correct answer is D. Undermine means weaken, decrease the strength, to injure or destroy by secret means suddenly.
Submerge is to immerse completely in underwater. Removing out of water is not undermining.
Supersede means take the place of, replace, take precedence over, thereby nullifying the other. Not replacing is not the same as undermining.
Overhaul means to repair or restore to serviceable condition. Overhauling means bring back to a workable stage. It also means to overtake. Not overtaking is not the same as undermining.
Undergird means providing foundational support, securing strong base, strengthening, supporting, is the opposite of 'undermine'.
To intersperse means to scatter here and there, is not the equivalent of undermine.
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Tips for Antonyms
GRE verbal section generally includes 9 questions on Antonyms
1) Try to define the stem word.
e.g
a) tempestuous ---- Related Word: temper
b) perturbation ---- Related Word: perturbed
c) severance ---- Related Word: sever
2) Put the word in context. When we speak, we use words in phrases in sentences, rather than in isolation. Yet words that we understand fully in sentences may appear unfamiliar when we view them in isolation. When you see a word on the GRE, put it in context to better understand its meaning.
e.g
a) savant -- "idiot savant" -- means genious
b) gratuitous -- "gratuitous violence" -- means unnecessary
c) requiem -- "requiem for a heavyweight" -- means rest
3) Test the word for positive or negative connotations.
a) Any word that starts with "de-", "dis-" or "anti-" is usually negative. This includes degradation, discrepancy, debase, antipathy
b) Words that include the concept of going up are usually positive, while those that include the concept of going down are usually negative.
Positive -- elevate, ascend, adulation, illustrious
Negative -- decline, suborn, derision, consecrate
4) Words that look similar, but have different meanings.
e.g -- ambulance/ambulatory , suffer/suffrage, friend/fiend, platitude/gratitude, inspired/insipid, vicious/viscous, noble/ignoble
5) Don't overlook rare meanings of words, as they are commonly used on the GRE. The parts of speech in an antonym problem will be consistent throughout the problem. If the given word is a verb, all of the answer choices will also be verbs. This helps you to quickly determine if the word is being used in a secondary sense, as common words have differnet meanings if they are used as verbs, nouns or adjectives.
Words that are commonly used as both nouns and verbs:
curb -- document -- table -- harbor -- rent -- steep -- flower --bolt -- champion -- air -- bustle
6) Try to define the opposite and predict an answer for the given word. Whenever possible, you should have an idea of what you're looking for before you check the answer choices. Consciously predicting an answer will reduce the chances that you'll select a choice that's a synonym of the stem word, rather than an antonym.
7) Find the answer choice that best matches your prediction. Check all the choices for the best fit. If necessary, consider alternative definitions for the stem word.
8) Use guessing strategies, if necessary.
a) Eliminate answer choices that have no clear opposite.
b) If two (or more) choices have the same meaning, eliminate both.
c) Use the "sense" of a word to eliminate probable wrong answers: if the stem is positive, the correct answer will be negative, and vice versa.
1) Try to define the stem word.
e.g
a) tempestuous ---- Related Word: temper
b) perturbation ---- Related Word: perturbed
c) severance ---- Related Word: sever
2) Put the word in context. When we speak, we use words in phrases in sentences, rather than in isolation. Yet words that we understand fully in sentences may appear unfamiliar when we view them in isolation. When you see a word on the GRE, put it in context to better understand its meaning.
e.g
a) savant -- "idiot savant" -- means genious
b) gratuitous -- "gratuitous violence" -- means unnecessary
c) requiem -- "requiem for a heavyweight" -- means rest
3) Test the word for positive or negative connotations.
a) Any word that starts with "de-", "dis-" or "anti-" is usually negative. This includes degradation, discrepancy, debase, antipathy
b) Words that include the concept of going up are usually positive, while those that include the concept of going down are usually negative.
Positive -- elevate, ascend, adulation, illustrious
Negative -- decline, suborn, derision, consecrate
4) Words that look similar, but have different meanings.
e.g -- ambulance/ambulatory , suffer/suffrage, friend/fiend, platitude/gratitude, inspired/insipid, vicious/viscous, noble/ignoble
5) Don't overlook rare meanings of words, as they are commonly used on the GRE. The parts of speech in an antonym problem will be consistent throughout the problem. If the given word is a verb, all of the answer choices will also be verbs. This helps you to quickly determine if the word is being used in a secondary sense, as common words have differnet meanings if they are used as verbs, nouns or adjectives.
Words that are commonly used as both nouns and verbs:
curb -- document -- table -- harbor -- rent -- steep -- flower --bolt -- champion -- air -- bustle
6) Try to define the opposite and predict an answer for the given word. Whenever possible, you should have an idea of what you're looking for before you check the answer choices. Consciously predicting an answer will reduce the chances that you'll select a choice that's a synonym of the stem word, rather than an antonym.
7) Find the answer choice that best matches your prediction. Check all the choices for the best fit. If necessary, consider alternative definitions for the stem word.
8) Use guessing strategies, if necessary.
a) Eliminate answer choices that have no clear opposite.
b) If two (or more) choices have the same meaning, eliminate both.
c) Use the "sense" of a word to eliminate probable wrong answers: if the stem is positive, the correct answer will be negative, and vice versa.
Examples
1). METTLE:
(A) ad hoc
(B) perdition
(C) woe
(D) trepidation
(E) apathy
Ans - 1). D is correct. Mettle means character or courage. The opposite is trepidation, which means fear.
2). ABRIDGE:
(A) distend
(B) assail
(C) unfetter
(D) enfeeble
(E) prove
Ans - 2). A is correct. Abridge means to shorten. The opposite is distend, which means to swell or protrude.
3. FANATICISM:
(A) delusion
(B) fascism
(C) remorse
(D) cynicism
(E) indifference
Ans - 3). E is correct. Fanaticism means overenthusiastic. The opposite is indifferent.
4. MUTABILITY:
(A) simplicity
(B) apprehension
(C) frailty
(D) maverick
(E) tenacity
Ans - 4). E is correct. Mutability means changing. Tenacity is the opposite.
5. INEXORABLE:
(A) surrepitious
(B) tractable
(C) jaded
(D) ionoclast
(E) garish
Ans - 5. B is correct. Inexorable means rigid or uncompromising. The opposite is tractable, or yielding.
6. UNCOUTH:
(A) urbane
(B) travail
(C) sentient
(D) prevaricate
(E) maladroit
Ans - 6). A is correct. Uncouth means crude. The opposite is urbane, or sophisticated.
7. VOCIFERATE:
(A) turgid
(B) listen
(C) resurgent
(D) rapacity
(E) vilify
Ans - 7). B is correct. Vociferate means to shout. The opposite is to listen or be silent.
8. DISPERSE:
(A) account for
(B) gather up
(C) apply to
(D) concentrate on
(E) take apart
Ans - 8). B is correct. Disperse means to scatter. The opposite is to gather up.
9. VENERATE:
(A) detest
(B) disrespect
(C) renew
(D) uncover
(E) deserve
Ans - 9). B is correct. Venerate is to treat with respect. The opposite is disrespect
10. OBLIVIOUS:
(A) visible
(B) subtle
(C) active
(D) intelligent
(E) mindful
Ans - 10). B is correct. Oblivious means unaware. The opposite is mindful.
Click on link below to view more examples
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
GRE -- Tips for Analogies
ANALOGIES
A). SYNONYMS - Synonyms are words that have similar meanings. True synonyms are from the same part of speech.
However, we will also classify as synonyms words which have similar meaning but come from different parts of speech,
for example: UNRULY (adjective) : LAWLESSNESS (noun).
Example: PERSPICACIOUS : INSIGHT ::
(A) ardent : quickness
(B) warm : temperature
(C) wealthy : scarcity
(D) rapacious : magnanimity
(E) churlish : enmity
PERSPICACIOUS and INSIGHT are synonyms, both mean "sharp, keen of mind." Similarly, CHURLISH and ENMITY are synonyms; both mean "dislike, rudeness." The answer is (E).
B). ANTONYMS - Antonyms are words that have opposite meanings. Just as there are few (if any) exact synonyms, there are few (if any) exact antonyms.
In the antonym pair EGOIST : ALTRUISM, an EGOIST is one who thinks only of himself, whereas ALTRUISM is characteristic of one who thinks of all humanity.
Often, however, the antonym pair are direct opposites as in the pair REMAIN : DEPART.
Example: UNPRECEDENTED : PREVIOUS OCCURRENCE ::
(A) naive : harmony
(B) incomparable : equal
(C) improper : vacillation
(D) eccentric : intensity
(E) random : recidivism
UNPRECEDENTED means "without PREVIOUS OCCURRENCE." Similarly, INCOMPARABLE means "without EQUAL." The answer is (B).
Note: In the other answer-pairs there is no clear relationship between the words. Hence, this problem can also be solved by elimination, without even knowing the meanings of the original pair.
C). MEMBER AND CLASS - Member and class analogies are usually easy problems (the first third of an analogy section). In this type of analogy, the first word may be an element of the class that the second word describes, or vice versa. This category can also be classified as "Type Of."
Example: SNAKE : INVERTEBRATE ::
(A) dolphin : fish
(B) eagle : talon
(C) boa constrictor : backbone
(D) penguin : bird
(E) bat : insect
A SNAKE is a type of INVERTEBRATE; likewise a PENGUIN is a type of BIRD. The answer is (D).
Beware of choice (C). It's an eye-catcher. Although a BOA CONSTRICTOR is a SNAKE, it, like all snakes, does not have a BACKBONE.
D). DEGREE OF INTENSITY - The writers of the GRE consider these problems to be hard. However, once you get used to them, they can become routine. In a degree-of-intensity analogy, the two words express a similar concept, but one word is stronger, harsher, or more intense than the other.
Example: INTEREST : OBSESSION ::
(A) faith : caprice
(B) nonchalance : insouciance
(C) diligence : assiduity
(D) decimation : annihilation
(E) alacrity: procrastination
OBSESSION is extreme, unending INTEREST. Similarly, ANNIHILATION is complete DECIMATION. The answer is (D).
Note, DECIMATION does not mean complete destruction; it literally means the destruction of one tenth of a population. By extension, it means widespread, but not complete, destruction.
Note, the degree of intensity in the answer-pair must be the same as in the original pair. In the pair INTEREST : OBSESSION the degree of intensity is from moderate to extreme; the same is true of the pair DECIMATION: ANNIHILATION .
E). PART TO WHOLE - In this type of analogy, the first word is part of the second word. The order can also be whole to part.
Example: ACTORS : TROUPE ::
(A) plotters : cabal
(B) professors : tenure
(C) workers : bourgeoisie
(D) diplomats : government
(E) directors : cast
A TROUPE is a group of ACTORS. Similarly, a CABAL is a group of PLOTTERS. The answer is (A).
Be wary of the pair DIRECTORS : CAST it's an eye-catcher: CAST reminds one of TROUPE. In fact, a TROUPE is a CAST.
F). DEFINITION - This is probably the most common type of analogy problem. In a definitional analogy one of the words can be used to define the other.
Example: COFFER : VALUABLES ::
(A) mountain : avalanche
(B) book : paper
(C) vault : trifles
(D) sanctuary : refuge
(E) sea : waves
By definition, a coffer is a container in which to store valuables. Similarly, a SANCTUARY is by definition a place of REFUGE. The answer is (D).
Sometimes the definition is only partial: stating only one of the characteristics of the word.
Example: LION : CARNIVORE ::
(A) man : vegetarian
(B) ape : ponderer
(C) lizard : mammal
(D) buffalo : omnivore
(E) shark : scavenger
A defining characteristic of a LION is that it is CARNIVOROUS, meat-eating. Similarly, a defining characteristic of a SHARK is that it is a SCAVENGER. The answer is (E).
G). LACK OF - This sub-category of the definition type of analogy is important and common enough to warrant a name. In this type of analogy one word describes the absence of the other word.
Example: DISHEARTENED : HOPE ::
(A) enervated : ennui
(B) buoyant : effervescence
(C) amoral : ethics
(D) munificent : altruism
(E) nefarious : turpitude
DISHEARTENED means without HOPE. Likewise, AMORAL means without ETHICS. The answer is (C). Note, AMORAL does not mean immoral. If you commit an AMORAL act, you are not aware that you actions are unethical; whereas if you commit an immoral act, then you realize that your actions are wrong.
H). MANNER - This type of analogy describes the manner, way, or style by which an action is accomplished.
Example: PRATTLE : SPEAK ::
(A) accept : reject
(B) stomp : patter
(C) heed : listen
(D) promenade : walk
(E) ejaculate : shout
PRATTLE means to SPEAK in an idle, casual manner. Similarly, PROMENADE means to WALK in a casual manner. The answer is (D).
Note, the pair EJACULATE : SHOUT is an eye-catcher since both words describe a manner of speaking.
I). FUNCTION - This type of analogy describes the purpose or function of something.
Example: MNEMONIC : MEMORY ::
(A) demonstration : manifestation
(B) pacemaker : heartbeat
(C) sanction : recall
(D) rhetoric : treatise
(E) impasse : fruition
A MNEMONIC functions to aid MEMORY. Similarly, a PACEMAKER aids in the regulation of one's HEARTBEAT. The answer is (B).
J). ACTION & SIGNIFICANCE In this type of analogy one word describes an action and the other word indicates the significance of the action.
Example: CURTSY : REVERENCE ::
(A) assume : disguise
(B) bestir : deferment
(C) fret : contentment
(D) forgo : diversion
(E) fidget : uneasiness
A CURTSY (bow) is a sign of REVERENCE. Similarly, FIDGETING is a sign of UNEASINESS The answer is (E).
K). PERTAINING TO - In this type of analogy, one word refers to the category or class the other word belongs to. An example will illustrate.
Example: DIDACTIC : TEACH ::
(A) specious : revile
(B) cunning : steal
(C) forensic : debate
(D) troubled : broach
(E) puissant : injure
DIDACTIC refers to the teaching process. Similarly, FORENSIC refers to the debating process. The answer is (C).
L). SYMBOL & REPRESENTATION - In this type of analogy, one word stands for or represents a concept, action, or thing. An example will illustrate.
Example: CARET : INSERT::
(A) colon : sever
(B) pie : exponentiate
(C) gun : lance
(D) period : stop
(E) scalpel : delete
A CARET (^) is an editing symbol that indicates where a word should be INSERTED. Similarly, a PERIOD is a grammatical symbol indicating a STOP. The answer is (D).
Link to GRE Analogies questions -- http://greanalogies.blogspot.com
A). SYNONYMS - Synonyms are words that have similar meanings. True synonyms are from the same part of speech.
However, we will also classify as synonyms words which have similar meaning but come from different parts of speech,
for example: UNRULY (adjective) : LAWLESSNESS (noun).
Example: PERSPICACIOUS : INSIGHT ::
(A) ardent : quickness
(B) warm : temperature
(C) wealthy : scarcity
(D) rapacious : magnanimity
(E) churlish : enmity
PERSPICACIOUS and INSIGHT are synonyms, both mean "sharp, keen of mind." Similarly, CHURLISH and ENMITY are synonyms; both mean "dislike, rudeness." The answer is (E).
B). ANTONYMS - Antonyms are words that have opposite meanings. Just as there are few (if any) exact synonyms, there are few (if any) exact antonyms.
In the antonym pair EGOIST : ALTRUISM, an EGOIST is one who thinks only of himself, whereas ALTRUISM is characteristic of one who thinks of all humanity.
Often, however, the antonym pair are direct opposites as in the pair REMAIN : DEPART.
Example: UNPRECEDENTED : PREVIOUS OCCURRENCE ::
(A) naive : harmony
(B) incomparable : equal
(C) improper : vacillation
(D) eccentric : intensity
(E) random : recidivism
UNPRECEDENTED means "without PREVIOUS OCCURRENCE." Similarly, INCOMPARABLE means "without EQUAL." The answer is (B).
Note: In the other answer-pairs there is no clear relationship between the words. Hence, this problem can also be solved by elimination, without even knowing the meanings of the original pair.
C). MEMBER AND CLASS - Member and class analogies are usually easy problems (the first third of an analogy section). In this type of analogy, the first word may be an element of the class that the second word describes, or vice versa. This category can also be classified as "Type Of."
Example: SNAKE : INVERTEBRATE ::
(A) dolphin : fish
(B) eagle : talon
(C) boa constrictor : backbone
(D) penguin : bird
(E) bat : insect
A SNAKE is a type of INVERTEBRATE; likewise a PENGUIN is a type of BIRD. The answer is (D).
Beware of choice (C). It's an eye-catcher. Although a BOA CONSTRICTOR is a SNAKE, it, like all snakes, does not have a BACKBONE.
D). DEGREE OF INTENSITY - The writers of the GRE consider these problems to be hard. However, once you get used to them, they can become routine. In a degree-of-intensity analogy, the two words express a similar concept, but one word is stronger, harsher, or more intense than the other.
Example: INTEREST : OBSESSION ::
(A) faith : caprice
(B) nonchalance : insouciance
(C) diligence : assiduity
(D) decimation : annihilation
(E) alacrity: procrastination
OBSESSION is extreme, unending INTEREST. Similarly, ANNIHILATION is complete DECIMATION. The answer is (D).
Note, DECIMATION does not mean complete destruction; it literally means the destruction of one tenth of a population. By extension, it means widespread, but not complete, destruction.
Note, the degree of intensity in the answer-pair must be the same as in the original pair. In the pair INTEREST : OBSESSION the degree of intensity is from moderate to extreme; the same is true of the pair DECIMATION: ANNIHILATION .
E). PART TO WHOLE - In this type of analogy, the first word is part of the second word. The order can also be whole to part.
Example: ACTORS : TROUPE ::
(A) plotters : cabal
(B) professors : tenure
(C) workers : bourgeoisie
(D) diplomats : government
(E) directors : cast
A TROUPE is a group of ACTORS. Similarly, a CABAL is a group of PLOTTERS. The answer is (A).
Be wary of the pair DIRECTORS : CAST it's an eye-catcher: CAST reminds one of TROUPE. In fact, a TROUPE is a CAST.
F). DEFINITION - This is probably the most common type of analogy problem. In a definitional analogy one of the words can be used to define the other.
Example: COFFER : VALUABLES ::
(A) mountain : avalanche
(B) book : paper
(C) vault : trifles
(D) sanctuary : refuge
(E) sea : waves
By definition, a coffer is a container in which to store valuables. Similarly, a SANCTUARY is by definition a place of REFUGE. The answer is (D).
Sometimes the definition is only partial: stating only one of the characteristics of the word.
Example: LION : CARNIVORE ::
(A) man : vegetarian
(B) ape : ponderer
(C) lizard : mammal
(D) buffalo : omnivore
(E) shark : scavenger
A defining characteristic of a LION is that it is CARNIVOROUS, meat-eating. Similarly, a defining characteristic of a SHARK is that it is a SCAVENGER. The answer is (E).
G). LACK OF - This sub-category of the definition type of analogy is important and common enough to warrant a name. In this type of analogy one word describes the absence of the other word.
Example: DISHEARTENED : HOPE ::
(A) enervated : ennui
(B) buoyant : effervescence
(C) amoral : ethics
(D) munificent : altruism
(E) nefarious : turpitude
DISHEARTENED means without HOPE. Likewise, AMORAL means without ETHICS. The answer is (C). Note, AMORAL does not mean immoral. If you commit an AMORAL act, you are not aware that you actions are unethical; whereas if you commit an immoral act, then you realize that your actions are wrong.
H). MANNER - This type of analogy describes the manner, way, or style by which an action is accomplished.
Example: PRATTLE : SPEAK ::
(A) accept : reject
(B) stomp : patter
(C) heed : listen
(D) promenade : walk
(E) ejaculate : shout
PRATTLE means to SPEAK in an idle, casual manner. Similarly, PROMENADE means to WALK in a casual manner. The answer is (D).
Note, the pair EJACULATE : SHOUT is an eye-catcher since both words describe a manner of speaking.
I). FUNCTION - This type of analogy describes the purpose or function of something.
Example: MNEMONIC : MEMORY ::
(A) demonstration : manifestation
(B) pacemaker : heartbeat
(C) sanction : recall
(D) rhetoric : treatise
(E) impasse : fruition
A MNEMONIC functions to aid MEMORY. Similarly, a PACEMAKER aids in the regulation of one's HEARTBEAT. The answer is (B).
J). ACTION & SIGNIFICANCE In this type of analogy one word describes an action and the other word indicates the significance of the action.
Example: CURTSY : REVERENCE ::
(A) assume : disguise
(B) bestir : deferment
(C) fret : contentment
(D) forgo : diversion
(E) fidget : uneasiness
A CURTSY (bow) is a sign of REVERENCE. Similarly, FIDGETING is a sign of UNEASINESS The answer is (E).
K). PERTAINING TO - In this type of analogy, one word refers to the category or class the other word belongs to. An example will illustrate.
Example: DIDACTIC : TEACH ::
(A) specious : revile
(B) cunning : steal
(C) forensic : debate
(D) troubled : broach
(E) puissant : injure
DIDACTIC refers to the teaching process. Similarly, FORENSIC refers to the debating process. The answer is (C).
L). SYMBOL & REPRESENTATION - In this type of analogy, one word stands for or represents a concept, action, or thing. An example will illustrate.
Example: CARET : INSERT::
(A) colon : sever
(B) pie : exponentiate
(C) gun : lance
(D) period : stop
(E) scalpel : delete
A CARET (^) is an editing symbol that indicates where a word should be INSERTED. Similarly, a PERIOD is a grammatical symbol indicating a STOP. The answer is (D).
Link to GRE Analogies questions -- http://greanalogies.blogspot.com
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
GRE - Wordlist (Barron)
The Barron's wordlist is given below, click on the links below to see the words and their respective meanings.
Alphabet A
Alphabet B
Alphabet C
Alphabet D
Alphabet E
Alphabet F
Alphabet G
Alphabet H
Alphabet I
Alphabet J, K
Alphabet L
Alphabet M
Alphabet N
Alphabet O
Alphabet P
Alphabet Q
Alphabet R
Alphabet S
Alphabet T
Alphabet U
Alphabet V
Alphabet W, X, Y, Z
Alphabet A
Alphabet B
Alphabet C
Alphabet D
Alphabet E
Alphabet F
Alphabet G
Alphabet H
Alphabet I
Alphabet J, K
Alphabet L
Alphabet M
Alphabet N
Alphabet O
Alphabet P
Alphabet Q
Alphabet R
Alphabet S
Alphabet T
Alphabet U
Alphabet V
Alphabet W, X, Y, Z
GRE -- Tips for Sentence Completion
SENTENCE COMPLETION
1). Before You Look At The Answer-Choices, Think Of A Word That "Fits" The Sentence.
Example: Crestfallen by having done poorly on the GRE, Susan began to question her abilities. Her self-confidence was ..........
(A) appeased
(B) destroyed
(C) placated
(D) elevated
(E) sustained
If somebody is crestfallen (despairing) and has begun to question herself, then her self-confidence would be destroyed. Hence, the answer is (B).
2). Be alert to transitional words.Transitional words tell you what is coming up. They indicate that the author is now going to draw a contrast with something stated previously, or support something stated previously.
i). Contrast Indicators - To contrast two things is to point out how they differ. In this type of sentence completion problem, we look for a word that has the opposite meaning (an antonym) of some key word or phrase in the sentence.
Following are some of the most common contrast indicators:
But
Yet
Despite
Although
However
Nevertheless
Example: Although the warring parties had settled a number of disputes, past experience made them .......... to express optimism that the talks would be a success.
(A) rash
(B) ambivalent
(C) scornful
(D) overjoyed
(E) reticent
"Although" sets up a contrast between what has occurred--success on some issues--and what can be expected to occur--success for the whole talks. Hence, the parties are reluctant to express optimism. The common word "reluctant" is not offered as an answer-choice, but a synonym--reticent--is. The answer is (E).
ii). Support Indicators - Supporting words support or further explain what has already been said. These words often introduce synonyms for words elsewhere in the sentence.
Following are some common supporting words:
And
Also
Furthermore
Likewise
In Addition
For
Example: Davis is an opprobrious and .......... speaker, equally caustic toward friend or foe--a true curmudgeon.
(A) lofty
(B) vituperative
(C) unstinting
(D) retiring
(E) laudatory
"And" in the sentence indicates that the missing adjective is similar in meaning to "opprobrious," which is very negative. Now, vituperative--the only negative word--means "abusive." Hence, the answer is (B).
iii). Cause And Effect Indicators - These words indicate that one thing causes another to occur.
Some of the most common cause and effect indicators are
Because
For
Thus
Hence
Therefore
If , Then .
Example: Because the House has the votes to override a presidential veto, the President has no choice but to ..........
(A) object
(B) abdicate
(C) abstain
(D) capitulate
(E) compromise
Since the House has the votes to pass the bill or motion, the President would be wise to compromise and make the best of the situation. The answer is (E).
3). Apposition - This rather advanced grammatical structure is very common on the GRE. (Don't confuse "apposition" with "opposition": they have opposite meanings.)
Words or phrases in apposition are placed next to each other, and the second word or phrase defines, clarifies, or gives evidence to the first word or phrase.
The second word or phrase will be set off from the first by a comma, semicolon, hyphen, or parentheses.
Note: If a comma is not followed by a linking word--such as and, for, yet--then the following phrase is probably appositional.
Identifying an appositional structure, can greatly simplify a sentence completion problem since the appositional word, phrase, or clause will define the missing word.
Example: His novels are .......... ; he uses a long circumlocution when a direct coupling of a simple subject and verb would be best.
(A) prolix
(B) pedestrian
(C) succinct
(D) vapid
(E) risque
The sentence has no linking words (such as because, although, etc.). Hence, the phrase following the semicolon is in apposition to the missing word--it defines or further clarifies the missing word. Now, writing filled with circumlocutions is aptly described as prolix. The answer is (A).
1). Before You Look At The Answer-Choices, Think Of A Word That "Fits" The Sentence.
Example: Crestfallen by having done poorly on the GRE, Susan began to question her abilities. Her self-confidence was ..........
(A) appeased
(B) destroyed
(C) placated
(D) elevated
(E) sustained
If somebody is crestfallen (despairing) and has begun to question herself, then her self-confidence would be destroyed. Hence, the answer is (B).
2). Be alert to transitional words.Transitional words tell you what is coming up. They indicate that the author is now going to draw a contrast with something stated previously, or support something stated previously.
i). Contrast Indicators - To contrast two things is to point out how they differ. In this type of sentence completion problem, we look for a word that has the opposite meaning (an antonym) of some key word or phrase in the sentence.
Following are some of the most common contrast indicators:
But
Yet
Despite
Although
However
Nevertheless
Example: Although the warring parties had settled a number of disputes, past experience made them .......... to express optimism that the talks would be a success.
(A) rash
(B) ambivalent
(C) scornful
(D) overjoyed
(E) reticent
"Although" sets up a contrast between what has occurred--success on some issues--and what can be expected to occur--success for the whole talks. Hence, the parties are reluctant to express optimism. The common word "reluctant" is not offered as an answer-choice, but a synonym--reticent--is. The answer is (E).
ii). Support Indicators - Supporting words support or further explain what has already been said. These words often introduce synonyms for words elsewhere in the sentence.
Following are some common supporting words:
And
Also
Furthermore
Likewise
In Addition
For
Example: Davis is an opprobrious and .......... speaker, equally caustic toward friend or foe--a true curmudgeon.
(A) lofty
(B) vituperative
(C) unstinting
(D) retiring
(E) laudatory
"And" in the sentence indicates that the missing adjective is similar in meaning to "opprobrious," which is very negative. Now, vituperative--the only negative word--means "abusive." Hence, the answer is (B).
iii). Cause And Effect Indicators - These words indicate that one thing causes another to occur.
Some of the most common cause and effect indicators are
Because
For
Thus
Hence
Therefore
If , Then .
Example: Because the House has the votes to override a presidential veto, the President has no choice but to ..........
(A) object
(B) abdicate
(C) abstain
(D) capitulate
(E) compromise
Since the House has the votes to pass the bill or motion, the President would be wise to compromise and make the best of the situation. The answer is (E).
3). Apposition - This rather advanced grammatical structure is very common on the GRE. (Don't confuse "apposition" with "opposition": they have opposite meanings.)
Words or phrases in apposition are placed next to each other, and the second word or phrase defines, clarifies, or gives evidence to the first word or phrase.
The second word or phrase will be set off from the first by a comma, semicolon, hyphen, or parentheses.
Note: If a comma is not followed by a linking word--such as and, for, yet--then the following phrase is probably appositional.
Identifying an appositional structure, can greatly simplify a sentence completion problem since the appositional word, phrase, or clause will define the missing word.
Example: His novels are .......... ; he uses a long circumlocution when a direct coupling of a simple subject and verb would be best.
(A) prolix
(B) pedestrian
(C) succinct
(D) vapid
(E) risque
The sentence has no linking words (such as because, although, etc.). Hence, the phrase following the semicolon is in apposition to the missing word--it defines or further clarifies the missing word. Now, writing filled with circumlocutions is aptly described as prolix. The answer is (A).
Sunday, May 07, 2006
Wordlist apart from Barron's wordlist - 3
1.tarn...small mountain lake
2.tatterdemalion...ragged fellow
3.taurine...like a bull
4.teleology...doctrine of final causes
5.tenebrous...dasrk;gloomy
6.tergiversation...evasion;fickleness
7.theosophy...wisdom in diveine things
8.tocsin...alarm bell
9.trencherman...good eater
10.triolet... line stanza
11.troglodyte...cave dweller
12.trope...figure of speech
13.truckle...curry favour,act in a obsequious way
14.trumpery...objects that are showy,valueless,deceptive
15.turnkey...jailer
16.usufruct...right of enjoying things belonging to others
17.valance...short drapery hanging above window frame
18.valetudinarian...invalid
19.vellum...parchment
20.vituperate...spread negative information about
21.votary...follower of a cult
22.welkin...sky
2.tatterdemalion...ragged fellow
3.taurine...like a bull
4.teleology...doctrine of final causes
5.tenebrous...dasrk;gloomy
6.tergiversation...evasion;fickleness
7.theosophy...wisdom in diveine things
8.tocsin...alarm bell
9.trencherman...good eater
10.triolet... line stanza
11.troglodyte...cave dweller
12.trope...figure of speech
13.truckle...curry favour,act in a obsequious way
14.trumpery...objects that are showy,valueless,deceptive
15.turnkey...jailer
16.usufruct...right of enjoying things belonging to others
17.valance...short drapery hanging above window frame
18.valetudinarian...invalid
19.vellum...parchment
20.vituperate...spread negative information about
21.votary...follower of a cult
22.welkin...sky
Wordlist apart from Barron's wordlist - 2
1.idyll...a musical composition that evokes rural life.
2.imbrue...drench,stain especially with blood
3.imprimatur...permission to print a book
4.incarnadine...stain crimson or blood...colour
5.ingenue...an artless girl;an actress who plays such parts
6.integument...outer covering or skin
7.interlocutory...intermediate;not final
8.interstices...chinks;crevices
9.irrefragable...indisputable
10.jejune...lacking interest;barren;meager
11.jeremiad...lament;complain
12.kiosk...summerhouse;open pavilion
13.lackey...footman;yes...man;toady
14.lagniappe...trifling present given to a customer
15.lambent...flickering;softly radiant
16.lapidary...worker in precious stones
17.lave...wash
18.lesion...injury,unhealthy change in structure
19.libation...drink
20.lieu...instead of
21.lissom...agile,lithe
22.lupine...like a wolf
23.marauder...raider,intruder
24.maunder...talk incoherently;utter drivel
25.melange...medley
26.mesa...high flat...topped hill
27.mews...group of stables buil around a courtyard
28.moiety...half;part
29.moot...debataable
30.morganatic...marriage between a royal and a common
31.mugwump...defector from a party
32.murrain...plague;cattle disease
33.natal...pertaining to birth
34.nave...main body of a church
35.neap...lowest
36.necrology...list of teh dead
37.non sequitor...conclusion that doesn't follow from facts
stated
38.nonage...immaturity
39.nosegay...fragrant bouquet
40.objurgation...severe rebuke;scolding
41.oblation...the eucharist;pious donation
42.obliquity...departure from right principle;perversity
43.offal...waste;garbage
44.offertory...collection of money at relegious ceremony
45.orison...prayer
46.ovine...like a sheep
47.palaver...misleading speech;chatter
48.palliation...act of making less severe or violent
49.panoply...complete suit of armour
50.paregoric...medicine tha eases pain
51.parlous...dangerous;perilous
52.parturiotion...delivery;child...birth
53.parvenu...upstart,newly rich person
54.patrimony...inheritance from father
55.peculate...steal;embezzle
56.pelf...stolen property
57.pennate...having wings or feathers
58.perforce...of necessity
59.persiflage...flippant conversation;banter
60.picaresque...pertaining to rogues in literature
61.plebiscite...expression of will of people by direct election
62.plenipotentiary...fully empowered
63.poltroon...coward
64.postprandial...after dinner
65.purloin...steal
66.qui vive...wide awake;expectant
67.quibble...escape of main point of an argument
68.prorogue...dismiss parliament
69.recherche...choice;sought after
70.recreant...coward;betrayer of faith
71.recrudescence...reopening of a wound or sore
72.recusant...person who refuses to comply
73.refection...slight refreshment
74.renascence...revival of learning and culture
75.reticulated...covered with a network;having a mesh like appearence
76.rheumy...pertaining to discharge from nose and eyes
77.rime...white frosts
78.risible...inclined to laugh;ludicrous
79.risque...verging on the improper;off...colour
80.roan...brown mixed with gray or white
81.rood...crucifix
82.sacerdotal...priestly
83.saltatory...relating to leaping
84.salutatory...opening oration at commencement in american colleges
85.salver...tray
86.sangfroid...coolness in a trying situation
87.sapid...savory;tasty;relishable
88.sapient...wise;shrewd
89.sarcophagus...highly decorated stone coffin
90.savoir faire...poise;sophistication
91.scarify...make slight incisions in;scratch
92.sciolism...quackery;superficial information
93.screed...long tiresome harangue
94.scullion...menial kitchen worker
95.senescence...state of growing old
96.sequacious...eager to follow;ductile
97.serried...standing shoulder to shoulder;crowded
98.shibboleth...slogan;watchword
99.shoal...shallow place
100.slattern...untidy person
101.soupcon...suggestion;hint;taste
102.splenetic...peevish
103.spoliation...pillaging;plunder
104.spume...froth;foam
105.stertorous...having a snoring sound
106.sub rosa...in strict confidence
107.sudorific...pertaining to perspiration
108.sumptuary...limiting or regulating expenditures
109.supernal...heavenly;celestial
110.suppurate...create pulse
111.surcease...cessation
2.imbrue...drench,stain especially with blood
3.imprimatur...permission to print a book
4.incarnadine...stain crimson or blood...colour
5.ingenue...an artless girl;an actress who plays such parts
6.integument...outer covering or skin
7.interlocutory...intermediate;not final
8.interstices...chinks;crevices
9.irrefragable...indisputable
10.jejune...lacking interest;barren;meager
11.jeremiad...lament;complain
12.kiosk...summerhouse;open pavilion
13.lackey...footman;yes...man;toady
14.lagniappe...trifling present given to a customer
15.lambent...flickering;softly radiant
16.lapidary...worker in precious stones
17.lave...wash
18.lesion...injury,unhealthy change in structure
19.libation...drink
20.lieu...instead of
21.lissom...agile,lithe
22.lupine...like a wolf
23.marauder...raider,intruder
24.maunder...talk incoherently;utter drivel
25.melange...medley
26.mesa...high flat...topped hill
27.mews...group of stables buil around a courtyard
28.moiety...half;part
29.moot...debataable
30.morganatic...marriage between a royal and a common
31.mugwump...defector from a party
32.murrain...plague;cattle disease
33.natal...pertaining to birth
34.nave...main body of a church
35.neap...lowest
36.necrology...list of teh dead
37.non sequitor...conclusion that doesn't follow from facts
stated
38.nonage...immaturity
39.nosegay...fragrant bouquet
40.objurgation...severe rebuke;scolding
41.oblation...the eucharist;pious donation
42.obliquity...departure from right principle;perversity
43.offal...waste;garbage
44.offertory...collection of money at relegious ceremony
45.orison...prayer
46.ovine...like a sheep
47.palaver...misleading speech;chatter
48.palliation...act of making less severe or violent
49.panoply...complete suit of armour
50.paregoric...medicine tha eases pain
51.parlous...dangerous;perilous
52.parturiotion...delivery;child...birth
53.parvenu...upstart,newly rich person
54.patrimony...inheritance from father
55.peculate...steal;embezzle
56.pelf...stolen property
57.pennate...having wings or feathers
58.perforce...of necessity
59.persiflage...flippant conversation;banter
60.picaresque...pertaining to rogues in literature
61.plebiscite...expression of will of people by direct election
62.plenipotentiary...fully empowered
63.poltroon...coward
64.postprandial...after dinner
65.purloin...steal
66.qui vive...wide awake;expectant
67.quibble...escape of main point of an argument
68.prorogue...dismiss parliament
69.recherche...choice;sought after
70.recreant...coward;betrayer of faith
71.recrudescence...reopening of a wound or sore
72.recusant...person who refuses to comply
73.refection...slight refreshment
74.renascence...revival of learning and culture
75.reticulated...covered with a network;having a mesh like appearence
76.rheumy...pertaining to discharge from nose and eyes
77.rime...white frosts
78.risible...inclined to laugh;ludicrous
79.risque...verging on the improper;off...colour
80.roan...brown mixed with gray or white
81.rood...crucifix
82.sacerdotal...priestly
83.saltatory...relating to leaping
84.salutatory...opening oration at commencement in american colleges
85.salver...tray
86.sangfroid...coolness in a trying situation
87.sapid...savory;tasty;relishable
88.sapient...wise;shrewd
89.sarcophagus...highly decorated stone coffin
90.savoir faire...poise;sophistication
91.scarify...make slight incisions in;scratch
92.sciolism...quackery;superficial information
93.screed...long tiresome harangue
94.scullion...menial kitchen worker
95.senescence...state of growing old
96.sequacious...eager to follow;ductile
97.serried...standing shoulder to shoulder;crowded
98.shibboleth...slogan;watchword
99.shoal...shallow place
100.slattern...untidy person
101.soupcon...suggestion;hint;taste
102.splenetic...peevish
103.spoliation...pillaging;plunder
104.spume...froth;foam
105.stertorous...having a snoring sound
106.sub rosa...in strict confidence
107.sudorific...pertaining to perspiration
108.sumptuary...limiting or regulating expenditures
109.supernal...heavenly;celestial
110.suppurate...create pulse
111.surcease...cessation
Wordlist apart from Barron's wordlist - 1
These are the words apart from barron's list for GRE verbal preparation
1.acephalous.....headless
2.adduce.......present as evidence
3.adumbration...foreshadowing,outlining
4.afferent...carrying towards the center
5.afflatus...inspiration
6.affray...public brawl
7.amortization...act of reducing debt thro partial payments
8.andirons...metal supports in a fireplace for cooking utensils or logs
9.apologue...fable,a short allegorical story with a moral
10.apoplexy...sudden loss of consciousness,a stroke
11.arrogate...claim or seize without right,attribute unjustly
12.asseverate...assert solemnly
13.atelier...workshop,studio
14.athwart...across,in opposition
15.auscultation...act of listening to heart/lungs to find abnormalities
16.bagatelle...trifle
17.bassoon...reed instrument of the woodwind family
18.batten...grow fat,thrive upon others
19.benighted...overcame by darkness
20.bete noire...aversion,person/thing strongly disliked
21.bibulous...inclined to drink,affected by alcohol.
22.bilge...where the sides of the vessel curve in to form the bottom cause to leak(as of vessels),take in water at the bilge
23.billingsgate...vituperation,abusive language
24.blazon...decorate with a heraldic coat of arms.
25.bootless...useless
26.brazier...open pans in which live coals are burned.
27.breviary...book containing daily prayers
28.bruit...tell or spread rumours
29.bumptious...self assertive
30.buskin...thick soled half boot worn by actors of greek tragedy
31.cadge...ask for and get free;be a parasite
32.calk...a metal cleat on the bottom front of a horseshoe to prevent
slipping;seal with calking;injure with a calk.
33.caparison...put showy ornamentation on a horse.
34.carmine...rich red
35.carte blanche...unlimited authority or freedom.
36.caryatid...sculptured column of a female figure.
37.casuistry...subtle/sophisticated reasoning resulting in minute
distinction
38.champ...chew noisily
39.chattel...personal property
40.chiromancy...palmistry
41.cloven...split
42.coadjutor...assistant;colleague
43.cockade...decoration worn on hat
44.cognomen...family name
45.collier...worker in a coal mine;ship carrying coal.
46.coltish...given to merry frolicking
47.conch...large seashell
48.concordat...agreement,usually between papal authority and the
secular
49.conjoin...to unite
50.contumely...scornful insolence;insult
51.cormorant...greedy rapacious bird
52.corsair...pirate ship
53.cortege...procession
54.corusate...glitter,scintillate
55.crepuscular...pertaining to twilight
56.cruet...small glass bottle for vinegar,oil etc
57.debenture...bond issued to secure a loan
58.defalcate...misuse money held in trust
59.demesne...domain;land over which one has full sovereignty
60.depilate...remove hair
61.descant...discuss fully
62.desideratum...that which is desired.
63.desuetude...disused condition.
64.dipsomaniac...one who has srong craving for liquor.
65.dishabille...in a state of undress
66.distaff...female
67.divers...several;differing
68.divestiture...an order to an offending party to rid itelf of property.
69.doughty...courageous.
70.durance...restraint;imprisonment
71.eclat...brilliance;glory
72.educe...draw forth;elicit
73.efflorescent...flowering
74.empyreal...celestial;fiery
75.epiphany...any apperance or bodily manifestation of a
deity
76.equipage...horse drawn carriage
77.esprit de corps...comradeship;spirit
78.eviscerate...disembowel,remove entrails
79.ewer...water pitcher
80.ex officio...by virtue of one's office
81.fain...gladly
82.fealty...loyalty;faithfulness
83.fester...generate pus
84.fiduciary...pertaining to a position of trust
85.flagellate...flog;whip
86.flotilla...small fleet
87.freebooter...buccaneer
88.freshet...sudden flood
89.froward...disobedient;perverse;stubborn
90.frowzy...slovenly;untidy
91.fulgent...beaming;radiant
92.fustian...pompous;bombastic
93.gaff...hook;barbed fishing spear
94.gamester...gambler
95.gasconade...boastfulness.
96.gauntlet...leather glove
97.gibbet...gallows
98.gig...2 wheeled carriage
99.hawser...large rope
100.hogshead...large barrel
101.hostelry...inn
102.hoyden...boisterous girl
103.hustings...meetings particularly to choose candidates
104.hypothecate...mortgage;pledge as security
1.acephalous.....headless
2.adduce.......present as evidence
3.adumbration...foreshadowing,outlining
4.afferent...carrying towards the center
5.afflatus...inspiration
6.affray...public brawl
7.amortization...act of reducing debt thro partial payments
8.andirons...metal supports in a fireplace for cooking utensils or logs
9.apologue...fable,a short allegorical story with a moral
10.apoplexy...sudden loss of consciousness,a stroke
11.arrogate...claim or seize without right,attribute unjustly
12.asseverate...assert solemnly
13.atelier...workshop,studio
14.athwart...across,in opposition
15.auscultation...act of listening to heart/lungs to find abnormalities
16.bagatelle...trifle
17.bassoon...reed instrument of the woodwind family
18.batten...grow fat,thrive upon others
19.benighted...overcame by darkness
20.bete noire...aversion,person/thing strongly disliked
21.bibulous...inclined to drink,affected by alcohol.
22.bilge...where the sides of the vessel curve in to form the bottom cause to leak(as of vessels),take in water at the bilge
23.billingsgate...vituperation,abusive language
24.blazon...decorate with a heraldic coat of arms.
25.bootless...useless
26.brazier...open pans in which live coals are burned.
27.breviary...book containing daily prayers
28.bruit...tell or spread rumours
29.bumptious...self assertive
30.buskin...thick soled half boot worn by actors of greek tragedy
31.cadge...ask for and get free;be a parasite
32.calk...a metal cleat on the bottom front of a horseshoe to prevent
slipping;seal with calking;injure with a calk.
33.caparison...put showy ornamentation on a horse.
34.carmine...rich red
35.carte blanche...unlimited authority or freedom.
36.caryatid...sculptured column of a female figure.
37.casuistry...subtle/sophisticated reasoning resulting in minute
distinction
38.champ...chew noisily
39.chattel...personal property
40.chiromancy...palmistry
41.cloven...split
42.coadjutor...assistant;colleague
43.cockade...decoration worn on hat
44.cognomen...family name
45.collier...worker in a coal mine;ship carrying coal.
46.coltish...given to merry frolicking
47.conch...large seashell
48.concordat...agreement,usually between papal authority and the
secular
49.conjoin...to unite
50.contumely...scornful insolence;insult
51.cormorant...greedy rapacious bird
52.corsair...pirate ship
53.cortege...procession
54.corusate...glitter,scintillate
55.crepuscular...pertaining to twilight
56.cruet...small glass bottle for vinegar,oil etc
57.debenture...bond issued to secure a loan
58.defalcate...misuse money held in trust
59.demesne...domain;land over which one has full sovereignty
60.depilate...remove hair
61.descant...discuss fully
62.desideratum...that which is desired.
63.desuetude...disused condition.
64.dipsomaniac...one who has srong craving for liquor.
65.dishabille...in a state of undress
66.distaff...female
67.divers...several;differing
68.divestiture...an order to an offending party to rid itelf of property.
69.doughty...courageous.
70.durance...restraint;imprisonment
71.eclat...brilliance;glory
72.educe...draw forth;elicit
73.efflorescent...flowering
74.empyreal...celestial;fiery
75.epiphany...any apperance or bodily manifestation of a
deity
76.equipage...horse drawn carriage
77.esprit de corps...comradeship;spirit
78.eviscerate...disembowel,remove entrails
79.ewer...water pitcher
80.ex officio...by virtue of one's office
81.fain...gladly
82.fealty...loyalty;faithfulness
83.fester...generate pus
84.fiduciary...pertaining to a position of trust
85.flagellate...flog;whip
86.flotilla...small fleet
87.freebooter...buccaneer
88.freshet...sudden flood
89.froward...disobedient;perverse;stubborn
90.frowzy...slovenly;untidy
91.fulgent...beaming;radiant
92.fustian...pompous;bombastic
93.gaff...hook;barbed fishing spear
94.gamester...gambler
95.gasconade...boastfulness.
96.gauntlet...leather glove
97.gibbet...gallows
98.gig...2 wheeled carriage
99.hawser...large rope
100.hogshead...large barrel
101.hostelry...inn
102.hoyden...boisterous girl
103.hustings...meetings particularly to choose candidates
104.hypothecate...mortgage;pledge as security
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