GRE Word List H(part 1)

habitat natural home of a plant or animal; CF. habitation
habituate accustom or familiarize; addict
hackles hairs on back and neck, especially of a dog; Ex. make someone’s hackles rise
hackneyed commonplace; trite
haggard wasted away; gaunt; Ex. haggard faces of the rescued miners
haggle argue about prices (in an attempt to bargain)
hail frozen rain drop; V: salute or greet; precipitate hail
halcyon calm; peaceful; Ex. halcyon days
hale healthy
halfhearted exhibiting little interest or enthusiasm
hallowed blessed; consecrated; Ex. hallowed ground; V. hallow: set apart as holy
hallucination delusion; false idea; false perception of objects with a compelling sense of their reality; objects so perceived; V. hallucinate; ADJ. hallucinatory
halting hesitant; faltering; not fluent; Ex. halting steps/voice; V. halt: proceed or act with uncertainty; falter; hesitate; waver; stop
hamper obstruct; prevent the free movement of;
handsome large in quantity; generous; Ex. handsome reward
hap chance; luck
haphazard random; by chance; happening in an unplanned manner; Ex. haphazard growth of the town
hapless unfortunate; luckless
harangue long, passionate, and vehement speech; V.
harass annoy by repeated attacks
harbinger forerunner (which foreshadows what is to come)
harbor give protection (by giving food and shelter); provide a refuge for; hide; keep in mind (thoughts or feelings); Ex. harbor a grudge/criminal; N: place of shelter; refuge
hardy (of people or animals) sturdy; robust; (of plants) able to stand inclement(stormy) weather
harping tiresome dwelling on a subject; V. harp: dwell on(think or speak a lot about) tediously
harrowing agonizing; distressing; traumatic; V. harrow: break up and level (soil) with a harrow; inflict great distress on; agonize; N: farming machine to break up the earth
harry harass, annoy, torment (by repeated attacks); raid
hatch deck opening; lid covering a deck opening; V: emerge from an egg; produce (young) from an egg
haughtiness pride; arrogance; ADJ. haughty
haunt (of a spirit) visit (a place); come to mind continually; visit (a place) regularly; frequent; Ex. haunted house; Ex. haunted by his last words; N: place much frequented
haven place of safety; refuge; harbor; Ex. tax haven
havoc widespread damage; disorder; chaos
hazard venture; put in danger; risk; Ex. hazard a guess; N: possible source of danger
hazardous dangerous
hazy slightly obscure; misty; unclear; N. haze: light mist or smoke; confused state of mind
headfirst moving with the head leading; headlong
headlong hasty; rash; headfirst; ADV.
headstrong willful; stubborn; unyielding; determined to have one’s own way; CF. no ‘excessive’
healthful conducive to good health; Ex. healthful mountain air
healthy possessing good health; healthful
heckler person who verbally harasses others; V. heckle: verbally harass as with gibes (by interrupting a speaker or speech)
hedonist one who believes that pleasure is the sole aim in life; CF. hedonism: practice of living one’s life purely for pleasure
heed pay attention to; N: close attention
heedless not noticing; disregarding
hegemony dominance especially of one nation over others
heinous atrocious; wicked; hatefully bad; Ex. heinous crime
helm steering wheel of a ship; position of control
hem surround tightly so that movement is impossible; Ex. hem in; N.
herald messenger; sign of something to come; V: announce; proclaim; Ex. unheralded researcher
herbivorous grain-eating; CF. herbivore
herd group of animals; crowd; one who looks after a herd; Ex. shepherd/goatherd; Ex. herd instinct; Ex. herdsman; V: come together in a herd; look after a herd; Ex. herd cattle
hereafter life after death
heresy opinion contrary to popular belief; opinion contrary to accepted religion; ADJ. heretical; CF. heretic
hermetic concerning alchemy or magic; obscure and mysterious; occult
hermitage home of a hermit
herpetologist one who studies reptiles; CF. herpetology: branch of zoology that deals with reptiles and amphibians
heterodox (of beliefs) against accepted opinion; unorthodox; unconventional
heterogeneous dissimilar; mixed; not homogeneous; consisting of dissimilar elements or plants
hew cut to pieces with ax or sword; chop; N.
heyday time of greatest success or power; prime
hiatus gap; pause; gap or interruption in space or time; break
hibernal wintry; wintery; of or like winter
hibernate sleep throughout the winter; N. hibernation
hide skin of an animal
hideous repulsive to the sight; ugly; repugnant; Ex. hideous face/scream
hierarchy arrangement by rank or standing; authoritarian body divided into ranks; body of persons having authority
hieroglyphic picture writing; ADJ.
high-flown highly pretentious or inflated
hilarity boisterous mirth(merriment; laughter); ADJ. hilarious: full of laughter
hindmost furthest behind; farthest to the rear
hindrance block; obstacle; V. hinder

GRE wordlist G(part 2)

glimmer shine erratically; twinkle; N: dim or unsteady light; faint indication; Ex. glimmer of hope
glitter shine brightly with flashing points of light; Ex. glittering diamond ring; N: sparkling light; attractiveness; glamor; Ex. glitter of the sun on the waves
gloat express evil satisfaction; look at or think about with evil satisfaction; view malevolently; Ex. The thief gloated over the stolen jewels.
gloss brief explanation note or translation of a difficult expression; V.
gloss_over explain away with the intention of deceiving or hiding faults
glossary brief explanation of words used in the text
glossy smooth and shining; N. gloss: shiny brightness on a surface; superficially attractive appearance; Ex. gloss of good manners
glow shine brightly without a flame (as of eyes or metals); show redness and heat (in the face) after hard work or because of strong feelings; N: light produced by a heated body; brilliance of a color
glower scowl; glare; look or stare angrily
glut overstock; fill beyond capacity (with food); fill to excess; N: oversupply
glutinous sticky; viscous; gluey
glutton someone who eats too much; ADJ. gluttonous: given to gluttony; greedy; CF. gluttony: habit of eating too much
gnarl protruding knot on a tree; V.
gnarled twisted
gnome dwarf; underground spirit who guards treasure hoards
goad urge on; drive with a goad; cause (someone) to do something by continued annoyance; Ex. They goaded him into doing it by saying he was a coward; N: sharp-pointed stick for driving cattle; stimulus; CF. annoy continually
gobble eat very quickly
gorge stuff oneself (with food); glut; CF. gorgeous: dazzlingly beautiful
gory bloody; N. gore: blood (from a wound)
gossamer sheer; very light; like cobwebs; N: soft and sheer fabric; cobweb
gouge overcharge (with high price); extort from; Ex. gouge the public; CF. usury
gourmand epicure; person who takes excessive pleasure in food and drink
gourmet connoisseur of food and drink; epicure
gracious kind in a generous way (to someone less important)
gradation series of gradual stages; degree in such a progression
graduate arrange into categories or grades; divide into marked intervals (for use in measurement); Ex. graduated ruler
graduated arranged by degrees (of height, difficulty, etc.)
granary storehouse for grain
grandeur impressiveness; stateliness; majesty
grandiloquent (of a person or speech) using high sounding or important-sounding language; pompous; bombastic
grandiose affectedly grand; pretentious; high-flown; ridiculously exaggerated; impressive; great in size or scope; grand; Ex. grandiose ideas
granulate form into grains or granules; N. granule: grain or particle
graphic pertaining to the art of delineating; vividly described
graphite black form of carbon used in lead pencils
grapple wrestle; come to grips with; take hold of and struggle with; Ex. grapple with the burglar
grate make a harsh noise; have an unpleasant effect; shred by rubbing against a rough surface; Ex. grated cheese N: framework of metal bars to hold fuel in a fireplace
gratify please; satisfy; Ex. gratify a desire
gratis free; without charge; ADJ.
gratuitous given freely; unwarranted; uncalled for; done without good reason; Ex. gratuitous comment
gratuity n. money given to sb who has done one a service; tip ;
gravity seriousness; ADJ. grave
graze (of an animal) feed on growing grass; cause (an animal) to feed on grass; scrape (esp. the skin) or touch lightly in passing; brush; Ex. We can’t graze the cattle till summer; N: surface wound
gregarious sociable; (of an animal) tending to form a group
grievance cause of complaint; complaint
grill question severely; cook on a grill; broil; N: cooking surface of parallel metal bars
grim causing great fear; unrelenting; determined in spite of fear; Ex. grim smile
grimace facial distortion to show feeling such as pain, disgust, etc; V.
grisly ghastly; horrifying; Ex. grisly remains of the bodies
groom man employed to take care of horses; V: make neat and trim; clean and brush (an animal)
groove long narrow channel made in a surface to guide the movement of something; Ex. groove of the record
gross total; fragrant; clearly wrong; (of people’s behavior) coarse; corpulent; Ex. gross insolence/behavior; V: earn as a total amount; N: 12 dozens
grotesque fantastic; comically hideous; strange and unnatural (causing fear or amusement)
grotto small cavern
grouch bad-tempered complaint; person who keeps complaining; V: complain; grumble
grouse complain; fuss; grumble; grouch; N: plump chickenlike game bird
grovel crawl or creep on ground; remain prostrate; behave in a servile manner
growl low, guttural, menacing sound (as of a dog)
grudge deep feeling of dislike; Ex. grudge fight; V.
grudging unwilling; reluctant; stingy(giving reluctantly)
gruel thin liquid porridge
grueling exhausting; Ex. grueling marathon race
gruesome grisly; horrible
gruff rough-mannered; (of a voice) rough; hoarse
grumble complain; mutter discontentedly; grouch; N.
grunt utter a deep guttural sound (as a pig does); N.
guffaw boisterous laughter; V.
guile deceit; duplicity; wiliness; cunning; Ex. persuade her by guile
guileless without deceit
guise outward appearance; costume; Ex. in a new guise
gull trick; deceive; hoodwink; N: person who is easily tricked; dupe
gullible easily deceived
gush (of liquid) pour out in large quantities from a hole; make an excessive display of feeling (without true feeling); Ex. Blood gushed from the wound.
gust strong abrupt rush of wind; V. CF. bluster
gustatory affecting or relating to the sense of taste
gusto eager enjoyment; zest; enthusiasm
gusty windy
guy cable or chain attached to something that needs to be braced or steadied; CF. guide
gyroscope apparatus used to maintain balance, ascertain direction, etc.

GRE wordlist G(part 1)

gadfly animal-biting fly; irritating person
gaffe social blunder
gainsay deny
gait manner of walking or running; speed
galaxy large isolated system of stars, such as the Milky Way; collection of brilliant personalities
gale windstorm; gust of wind; emotional outburst (laughters, tears); Ex. gale of laughter
gall annoy; exasperate; chafe; N: skin sore caused by rubbing (as on the skin of a horse); exasperation
galleon large three-masted sailing ship
galley low ship with sails (rowed along by slaves)
gallows framework from which a noose is suspended (used for execution by hanging)
galvanic of the production of electricity by the action of an acid on a metal; having the effect of an electric shock; Ex. galvanic cell; galvanic effect; CF. Luigi Galvani
galvanize stimulate or shock by an electric current; stimulate by shock; shock into action; stir up; coat with rust-resistant zinc by using electricity
gambit opening in chess in which a piece is sacrificed; action made to produce a future advantage
gambol romp; skip about; leap about playfully; frolic; N.
gamely in a spirited manner; with courage; Ex. fight gamely against a superior boxer; ADJ. game
gamut entire range
gangrene decay of body tissue caused by insufficient blood supply (usually following injury); ADJ. gangrenous
gape open widely; open the mouth wide; stare wonderingly with the mouth open; CF. agape
garbled mixed up; jumbled; distorted; V. garble: mix up or distort (a message) to such an extent as to make misleading or unintelligible
gargantuan huge; enormous; gigantic; CF. the hero of Gargantua and Pantagruel
gargoyle waterspout carved in grotesque figures on a building
garish overbright in color; unpleasantly bright; gaudy
garner gather; store up; amass
garnish decorate; add a garnish to; decorate (food or drink) with small items such as lemon slices; N.
garrulous loquacious; wordy; talkative; N. garrulity
gastronomy art and science of preparing and serving good food; CF. gastronome
gauche clumsy (in social behavior); coarse and uncouth
gaudy flashy; showy
gaunt lean and angular; thin and bony; emaciated; barren
gavel hammerlike tool; mallet(wooden hammer) used by a presiding officer or an auctioneer; V.
gawk stare foolishly; look in open-mouthed awe
gazette official periodical publication; newspaper
genealogy record of descent; lineage; ancestry; study of ancestry
generality vague statement; general statement which is not detailed; quality of being general; greater part; most; Ex. generality of people
generate cause; produce; create
generic characteristic of an entire class or species; of a genus
genesis beginning; origin
geniality cheerfulness; kindliness; sympathy; ADJ. genial: cheerful and good-tempered
genre particular variety of art or literature
genteel well-bred; elegant; striving to convey an appearance of refinement; Ex. genteel poverty
gentility those of gentle birth; high social class; refinement; quality of being genteel
gentle kindly; soft; mild; of good family
gentry people of standing(rank or position); people of good family or high social position; class of people just below nobility
genuflect bend the knee as in worship
genus division of animals or plants, below a family and above a species
geriatrics medical treatment and care of old age
germ earliest form of an organism; seed or bud; something that may develop into something larger or more important; microbe
germane pertinent; bearing upon(having connection with) the case at hand; appropriate
germinal pertaining to a germ; creative; Ex. germinal idea
germinate cause to sprout; sprout
gerontocracy government ruled by old people
gerontology study of the sociological phenomena associated with old age
gerrymander change voting district lines in order to favor a political party; N. CF. Elbridge Gerry + (sala)mander
gestate evolve as in prenatal growth; N. gestation: period of development from conception until birth
gesticulation motion; gesture; V. gesticulate: make gestures (while speaking)
ghastly horrible; terrifying; resembling ghosts; CF. aghast
gibberish nonsense; nonsensical or unintelligible talk or writing; babbling
gibe mock; make jeering remarks; N: jeering remarks
giddy light-hearted; not serious; frivolous; dizzy; causing dizziness; Ex. giddy youth; Ex. giddy climb/height
gild cover with a thin layer of gold
gingerly very carefully; ADJ.
girth distance around something; circumference
gist essence; main point; substance
glacial like a glacier; of an ice age; extremely cold; Ex. glacial epoch; CF. iceberg
glamor compelling charm; ADJ. glamorous
glare shine intensely and blindingly; stare fixedly and angrily; N.
glaring (of something bad) highly conspicuous; harshly bright; shining intensely and blindingly
glaze cover with a thin and shiny surface; apply a glaze to; N: thin, smooth, shiny coating (as for pottery); Ex. unglazed pottery
gleam brief flash of light; glow; V.
glean gather leavings; gather grain left behind by reapers; gather bit by bit (facts or information) often with difficulty
glib fluent (with insincerity or superficiality); facile; slick

GRE wordlist F(part 3)

foppish vain about dress and appearance; N. fop: man who takes too much interest in his clothes and appearance
foray raid; sudden raid or military advance; V.
forbearance patience; forgiveness; V. forbear: refrain from (in a generous and forgiving way); be patient; Ex. forbear to send him to prison
ford place where a river can be crossed on foot; V.
forebears(forbears) ancestors
foreboding premonition of evil; feeling of coming evil; V. forebode: be a warning of (something unpleasant)
forensic suitable to debate or courts of law; of or used in legal proceedings and the tracking of criminals; Ex. forensic science/medicine
forerunner predecessor; one that comes before and indicates the approach of another
foreshadow give an indication beforehand; be a sign of (what is coming); portend; prefigure
foresight ability to foresee future happenings; prudence in providing for the future
forestall prevent by taking action in advance
forfeit something surrendered as punishment for a crime or breach of contract; V: lose as a forfeit; N. forfeiture
forge counterfeit; reproduce fraudulently; form by heating in a forge and hammering into shape; move with a sudden increase of speed or power; Ex. forged ahead in the last two years; N: furnace where metals are heated
forgo(forego) give up; do without
forlorn sad and lonely; wretched; desolate
formality ceremonious quality; ceremonious adherence to rules; something done just for form’s sake; Ex. mere formality
formidable menacing; arousing fear; threatening; difficult to defeat; Ex. formidable foe/question
forsake desert; abandon; renounce
forswear renounce under oath; abandon; make a solemn promise to give up; CF. abjure
forte strong point or special talent in a person’s character
forthcoming happening in the near future; ready; willing to help; Ex. No answer was forthcoming.
forthright straightforward; direct; frank
fortitude bravery; courage; strength of mind
fortuitous accidental; by chance; N. fortuity
forum public square of an ancient Roman city; public place for open discussion; court of law
forward presumptuous or bold
foster rear; bring up (for a certain period only); encourage; promote the development of (feelings or ideas); Ex. help foster friendly relations; ADJ: giving parental care although not related by blood; Ex. foster parents
foul very bad or disagreeable; very dirty; Ex. foul smell/flavor/temper/language/air/deed/weather/means; N. act against the rules; V. make or become foul; commit a foul
founder person who establishes (an organization or business)
fracas brawl(noisy quarrel or fight) in which a number of people take part; melee
fractious unruly; peevish; cranky; bad-tempered; Ex. fractious horse
frail weak; N. frailty
franchise right or privilege granted by authority; right to vote; license to sell a product in a particular territory
frantic wild; distraught as from fear or worry; Ex. frantic with fear
fraudulent cheating; deceitful; Ex. fraudulent means; N. fraud: deception; swindle
fraught filled (with something unpleasant); full; Ex. fraught with danger and difficulties; CF. freight
fray brawl; fight; V: wear away or unravel by rubbing; have loose threads developing; cause to become worn out (a person’s temper or nerves); CF. rub
freebooter pirate or plunderer who makes war in order to grow rich
frenetic(phrenetic) frenzied; frantic
frenzied madly excited; N. frenzy: violent wild excitement
fresco painting on wet plaster (usually fresh)
fret be annoyed or vexed; Ex. fret over your poor grades; N: irritation of mind; ADJ. fretful
friction clash or conflict in opinion; rubbing against
frieze ornamental horizontal band on a wall
frigid intensely cold; cold in manner; Ex. frigid zone
fringe decorative edge of hanging threads; edge
frisk move about playfully; froric; ADJ. frisky: playful
fritter waste (time or money on unimportant things)
frivolous lacking in seriousness; flippant; self-indulgently carefree; unworthy of serious attention; relatively unimportant; trivial
frock long loose garment (worn by monks)
frolic play and jump about happily; frisk; Ex. frolicking young lambs
frolicsome prankish; gay; playful; merry; frisky
frond fern leaf; palm or banana leaf
fructify bear fruit; produce fruit
frugality thrift; economy; ADJ. frugal: practicing economy; costing little; inexpensive
fruitful producing results; profitable; prolific; producing in abundance
fruition bearing of fruit; fulfillment; realization; Ex. come to/be brought to fruition
frustrate thwart; defeat; prevent from accomplishing a purpose
fuddle make stupid or confused as with alcholic drink; N. in a fuddle: confused
fugitive fleeting or transitory; lasting only a short time; roving(wandering); running away or fleeing as from the law; N: one who flees; Ex. fugitives at large
fulcrum support on which a lever rests or pivots
fulminate thunder; explode; issue a severe denunciation
fulsome disgustingly excessive; offensively flattering; Ex. fulsome praise/expressions of admire
fumble move the fingers and hands awkwardly (in search of something); mishandle or drop a ball that is in play; bungle; botch; spoil by mishandling; N.
functional made for practical use only (without decoration); functioning; Ex. functional modern furniture; CF. functionalism
functionary official (who performs a particular function)
fundamental basic; primary; essential
funereal sad; solemn; suitable for a funeral
furor frenzy; great anger and excitement; CF. fury
furrow long shallow trench made by a plow; deep wrinkle in the skin; V.
furtive stealthy; quiet and secret (trying to escape notice); sneaky; Ex. furtive glance
fusillade simultaneous firing or outburst (of missiles, questions, etc.)
fusion union; coalition; V. fuse
fuss: trouble or worry over trifles; make nervous; pay too much attention to; N: needless concern or worry (about a trivial thing); anxious nervous condition; display of attention; Ex. make a fuss over the baby
fussy fastidious; finicky; easily upset
futile useless; hopeless; ineffectual

GRE wordlist F(part 2)

fickle changeable (in affections or friendship); faithless
fictitious imaginary; non-existent; purposely invented to deceive; untrue; Ex. fictitious name/boyfriend; CF. fictional
fidelity loyalty; accuracy
fiend evil spirit; devil
figment invention; something invented; imaginary thing; Ex. figment of your imagination
figurative not literal but metaphorical; using a figure(impression) of speech
figure written symbols; number; amount represented in numbers; outline or silhouette of a thing or human body; person (well-known); impression; diagram; pattern; group in a dance; Ex. figure of speech; V. calculate with numbers; adorn with figures; app
figurine small ornamental statuette(very small statue)
filch steal (things of small value)
filial pertaining to or befitting a son or daughter; Ex. filial respect
filibuster block legislation or prevent action in a lawmaking body by making very slow long speeches; N; freebooter
filigree delicate ornamental lacelike metalwork
filing particle removed by a file
filth dirty matter; ADJ. filthy
finale conclusion; concluding part
finery beautiful clothes for a special occasion
finesse delicate skill; V: handle with finesse
finicky too particular; fussy; difficult to please; too concerned with unimportant details or quality; Ex. finicky about her food
finish surface texture; completeness of execution
finished properly made and complete; Ex. finished product/performance
finite limited
firebrand piece of burning wood; hothead; troublemaker; person who stirs up trouble
fissure crevice; crack
fit sudden outburst of an illness or feeling; convulsion caused by epilepsy
fitful spasmodic; intermittent; irregular
flaccid flabby; lacking firmness; weak; Ex. flaccid muscles
flag droop; grow feeble; decline in vigor or strength; ADJ. flagging; CF. unflagging
flagrant conspicuously wicked, bad, or offensive; blatant; outrageous
flail beat with or as if with a flail; move wildly; thresh grain by hand; strike or slap; toss about; N: threshing tool consisting of a stick swinging from the end of a long handle
flair talent
flamboyant ornate; highly elaborate; richly colored; ostentatious; showy; CF. flame
flashy showy; gaudy; giving a momentary brilliance
flaunt display ostentatiously; Ex. “Honey, if you’ve got it, flaunt it !'’
flay strip off skin; plunder; remove the skin from; criticize harshly
fleck spot; mark with flecks; N: small mark or spot
fledgling(fledgeling) inexperienced; N: young bird that has acquired wing feathers and is learning to fly; inexperienced person
fleece wool coat of a sheep; V: shear the fleece from; rob by a trick; swindle; plunder
fleet fast; rapid; N. ADJ. fleeting: passing quickly; ephemeral
flick light stroke as with a whip; V: move with a light quick blow; strike with a light quick blow (as from a whip); Ex. flick the switch
flicker burn unsteadily or fitfully; move waveringly; N: flickering movement or light; brief sensation; Ex. flicker of excitement
flighty (esp. of a woman’s behavior) capricious; often changing, esp. from one lover to another; impulsive
flinch hesitate; shrink back (in fear of something unpleasant); Ex. She did not flinch in the face of danger.
flip send (something) spinning, often into the air, by striking with a light quick blow; turn over; Ex. flip over
flippant lacking proper seriousness; Ex. flippant remarks about death; N. flippancy
flirt behave in a way that attracts (sexual) attention; deal triflingly with; N: one (or woman) given to flirting; ADJ. flirtatious
flit fly; fly or move lightly or quickly; dart lightly; pass swiftly by; Ex. a bee flitting from flower to flower
floe flat mass of floating ice
flora plants of a region or era
florescence condition or period of flowering
florid ruddy; (of a complexion) reddish; flowery; very ornate; CF. rose
flotsam drifting wreckage
flounder struggle and thrash about; proceed clumsily or falter (as in water, mud, snow, etc.); proceed in confusion
flourish grow well; prosper; make sweeping gestures; wave; brandish; Ex. The trees flourished in the sun. N: showy movement or gesture; embellishment or ornamentation (esp. in handwriting)
flout reject; mock; show contempt for; scorn; Ex. flout the rules
flowery full of flowers; full of ornate expressions
fluctuate waver; shift; rise and fall as if in waves; change or vary irregularly
fluency smoothness of speech; ADJ. fluent
fluke unlikely occurrence; stroke of fortune; accidental stroke of good luck; ADJ. fluky
flush redden; blush; flow suddenly and abundantly; wash out by a rapid brief flow of water; N: reddish tinge; blush; brief rush; rush of strong feeling; Ex. flush of pride; ADJ: having surfaces in the same plane; even; blushing
fluster confuse; make nervous and confused; N.
fluted having vertical parallel grooves (as in a pillar); V. flute: make long parallel inward curves in; N. flute: long rounded groove incised on the shaft of a column
flutter (of a bird with large wings) wave (the wings) lightly, rapidly, and irregularly; vibrate rapidly or erratically; fly by waving quickly; flitter; N.
flux flowing; series of changes; fluctuation; Ex. in a state of flux
fodder coarse food for cattle, horses, etc.; feed for livestock; CF. food
foible small weakness of character; slight fault; CF. feeble
foil defeat; frustrate; prevent from being successful; thwart; CF. fail
foist insert improperly; impose upon another by coercion; palm off; pass off as genuine or worthy; CF. fist
foliage masses of leaves; CF. defoliate
foment stir up; incite; instigate; promote the growth of (something evil or unpleasant)
foolhardy rash; reckless; foolishly daring

GRE wordlist F(part 1)

fabricate build; lie; make up (a story) in order to deceive; Ex. fabricate the whole story; CF. fabric: underlying structure; Ex. fabric of society
facade(fa\c{c}ade) front or face (of building); superficial or false appearance
facet small plane surface (of a gem(precious stone)); a side
facetious joking (often inappropriately); unserious; humorous
facile easily accomplished; ready or fluent; superficial; not deep; Ex. facile solution to a complex problem; Ex. facile speaker; N. facility: ability to do something easily and well; ease in doing resulting from skill or aptitude; something that facil
facilitate help bring about; make less difficult
facsimile copy
faction party; clique (within a large group); dissension
factious inclined to form factions; causing dissension
factitious artificial; produced artificially; sham; false; Ex. factitious tears
factotum handyman; person who does all kinds of work; CF. do everything
faculty mental or bodily powers; teaching staff
fake not genuine; N: one that is not genuine; impostor; sham; V: counterfeit; Ex. fake the results of the experiment/the signature
fallacious false; based on a fallacy; misleading; N. fallacy: false idea or notion; false reasoning; Ex. popular fallacy; Ex. fallacy of the argument
fallible liable to err
fallow (of land) plowed but not sowed (to improve the quality); uncultivated
falsify make (something written) false by changing
falter hesitate; weaken in purpose or action; walk or move unsteadily through weakness; N.
fanaticism excessive zeal; extreme devotion to a belief or cause; N. fanatic; ADJ. fanatic
fancied imagined; unreal
fancier breeder or dealer of animals; one who has a special interest, as for raising specific plant or animal
fanciful whimsical; visionary; imaginary; produced by imagination; Ex. fanciful scheme
fancy imagination (of a whimsical or fantastic nature); capricious liking; V: imagine; be fond of; ADJ. decorative; elaborate
fanfare call by bugles or trumpets; showy display; spectacular public display
farce broad comedy; mockery; humorous play full of silly things happening; ADJ. farcical
far-fetched too improbable to be believed; implausible; Ex. far-fetched story
fashion give shape to; make; Ex. fashion the pot out of clay
fastidious difficult to please; squeamish; fussy; finicky
fatalism belief that events are determined by forces or fates beyond one’s control; ADJ. fatalistic; CF. fatal: causing death
fathom comprehend; investigate; determine the depth of; N. unit of measurement for the depth of water
fathomless too deep to be measured or understood; unfathomable
fatuous smugly and unconsciously foolish; inane; silly; N. fatuity, fatuousness
fauna animals of a period or region; CF. flora
favoritism display of partiality toward a favored person
fawning courting favor by cringing and flattering; V. fawn: exhibit affection as a dog; seek favor or attention by obsequiousness
faze disconcert; dismay; embarrass
feasible practical; able to be carried out; practicable
feature distinctive part of the faces (as the eyes or mouth); features: overall appearance of the face; prominent or distinctive quality; prominent article; film; V: make prominent
febrile feverish
fecundity fertility; fruitfulness; ADJ. fecund: very productive of crops or young
feebleminded deficient in intelligence; very stupid
feign pretend
feint trick; shift; sham blow; feigned attack to draw away defensive action; V.
felicitous (of a word or remark) apt; suitably expressed; well chosen
felicity happiness; appropriateness (of a remark, choice, etc.); quality of being felicitous
feline of a member of the cat family; N.
fell cut or knock down (a tree or a person); bring down (with a missile)
felon person convicted of a grave crime; CF. felony: serious crime
feral (of an animal) not domestic; wild
ferment agitation; commotion(noisy and excited activity); unrest (of a political kind); V. produce by fermentation; undergo fermentation; cause (a state of trouble)
fermentation chemical reaction that splits complex organic compounds; unrest; agitation
ferocious fierce; violent; N. ferocity
ferret drive or hunt out of hiding; hunt with ferrets; drive out (as from a hiding place); expel; uncover or discover by searching; Ex. ferret out the secret; N. small fierce animal which catches rats and rabbits by going into their holes
fertile producing many young, fruits, or seeds; (of land) producing good crops; V. fertilize
fervent ardent; zealous; hot
fervid ardent; zealous; hot
fervor glowing ardor; intensity of feeling; quality of being fervent or fervid; zeal; intense heat
fester rankle; produce irritation or resentment; (of a cut or wound) generate pus or rot; Ex. His insult festered in my mind for days.
festive joyous; celebratory; relating to a feast or festival
fete(f\^ete) honor at a festival; celebrate or honor with a feast; N. (outdoor) festival or feast; CF. feast
fetid(foetid) malodorous; foul
fetish(fetich) object believed to have spiritual powers; object of excessive attention or reverence; CF. fetishism
fetter shackle; restrict the freedom of; N. chain or shackle for the foot of a prisoner; CF. foot
feud bitter prolonged quarrel (usually between two peoples or families); V. CF. Romeo and Juliet; CF. feudal, feudalism
fiasco total failure; CF. bottle
fiat command; arbitrary order; Ex. presidential fiat; CF. let it be done

GRE wordlist E (part 4)

executor person designated to execute the terms of a will;
exegesis explanation, especially of biblical(of the bible) passages
exemplary serving as a model; outstanding; Ex. exemplary punishment/behavior; N. exemplar: typical example; model
exemplify show by example; furnish an example; serve as an example of; Ex. His pictures exemplify that sort of painting.
exempt not subject to a duty or obligation; free from a duty; V.
exertion effort; expenditure of much physical work; V. exert oneself: make a great effort
exhale breathe out; OP. inhale
exhilarating invigorating and refreshing; cheering; V. exhilarate: make cheerful and excited; Ex. exhilarated by the ride in the sports car
exhort urge (by strong argument or advice); Ex. The general exhorted his men to fight bravely; N. exhortation
exhume dig out of the ground; remove from a grave
exigency urgent situation; ADJ. exigent
exiguous small in amount; minute
existential pertaining to existence; pertaining to the philosophy of existentialism
exodus departure (of a large number of people)
exonerate acquit; exculpate; free from blame or guilt
exorbitant (of costs or demands) excessive; exceeding reasonable bounds
exorcise drive out evil spirits
exotic not native; from another part of the world; strange; intriguingly unusual; Ex. exotic flower/dress
expansive (of a person) outgoing and sociable; broad and extensive; able to increase in size
expatiate talk at length; speak or write in detail
expatriate exile; someone who has withdrawn from his native land; V: exile; banish; leave one’s country
expedient suitable (for a particular purpose although not necessarily morally correct); practical; politic(prudent); N: something expedient
expedite hasten; make go faster
expeditious done with speed; quick; N. expedition
expenditure payment or expense; expending; something expended; output; Ex. receipt for the expenditure; Ex. expenditure of all the energy
expertise specialized knowledge (in a particular field); expert skill
expiate make amends for (a sin)
expletive meaningless word; interjection; profane oath; swear-word
explicate explain in detail; interpret; clarify; CF. explicable
explicit totally clear; definite; outspoken
exploit make use of, sometimes unjustly; N. exploitation
expos\’e public revelation of something discreditable
expository explanatory; serving to explain; N. exposition: explaining; exhibition
expostulation protest; remonstrance; reasoning with someone to correct or dissuade; V. expostulate
exposure risk, particularly of being exposed to disease or to the elements; unmasking; act of laying something open; Ex. exposure of governmental corruption
expound explain
expropriate take possession of (often for public use and without payment)
expunge cancel; remove a word or name (from a book or list); erase
expurgate clean; remove offensive parts of a book
exquisite delicate; very finely made; extremely beautiful; Ex. exquisite piece of jewelry
extant (of something written or painted) still in existence
extemporaneous not planned; impromptu; extempore
extenuate weaken; mitigate; lessen the seriousness of (bad behavior)
extirpate root up; uproot; destroy completely
extol praise very highly; glorify
extort wring from; get money by threats, etc.; obtain by force or threats; CF. extortionate: exorbitant
extradition surrender of prisoner by one state to another; Ex. extradition treaty; V. extradite
extraneous not essential; irrelevant; superfluous; external; coming from the outside; Ex. extraneous details/noise/to the subject
extrapolation projection; conjecture; V. extrapolate: infer (unknown information) from known information
extricate free from an entanglement or difficulty; disentangle
extrinsic external; not essential or inherent; extraneous; OP. intrinsic
extrovert person interested mostly in external objects and actions
extrude force or push out; thrust out; shape (plastic or metal) by forcing through a die
exuberance overflowing abundance; joyful enthusiasm; flamboyance; lavishness; ADJ. exuberant: high-spirited and lively; growing abundantly and strongly
exude flow out slowly; discharge (gradually); give forth; N. exudation
exult rejoice

GRE wordlist (part 3)

epicure connoisseur of food and drink; gourmet; ADJ. epicurean; CF. Epicurus
epicurean believing that pleasure is good and suffering is bad and should be avoided; N.
epigram witty thought or saying, usually short
epilogue short speech at conclusion of dramatic work
episodic (of a story or play) loosely connected; made up of separate and loosely connected parts; N. episode: incident in the course of an experience
epistemologist philosopher who studies the nature of knowledge; N. epistemology
epitaph inscription in memory of a dead person (as on a tombstone)
epithet word or phrase characteristically used to describe a person or thing; descriptive phrase to characterize a person (often contemptous)
epitome perfect example or embodiment; brief summary; Ex. epitome of good manners; V. epitomize: make an epitome of; be an epitome of; embody
epoch period of time
equable tranquil; of even calm temper; (of temperature) steady; uniform
equanimity calmness of temperament; composure
equestrian rider on horseback; ADJ.
equilibrium balance of opposing forces; balance of the mind; equanimity
equine resembling a horse; Ex. equine face
equinox period of equal days and nights; the beginning of spring and autumn; Ex. vernal/autumnal equinox; ADJ. equinoctial
equipoise balance; balancing force; equilibrium
equitable fair; impartial; OP. inequitable
equity fairness; justice; OP. inequity
equivocal (of words or statements) ambiguous; intentionally misleading; (of behavior) questionable; OP. unequivocal
equivocate use equivocal language to deceive people; lie; mislead; attempt to conceal the truth; N. equivocation
erode eat away; wear away gradually by abrasion; Ex. The sea erodes the rocks.
erotic pertaining to passionate love or sexual love
errant wandering (esp. in search of adventure); straying from proper moral standards; Ex. knight-errant
erratic odd; irregular in movement or behavior; unpredictable
erroneous mistaken; wrong; incorrect
erudite (of a person or book) learned; full of learning; scholarly; N. erudition
escapade prank; flighty conduct; reckless adventure that disobeys rules
eschew avoid habitually; Ex. eschew alcoholic drinks
esoteric hard to understand; known only to the chosen few, esp. initiates; N. esoterica
espionage spying
espouse adopt; support (an idea or aim); marry; N. espousal
esteem respect; value; judge; N.
estimable (of a person) worthy of esteem; admirable; deserving esteem; possible to estimate
estranged separated; alienated; V. estrange: alienate (people in a family); N. estrangement
ethereal like a spirit or fairy; unearthly light; heavenly; unusually refined; Ex. She has an ethereal beauty; CF. ether: upper air
ethnic relating to races
ethnology study of humankind; study of the different races of human beings; CF. anthropology
ethos underlying character of a culture, group, etc.; character or ideas peculiar to a specific person, group, or culture; Ex. the company ethos
etymology study of word parts; study of the origins of words
eugenic pertaining to the improvement of race; N. eugenics: study of hereditary improvement of the human race
eulogistic praising; full of eulogy
eulogy expression of praise, often on the occasion of someone’s death; V. eulogize
euphemism mild expression in place of an unpleasant one; ADJ. euphemistic
euphony sweet sound; ADJ. euphonious
euphoria feeling of exaggerated or unfounded(ungrounded; baseless) well-being; feeling of great happiness or well-being (when unreasonable); ADJ. euphoriaric
euthanasia mercy killing
evanescent fleeting; vanishing; soon disappearing; V. evanesce
evasive not frank; trying to hide the truth; eluding; evading; V. evade: avoid (a duty or responsibility) or escape from by deceit
evenhanded impartial; fair
eventual happening at last as a result; Ex. eventual victory
evince show clearly
evocative tending to call up (emotions, memories)
evoke call forth (memory or feeling); Ex. That old film evoked memories of my childhood; N. evocation
ewe female sheep
exacerbate worsen; aggravate; embitter
exact demand and obtain by force; Ex. exact a promise from him; N. exaction
exacting extremely demanding; Ex. exacting standard of safety
exalt raise in rank or dignity; praise highly; inspire; Ex. exalt the imagination; ADJ. exalted; N. exaltation
exasperate vex; annoy or make angry (by testing the patience)
except exclude; N. exception: objection; exclusion; ADJ. exceptional: unusual; of unusually high quality
exceptionable objectionable; likely to cause dislike; offensive; CF. unexceptionable: entirely acceptable
excerpt selected passage (written or musical) taken from a longer work; V.
exchequer treasury; Ex. Chancellor of the exchequer
excise cut away; cut out; N: government tax on good produced and used inside a country; N. excision
exclaim cry out suddenly; N. exclamation; ADJ. exclamatory
excoriate scold with biting harshness; censure strongly; strip the skin off
exculpate clear from blame or guilt
execrable very bad; detestable
execrate curse; express abhorrence for; detest
execute put into effect; carry out; kill as a lawful punishment; N. execution
executioner person administering capital punishment
executive person having administrative authority; one branch of government executing

GRE wordlist E(part 2)

embody give a bodily form to; incorporate; include
emboss produce a design in raised relief; decorate with a raised design
embrace hug; clasp with the arms; adopt or espouse; accept readily; encircle; include; Ex. embrace the cause/socialism; Ex. all-embracing; CF. brace; CF. bracelet
embroider decorate with needlework; ornament (a story) with fancy or fictitious details; embellish
embroil throw into confusion; involve in strife, dispute, or quarrel; entangle; CF. imbroglio
embryonic undeveloped; rudimentary; N. embryo: organism in the early stage of development
emend correct (usually a text); N. emendation: correction of errors; improvement
emetic substance causing vomiting; ADJ.
eminent rising above others; high; lofty; distinguished; Ex. eminent position
emissary agent (sent on a mission to represent another); messenger
emollient soothing or softening remedy (for the skin); ADJ.
emolument salary; payment for an office; compensation
empathy ability to identify with another’s feelings, ideas, etc.; identification with and understanding of another’s feelings; V. empathize; CF. sympathy
empirical based on experience
emulate imitate; rival; try to equal or excel (through imitation)
enact make (a bill) into law
enamored in love; Ex. enamored of his own beauty; V. enamor: inspire with love
encipher encode; convert a message into code; put into cipher
encircle surround
enclave territory enclosed within an alien land
encomiastic praising; eulogistic; N. encomium: very high praise; eulogy
encompass surround; include; Ex. His activities encompass publishing and computers.
encroachment gradual intrusion; Ex. I resent all these encroachments on my valuable time; V. encroach: take another’s possessions or right gradually or stealthily; intrude; Ex. encroach on/upon
encumber burden; N. encumbrance
endear make beloved; Ex. endear her to everyone; ADJ. dear: loved; cherished; high-priced
endearment fond word or act; expression of affection
endemic prevailing among a specific group of people or in a specific area or country; peculiar to a particular region or people; CF. pandemic
endorse approve; support; write one’s signature on the back of; N. endorsement; CF. dorsal
endue provide with some quality; endow
enduring lasting; surviving; V. endure: bear (pain or suffering) for a long time; remain alive (in spite of difficulties); last; survive
energize invigorate; give energy to; make forceful and active
enervate weaken; take away energy from
enfranchise admit to the rights of citizenship (especially the right to vote); CF. franchise
engage attract; employ; hire; pledge oneself; confront; fight; enter into confliction; interlock; lock together; participate; N. engagement: agreement to marry; arrangement to meet someone or to do something; battle
engaged employed; busy; betrothed; involved in conflict
engaging charming; attractive
engender cause; produce; give rise to
engross occupy fully; absorb
engulf surround and swallow up
enhance increase; make greater (as in value, reputation, or usefulness); improve
enigma puzzle; mystery; ADJ. enigmatic: obscure; puzzling
enjoin command; order; forbid
enlist (cause to) join the armed forces; obtain (help, sympathy, or support)
enliven make lively or spirited; animate
enmity ill will; hatred; hostility
ennui boredom; listlessness and dissatisfaction resulting from lack of interest; CF. annoy
enormity hugeness (in a bad sense); excessive wickedness; Ex. enormity of the crime; ADJ. enormous
enrapture please intensely; fill with rapture and delight
ensconce settle comfortably; place comfortably (in a secure place)
ensue follow (as a result)
entail make necessary; require; necessitate; involve; limit the inheritance of (property) to a specified succession of heirs; Ex. entail A on/upon B
enterprise willingness to take new ventures; initiative; business organization; plan (that is difficult or daring); Ex. their latest enterprise to sail round the world in a small boat
enterprising full of initiative; showing enterprise
enthrall capture; enslave; captivate; hold the complete attention of (as if magic); hold spellbound
entice lure; persuade to do (something wrong); attract; tempt
entity real being
entomology study of insects
entourage group of attendants; retinue; CF. surround
entrance put under a spell(condition caused by magical power); carry away(fill with strong feeling) with emotion; put into a trance; fill with delight
entreat plead; ask earnestly
entree(entr\’ee) entrance; a way in; right to enter; main dish of a meal; Ex. entree into the exclusive circle
entrepreneur businessperson (who assumes the risk of a business venture); contractor; ADJ. entrepreneurial
enumerate list; mention one by one
enunciate announce; proclaim; utter or speak, especially distinctly; pronounce clearly; articulate; Ex. This theory was first enunciated by him.
environ enclose; surround; N. environs: surrounding area (as of a city)
eon(aeon) long period of time; an age; longest division of geologic time containing two or more eras
epaulet(epaulette) ornament worn on the shoulder (of a uniform, etc.)
ephemeral short-lived; fleeting
epic long heroic poem, novel, or similar work of art (celebrating the feats of a hero); ADJ: (of stories or events) resembling an epic; grand

GRE word list E(part 1)

earmark set aside (money or time) for a particular purpose
earn gain for the performance of service or labor; gain (something that one deserves); deserve
earthly of this earth; terrestrial; worldly; not divine; possible; Ex. no earthly reason
earthy unrefined; coarse; of earth; Ex. earthy remarks; OP. ethereal
ebb (of the tide) recede; lessen; diminish; N. OP. flow: rise of tide
ebullient showing excitement; overflowing with enthusiasm; boiling; N. ebullience; N. ebullition: state of boiling
eccentric irregular; odd; unconventional; whimsical; bizarre; not concentric
eccentricity oddity; idiosyncrasy
ecclesiastic ecclesiastical; pertaining to the church; N: minister; priest; cleric; clergyman
eclectic selective; composed of elements drawn from disparate sources; selecting individual elements from a variety of sources; N. eclecticism
eclipse darken; extinguish; outshine; surpass; cause an eclipse
ecliptic path of the sun and the planets
ecologist person concerned with the interrelationship between living organisms and their environment; person concerned with the detrimental effects of human civilization on the environment; CF. ecology
economy efficiency or conciseness in using something; thrifty management of resources
ecosystem ecological community together with its environment
ecstasy rapture; very strong feeling of joy and happiness; any overpowering emotion; ADJ. ecstatic: causing or experiencing ecstasy
eddy swirling current of water, air, etc.; V.
edict decree (especially one issued by a sovereign); official command
edifice building (of imposing size)
edify instruct; correct morally
eerie weird; causing fear because strange
efface rub out; remove the surface of
effective effectual; producing a strong response; striking; in operation; in effect; Ex. effective speech/photograph
effectual able to produce a desired effect; valid
effectuate effect; produce; achieve; Ex. effectuate a reconciliation
effeminate having womanly traits
effervescence inner excitement or exuberance; showing high spirits; emitting bubbles forming inside; bubbling from fermentation or carbonation; ADJ. effervescent; V. effervesce
effete having lost one’s original power; barren; worn out; exhausted
efficacy power to produce desired effect; ADJ. efficacious: effectual
effigy dummy; likeness of a person made of wood, paper, or stone; Ex. burn an effigy of the President
effluvium noxious(harmful) smell
effrontery rudeness without any sense of shame; shameless boldness; presumptousness; nerve; cheek
effulgent shining brightly; brilliant
effusion pouring forth; unrestrained outpouring of feeling; V. effuse: pour out; ADJ. effusive: pouring forth; gushing
ego one’s opinion of oneself; self-esteem
egoism excessive interest in one’s self; belief that one should be interested in one’s self rather than in others; selfishness; ADJ. egoistic, egoistical
egotism tendency to speak or write of oneself excessively; conceit; self-importance
egotistical egotistic; excessively self-centered(egocentric); self-important; conceited
egregious notorious; conspicuously bad or shocking
egress exit; opening for going out; act of going out; OP. ingress
ejaculation exclamation; abrupt ejection (to discharge sperm); V. ejaculate
elaborate work out carefully; add more detail or information; ADJ.
elaboration addition of details; intricacy
elastic able to spring back into shape; quick to recover (as from disappointment); able to adapt to change; Ex. elastic plans; N: elastic material
elated filled with excited joy and pride; overjoyed; in high spirits; joyful and proud; Ex. elated crowd; V. elate; N. elation
elegy poem or song expressing lamentation (for the dead); ADJ. elegiacal, elegiac
elevation elevated position; altitude; height; flat upright side of a building; angle made by pointing a gun; Ex. The elevation of her style is much admired; Ex. front elevation of the house
elicit draw out fact or information (by discussion or from someone)
elixir cure-all; panacea; something invigorating
ellipsis omission of words from a text; mark used to indicate an omission (when the meaning can be understood without them); PL. ellipses
elliptical elliptic; oval; of an ellipse; containing an ellipsis; ambiguous either purposely or because key words have been left out
elope run away secretly with the intention of getting married
eloquence expressiveness; persuasive speech; ADJ. eloquent: movingly expressive; expressing ideas well so that the hearers can be influeneced
elucidate explain; make clear; clarify; enlighten; CF. lucid
elusive evasive; not frank; baffling; hard to grasp, catch, or understand; V. elude: escape from; escape the understanding or grasp of; Ex. elude the hunter; Ex. His name eludes me.
elysian relating to paradise; blissful
Elysium place or condition of bliss
emaciated thin and wasted (from hunger or illness)
emanate issue forth; come out
emancipate set free; liberate
emasculate weaken; castrate
embargo ban on commerce or other activity
embark commence; go on board a boat; begin a journey
embed(imbed) enclose; place in something; fix firmly in a surrounding mass
embellish adorn; ornament; enhance as a story (by adding fictitious details)
embezzlement taking for one’s own use in violation of trust; stealing (of money placed in one’s care)
embitter make bitter; fill with painful or bitter feelings; make sad and angry; Ex. He was embittered by many disappointments.
emblazon ornament richly (a shield or flag); N. emblazonment