GRE Vocabulary: Advanced Words

Define the GRE word 'anachronism'.

Anachronism: A thing belonging or appropriate to a period other than that in which it exists. Example: The digital watch in the medieval film was a glaring anachronism. Mnemonic: 'Ana' (against) + 'chron' (time).

Define the GRE word 'bellicose'.

Bellicose: Demonstrating aggression and a willingness to fight. Example: The bellicose rhetoric from the leaders made citizens fear an imminent war. Mnemonic: Think 'Belli' (war) as in 'antebellum'.

Define the GRE word 'cacophony'.

Cacophony: A harsh, discordant mixture of sounds. Example: The middle school orchestra created a cacophony during their first rehearsal. Mnemonic: 'Caco' (bad) + 'phony' (sound).

Define the GRE word 'desiccate'.

Desiccate: To remove the moisture from something; to dry out thoroughly. Example: The desert sun will desiccate any plant that isn't adapted to the heat. Mnemonic: Think of a 'dry cake'.

Define the GRE word 'effulgent'.

Effulgent: Shining brightly; radiant. Example: The effulgent sun emerged from behind the clouds, blinding the hikers. Mnemonic: Sounds like 'full of gent' (gentle light).

Define the GRE word 'garrulous'.

Garrulous: Excessively talkative, especially on trivial matters. Example: The garrulous neighbor kept me at the mailbox for an hour. Mnemonic: Think of a 'gurgling' stream of words.

Define the GRE word 'hegemony'.

Hegemony: Leadership or dominance, especially by one country or social group over others. Example: The cultural hegemony of the empire influenced the entire continent. Mnemonic: 'He' (the leader) has the 'money' and power.

Define the GRE word 'iconoclast'.

Iconoclast: A person who attacks cherished beliefs or established institutions. Example: As an iconoclast, the artist sought to destroy traditional notions of beauty. Mnemonic: One who 'clashes' with 'icons'.

Define the GRE word 'juxtapose'.

Juxtapose: To place different things side by side to highlight their differences. Example: The exhibit juxtaposes modern sculptures with ancient artifacts. Mnemonic: 'Just' 'pose' them next to each other.

Define the GRE word 'loquacious'.

Loquacious: Tending to talk a great deal; talkative. Example: The loquacious host ensured there was never a silent moment at the party. Mnemonic: 'Loqu' is the root for 'speak'.