GRE Vocabulary: Essential Words

Ubiquitous

Definition: Present, appearing, or found everywhere. Part of Speech: Adjective. Example: Smartphones have become ubiquitous in modern society.

Ephemeral

Definition: Lasting for a very short time. Part of Speech: Adjective. Example: The beauty of the sunset was ephemeral, fading within minutes.

Pragmatic

Definition: Dealing with things sensibly and realistically in a way that is based on practical rather than theoretical considerations. Part of Speech: Adjective. Example: She took a pragmatic approach to the problem, focusing on what could be done immediately.

Ambivalent

Definition: Having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone. Part of Speech: Adjective. Example: He was ambivalent about the move, excited for the new job but sad to leave his friends.

Tenacious

Definition: Tending to keep a firm hold of something; clinging or adhering closely; persistent. Part of Speech: Adjective. Example: The tenacious defense attorney refused to drop the case despite the pressure.

Esoteric

Definition: Intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialized knowledge or interest. Part of Speech: Adjective. Example: The professor's lecture on esoteric quantum mechanics left most students confused.

Perfunctory

Definition: (Of an action or gesture) carried out with a minimum of effort or reflection. Part of Speech: Adjective. Example: He gave a perfunctory nod to his neighbor as he rushed to his car.

Capricious

Definition: Given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior. Part of Speech: Adjective. Example: The capricious weather changed from sunny to stormy in a matter of minutes.

Sanguine

Definition: Optimistic or positive, especially in an apparently bad or difficult situation. Part of Speech: Adjective. Example: Despite the company's losses, the CEO remained sanguine about the future.

Laconic

Definition: (Of a person, speech, or style of writing) using very few words. Part of Speech: Adjective. Example: His laconic reply of 'Fine' suggested he didn't want to talk.