GRE Common words I

Ambiguous

Open to more than one interpretation

Iconoclast

somebody who attacks cherished beliefs or institutions

Censure

to express strong disapproval

Amalgam

a mixture of multiple things

Castigate

to reprimand harshly

Anomalous

not normal

Gregarious

to be likely to socialize with others

Disinterested

unbiased; neutral

Frugal

not spending much money (but spending wisely)

Mercurial

(of a person) prone to unexpected and unpredictable changes in mood

Aberration

a deviation from what is normal or unexpected

Harangue

a long pompous speech; a tirade

Equivocal

confusing or ambiguous

Venerate

to respect deeply

Calumny

making of a false statement meant to injure a persons reputation

Commensurate

to be in proportion of corresponding in disagreement or amount

Enervate

to sap energy from

Egregious

standing out in a negative way; shockingly bad

Ambivalent

mixed or conflicting emotions about something

Belie

to give false representation to; misrepresent

Acrimony

Bitterness and ill will

Ingenuous

to be naive and innocent

Profligate

spending resources recklessly or wastefully

Galvanize

to excite or inspire (someone) to action

Parochial

narrowly restricted in scope or outlook

Maintain

to assert

Amenable

easily persuaded

Upbraid

to reproach; to scold

Amorphous

shapeless

Innocuous

harmless and doesn't produce any ill effects

Prevaricate

to speak in an evasive way

Wanting

lacking

Involved

Complicated and difficult to comprehend

Auspicious

favorable, the opposite of sinister

Parsimonious

extremely frugal; miserly

Betray

to reveal or make known something, usually unintentionally

Iaconic

(describes a person, speech, or style of writing) using very few words

Veracious

truthful

Prodigal

rashly or wastefully extravagant

Qualify

to make less severe; to limit (a statement)

Restive

restless

Impertinent

being disrespectful; improperly forward or bold

Extent

still in existence (usually refers to documents)

Demur

to object or show reluctance

Undermine

to weaken (usually paired with an abstract term)

Vindicate

to clear from accusation or suspicion or doubt with supporting arguments or proof

Chastise

to reprimand harshly

Artful

exhibiting artistic skill

Venality

the condition of being susceptible to bribes or corruption

Intimate

to suggest something subtly