GRE Word List M(part 2)

martyr one who voluntarily suffers death for his or her religion or cause; great sufferer; Ex. martyr to his rheumatism
mash crush into mash; convert into mash; N: mixture of ground grain and nutrients fed to livestock and fowl
masochist person who enjoys his own pain; CF. masochism
mason one who builds or works with stone or brick; N. masonry: work of a mason; stonework or brickwork
masquerade wear a mask or disguise; pretend; N: costume party or ball at which masks are worn; pretense; disguise
mass Christian religious ceremony; CF. Mass: ceremony of the Eucharist
masticate chew
mat not shiny; matte; having a dull finish; N: flat piece of material used as a floor covering; V.
materialism preoccupation with physical comforts and things; excessive regard for worldly concerns (rather than spiritual matters)
maternal motherly; N. maternity: motherhood
matin\’ee(matinee) dramatic or musical performance given in the afternoon
matriarch woman who rules a family or larger social group
matriculate enroll (in college or graduate school); CF. matrix
matrimony state of being married
matrix point of origin; array of numbers or algebraic symbols; mold or die; Ex. the matrix of Western civilization
maudlin effusively sentimental
maul handle roughly; batter; injure by beating; Ex. mauled by his overexcited fans; N: heavy long-handled hammer
mausoleum monumental tomb; large stately tomb; CF. Mausolos
mauve pale purple
maverick rebel; nonconformist (in a group)
mawkish mushy(sentimental) and gushy; icky-sticky sentimental; excessively and objectionably sentimental
maxim proverb; truth pithily stated
mayhem injury to body; crime of willfully maiming or crippling a person; violent disorder; Ex. mayhem in the zoo; CF. maim
meager scanty; inadequate
mealymouthed indirect in speech (when something unpleasant must be said); hypocritical; evasive
meander wind or turn in its course; follow a winding or turning course; move aimlessly and idly
meddlesome interfering; V. meddle: interfere
mediate settle a dispute through the services of an outsider; act as an intermediary; produce by mediating; Ex. mediate a cease-fire
mediocre ordinary; commonplace; neither good nor bad
meditation reflection; thought; V. meditate
medium element that is a creature’s natural environment; nutrient setting in which microorganisms are cultivated; appropriate occupation or means of expression; channel of communication; compromise; middle position between extremes; intervening substan
medley mixture
meek submissive; patient and long-suffering
megalomania mania for doing grandiose things; mental disorder characterized by delusions of wealth, power, or importance
melancholy gloomy; morose; blue; N. ADJ. melancholic; CF. melancholia
melee fight
mellifluous (of words or a voice) sweetly or smoothly flowing; melodious; having a pleasant tune
memento token; reminder of the past; keepsake; Ex. memento of your visit
memoir memoirs; autobiography; biography
memorial something, such as a monument or holiday, intended to honor the memory of a person or event; ADJ: commemorative
memorialize commemorate
menace threat; V: threaten
menagerie collection of wild animals on exhibition; zoo
mendacious lying; habitually dishonest; N. mendacity
mendicant beggar; ADJ: living as a beggar
menial suitable for servants; lowly; mean; N: someone who does menial work (esp. servant in a house)
mentor counselor; teacher
mercantile concerning trade or merchants
mercenary motivated solely by money or gain; N.
mercurial capricious; quick and changing; fickle; containing the element mercury; Ex. mercurial temper; CF. mood
meretricious flashy; tawdry; attractive on the surface but of no real value; Ex. metericious argument/jewel; CF. prostitute
merger combination (of two business corporations); act of merging
merit deserve; ADJ. meritorious: deserving reward or praise
mesmerize hypnotize; N. mesmerism; CF. Franz Mesmer
metallurgical pertaining to the art of removing metals from ores; N. metallurgy: science that deals with extracting metals from ores
metamorphosis change of form; Ex. metamorphosis of caterpillar to butterfly; V. metamorphose: change by metamorphosis
metaphor implied comparison; CF. simile
metaphysical pertaining to speculative philosophy; of metaphysics; N. metaphysics: branch of philosophy that examines the nature of reality
mete measure; distribute; administer; Ex. mete out justice/punishment
meteoric like a meteor; swift; momentarily brilliant; Ex. meteoric rise to fame; N. meteor
meter arrangement of words in the form of poetry (by accentual rhythm)
methodical systematic; N. method: systematic method of procedure
meticulous excessively careful (with great attention to detail); painstaking; scrupulous
metrical metric; written in the form of poetry; Ex. metrical translation of Homer
metropolis large city
mettle courage (to continue bravely in spite of difficulties); spirit; ADJ. mettlesome
miasma swamp gas; heavy vaporous atmosphere often emanating from decaying matter; pervasive corrupting influence; noxious atmosphere or influence

GRE Word List M(part 1)

macabre gruesome; grisly; ghastly; CF. of death
mace ceremonial staff used as a symbol of authority; clublike medieval weapon
macerate soften by soaking in liquid; waste away; Ex. macerate powdered wood to make paper
Machiavellian crafty; double-dealing; of the political doctrine of Machiavelli, which holds that craft and deceit are justified in pursuing political power
machinations evil schemes or plots; schemes or plots to achieve an evil end; V. machinate
maculated spotted; stained; CF. immaculate
madrigal pastoral song; song for several singers without instruments
maelstrom violent whirlpool; violent or tublent situation; CF. stream
magisterial authoritative; imperious; commanding; of a magistrate; Ex. magisterial study of Roman law; Ex. magisterial manner
magistrate official with power to administer the law
magnanimity generosity; ADJ. magnanimous: generous
magnate person of prominence or influence; powerful or influential person (in business or industry); Ex. oil magnate
magniloquent boastful; pompous
magnitude greatness (in size or extent); extent
maim mutilate; injure lastingly; disable; cripple; Ex. maimed for life
makeshift temporary expedient or substitute (in the case of urgent need); Ex. makeshift shelter
maladroit clumsy; not skillful; awkward; bungling
malady illness
malaise uneasiness; vague feeling of ill health (without any particular pain or appearance of disease)
malapropism comic misuse of a word; CF. Mrs. Malaprop
malapropos inappropriate; ADV.
malcontent person dissatisfied with existing state of affairs; discontented person; ADJ: discontented
malediction curse
malefactor evildoer; criminal
maleficient doing evil; N. maleficience
malevolent wishing evil; exhibiting ill will; N. malevolence
malfeasance wrongdoing; misconduct (by a public official)
malicious hateful; spiteful; expressing malice; N. malice: desire to harm others; spite
malign speak evil of; bad-mouth(criticize spitefully); defame; ADJ: harmful; Ex. malign influence
malignant tending to cause death; highly injurious; aggressively malevolent; Ex. malignant tumor
malingerer one who feigns illness to escape duty; V. malinger: feign illness to avoid work
malleable (of a metal) capable of being shaped by pounding(beating); pliable; (of someone) impressionable(easily influenced); easily controlled; tractable
malodorous foul-smelling
mammal vertebrate animal whose female suckles its young
mammoth gigantic; enormous
manacle restrain; handcuff; N.
mandate order; charge; authoritative command; power to govern another country; power to given to a government; region under administration; V: give a mandate to; place under a mandate; Ex. mandated territory
mandatory obligatory; compulsory; of a mandate
maneuver(manoeuver) strategic military or naval movement (done for training purposes); carefully planned process; stratagem; V: carry out a military maneuver; use maneuvers in gaining an end
mange skin disease (esp. of domestic animals) marked by loss of hair
mangle tear or cut to pieces; mutilate or disfigure; Ex. badly mangled bodies
mangy shabby; wretched; suffering from mange; of bad appearance
maniacal raging mad; insane; N. maniac: insane person; CF. mania: disorder of the mind; intense enthusiasm
manifest evident; visible; obvious; V: show plainly
manifestation outward demonstration; manifesting; indication of the presence of something; Ex. manifestation of his pronounced musical bent
manifesto public declaration of principles; statement of policy
manifold many in number or kind; numerous; varied
manipulate operate with one’s hands; control or play upon (people, forces, etc.) artfully; maneuver; Ex. how to manipulate publicity and men; ADJ. manipulative
mannered affected; not natural; Ex. mannered way of speech
mannerism distinctive behavioral trait; affected style in art (according to a set of styles)
mantle loose sleeveless outer garment; cloak; something that covers or envelops; the layer of the earth between the crust and the core
manumit emancipate; free from slavery or bondage
mar spoil the appearance of
maraud move in search of plunder; Ex. marauding army
margin border; room; allowance beyond what is needed; Ex. margin of safety
marginal of a margin; barely within a limit; Ex. marginal effect/writing ability
marital pertaining to marriage
maritime bordering on(adjacent to) the sea; nautical; of the ships or the sea; Ex. Maritime Provinces
marked noticeable; targeted for vengeance or attack; Ex. marked improvement/man
maroon leave helpless on a deserted island or coast; ADJ. red brown
marred damaged; disfigured; V. mar: spoil; disfigure
marrow soft fatty tissue that fills most bone cavities and is the source of blood cells
marshal put in order; guide ceremoniously to the correct place; Ex. marshal the children into the museum; N: military officer; official
marsupial one of a family of mammals that nurse their offspring in a pouch(pocket of skin or leather); CF. kangaroo, opossum, wombat
martial warlike; of war; Ex. martial art/law
martinet strict disciplinarian; person who demands total obedience to rules and orders; CF. Jean Martinet

GRE Word List L(part 2)

lineage descent; ancestry
lineaments features especially of the face; distinctive shape or contour of the face; CF. line
linger loiter or dawdle; be slow in leaving; delay going; continue or persist; be slow to disappear; Ex. The smell lingered for days.
linguistic pertaining to language
lionize treat (a person) as a celebrity
liquidate settle accounts; pay off (a debt); clear up; eliminate; kill or abolish
list tilt (as of a ship); lean over (to one side)
listless lacking in spirit or energy; languid
litany supplicatory prayer; prayer in which the priest calls out and the people replies in the same words
lithe flexible; supple; CF. limber
litigation lawsuit; N. litigant: one party in a lawsuit; V. litigate
litotes understatement for emphasis; Ex. “not bad(=pretty good)'’
litter waste material thrown away (as bits of paper scattered untidily); V: cover untidily with scattered litter
livid lead-colored; black and blue (as from a bruise); ashen; enraged; extremely angry
loath reluctant; unwilling; disinclined; Ex. Romeo and Juliet were both loath for him to go.
loathe detest; ADJ. loathsome: arousing loathing; offensive; Ex. loathsome smell
lode metal-bearing vein(long deposit of an ore)
loft room or space under the roof; attic
lofty very high
log record of a voyage or flight; record of day-to-day activities; section of a trunk; V.
loiter hang about/around; stand idly about; linger
loll lounge about
longevity long life; long duration
lookout act of keeping watch; high place commanding a wide view; person who keeps watch
loom appear or take shape (usually in an enlarged, indistinct, or distorted form); Ex. The shadow of the gallows loomed threateningly. N: apparatus for making thread into cloth
lope gallop slowly
lopsided heavier or larger on one side than the other; Ex. lopsided way of walking
loquacious talkative; N. loquacity
lot object used in making a determination at random; fate; piece of land
lottery contest in which winners are selected in a drawing of lots
lounge stand, sit, or lie in a lazy, relaxed way
lout clumsy person; ADJ. loutish; CF. from countrysides ?
low moo; make the sound of a cow
lubricate apply a lubricant to; N. lubricant: substance that reduces friction
lucid easily understood; clear; intelligible; N. lucidity
lucrative profitable; producing wealth
lucre money; profit; Ex. filthy lucre
ludicrous laughable; ridiculous; trifling
lugubrious mournful; sorrowful
lull moment of calm; period of reduced activity; Ex. a lull in the rain; V: cause to become less active; cause to sleep or rest; Ex. lull the opponents into a false sense of security; CF. lullaby
lumber move heavily or clumsily; Ex. The bear lumbered through the woods; N: timber
lumen unit of light energy (one candle’s worth)
luminary celebrity (in a specific field); dignitary; object that gives light (as a celestial body)
luminous shining (esp. in the dark); issuing light; Ex. luminous paint/road signs
lunar pertaining to the moon
lunatic insane; Ex. lunatic asylum
lurid wild; sensational; graphic; gruesome; horrible; Ex. lurid details of the murder
lurk stealthily lie in waiting; slink; exist unperceived
luscious pleasing to taste or smell; delicious
lush (of a plant or grass) growing very well
lust intense sexual desire; intense eagerness; V.
luster shine; gloss (of a polished surface)
lustrous shining; brilliant; Ex. lustrous hair
luxuriant abundant; growing healthily and in large amounts; excessively ornate; rich and splendid; fertile; Ex. luxuriant forests/prose; CF. luxurious, luxuriate
luxuriate take pleasure in great comfort

GRE Word List k

kaleidoscope tube in which patterns made by the reflection in mirrors of colored pieces of glass, etc. produce interesting symmetrical effects; series of changing events; Ex. kaleidoscope of European history; CF. beautiful
ken range of knowledge; Ex. beyond one’s ken
kernel central or vital part; core; whole seed (as of corn)
killjoy grouch; spoilsport; one who intentionally spoils the pleasure of others
kindle start a fire; ignite; inspire; arouse
kindred related; belonging to the same group; similar in nature or character; Ex. kindred languages; N: relative; kin; kinship
kinetic producing motion; of motion
kismet fate; destiny; Ex. Kismet is the Arabic word for fate.
kleptomaniac person who has a compulsive desire to steal
knack special talent; art
knave untrustworthy person; rogue; scoundrel; jack; N. knavery
knead mix; work dough; mix and work into a uniform mass (with the hands); Ex. knead dough
kneel go down on one’s knee(s)
knell tolling of a bell especially to indicate a funeral, disaster, etc.; sound of the funeral bell; V.
knit contract into wrinkles; grow together; join together closely; make (a fabric or garment) by interwining yarn or thread; Ex. knit the brow; Ex. The bones should knit together in a few weeks.
knoll little round hill; hillock
knotty intricate; difficult; tangled; CF. knot
kudos honor; glory; acclaim or praise for exceptional achievement

GRE Word List L(part 1)

labile likely to change; unstable; Ex. emotionally labile; N. lability
laborious demanding much work or care; tedious
labyrinth maze
lace cord used to draw and tie together two opposite edges (as of a shoe); delicate fabric made of fine threads; V: draw together by tying a lace
laceration torn ragged wound; V. lacerate: tear (the skin as with broken glass); wound
lachrymose producing tears; tearful
lackadaisical lacking interest or effort; lacking purpose or zest; lazy; halfhearted; languid
lackluster lacking luster(shine; gloss); dull
laconic brief and to the point; using few words; terse
lag move or develop more slowly; straggle; Ex. lag behind the rest; N.
laggard slow; sluggish; N: one who lags; straggler
lagoon shallow body of water or lake near a sea; lake separated from a sea by sandbars or coral reefs
laity laypersons; laymen; persons not connected with the clergy
lament grieve; express sorrow; N. lamentation
lampoon ridicule; N: written attack ridiculing or satirizing a person, group, or institution
lance pierce with a lance; cut into; N: spearlike weapon
lancet small surgical tool for making incisions
languid lacking energy or vitality; weary; sluggish; listless
languish lose animation or strength
languor lack of physical or mental energy; lassitude; depression
lank long and thin; Ex. Lank, gaunt, Abraham Lincoln
lap take in food or drink with one’s tongue; splash gently; Ex. waves lapping the shore; N: front area from the waist to the knees of a seated person
larceny theft; Ex. petit larceny
larder pantry; place where food is kept
largess generous gift (given to people who do not have enough)
lascivious lustful
lassitude languor; weariness; listlessness
latch fastening or lock consisting of a movable bar that fits into a notch; V: close with a latch
latent present but not yet noticeable or active; dormant; hidden; N. latency; CF. potential
lateral of or coming from the side
latitude freedom from narrow limitations
laud praise; N. ADJ. laudable: praiseworthy; ADJ. laudatory: expressing praise
lavish liberal; wasteful; generous or wasteful in giving or using; abundant; profuse; great; Ex. decorated lavishly; V. give in abundance
lax careless; negligent; not paying enough attention; Ex. lax service
layman man who is not a cleric; man who is nonprofessional
leash restraining rope fastened to the collar of an animal (to control it); Ex. a dog on a leash
leaven add leaven to; cause to rise or grow lighter; enliven; N: agent, such as yeast, that causes dough to rise (by fermentation); element that lightens or enlivens
leave-taking farewell or departure
lechery gross lewdness; lustfulness; ADJ. lecherous; N. lecher: lecherous man
lectern reading desk or stand for a public speaker
leery (of someone) suspicious; wary; cautious
leeway room to move; margin; latitude; Ex. leeway for the deadline
legacy gift made by a will; something handed down from an ancestor
legato (of music) played smoothly
legend explanatory list of symbols on a map
legerdemain sleight(dexterity) of hand; CF. light of hand
legislature legislating branch of government; CF. legislate: make laws
leniency mildness; permissiveness; ADJ. lenient: not severe in judgment or punishment
leonine like a lion
lethal deadly
lethargic drowsy; dull; N. lethargy: state of sluggishness and inactivity
levee earthen or stone embankment to prevent flooding; CF. raise
levitate rise and float in the air (especially by magical means); CF. light
levity lack of seriousness or steadiness; frivolity; lightness of manner
levy impose (a fine); collect (a payment); impose or collect (a tax); Ex. levy a tax on tobacco
lewd lustful
lexicographer compiler of a dictionary; CF. lexicography: work of compiling a dictionary
lexicon dictionary
liability drawback; handicap; debts; obligation; responsibility; condition of being liable; ADJ. liable: likely; responsible (for paying)
liaison contact that keeps parties in communication; communication between groups; one that maintains communication; go-between; secret love affair; V. liaise: keep a connection
libel defamatory written statement; act of writing something that smears a person’s character; V. ADJ. libelous
libertine debauched person; dissolute or licentious person; rou\’e; CF. free
libidinous lustful
libido psychic and emotional energy or urges behind human activity; sexual desire
libretto text of an opera or oratorio; CF. book
license official or legal permission; latitude of action or speech; excessive freedom that causes harm or damage; V.
licentious amoral; lewd and lascivious; unrestrained
lien legal claim or right on a property
ligneous like wood
lilliputian extremely small; CF. Lilliput in Gulliver’s Travels
limber flexible; supple; pliable; V.
limbo region near heaven or hell where certain souls are kept; prison (slang); Ex. Purgatory and Limbo
limn draw; outline; describe; CF. line ?
limp walk lamely; ADJ: lacking firmness; weak
limpid crystal clear

GRE Word List J

jab poke abruptly with something sharp; punch with short blows
jabber chatter rapidly or unintelligibly
jaded tired or uninterested by surfeit; fatigued; surfeited; worn out; wearied; Ex. jaded appetite
jargon language used by special group; technical terminology; gibberish; nonsensical or incoherent talk
jaundice medical condition in which the skin, the white part of the eyes, etc. turn yellow; V: affect with jaundice; affect with prejudice, envy, or hostility; bias
jaundiced yellowed; prejudiced (envious, hostile, or resentful) from long and disappointing experience of human affairs; Ex. with a jaundiced eye
jaunt trip; short journey
jaunty cheerful and pleased with life; lighthearted; animated; easy and carefree; dapper in appearance; Ex. jaunty person/hat
jeopardize endanger; imperil; put at risk; N. jeopardy: danger
jest playful remark or act; V. act or speak playfully
jetsam things thrown from a ship (to lighten the ship)
jettison throw overboard (from a ship or plane)
jibe agree; be in harmony with; gibe
jingoist extremely aggressive and militant patriot; warlike chauvinist; N. jingoism: extreme nationalism
jocose given to(having a tendency of) joking
jocular said or done in jest or playfully; marked by joking
jocund merry
jollity gaiety; cheerfulness; ADJ. jolly: merry; gay
jostle shove; bump; push against (someone) rather roughly; Ex. jostled by the crowds
jovial good-natured; merry; cheerful
jubilation rejoicing; great joy
judiciary judicial branch of government
judicious sound on judgment; wise
jug pitcher; container for holding liquids
juggernaut irresistible crushing force; overwhelming advancing force that crushes everything in its path
jumble mix in a confused way
juncture crisis; point in time; joining point; joint; act of joining
junket trip especially one taken for pleasure by an official at public expense
junta group of persons joined in political intrigue; cabal; group of military officers ruling a country after seizing power (by force)
juridical of the law and its administration; CF. judicial: of courts of law; CF. judiciary
jurisdiction right and power to apply the law; authority
jurisprudence science of law
juxtapose place side by side; CF. next

GRE worlist I(part 4)

relationship in a society; mental hospital; Ex. institution of marriage
institutionalize make into an institution; put or confine in an institution
insubordination disobedience; rebelliousness; ADJ. insubordinate
insubstantial lacking substance; insignificant; frail; immaterial
insularity narrow-mindedness; isolation; ADJ. insular: of an island; isolated; narrow-minded; CF. peninsula
insuperable insurmountable; unbeatable; Ex. insuperable difficulties
insurgent rebellious; N.
insurmountable overwhelming; unbeatable; insuperable
insurrection rebellion; uprising
intangible not able to be perceived by touch; vague
integral complete; necessary for completeness; Ex. integral part
integrate make whole; combine; make into one unit
integrity honesty; uprightness; wholeness; state of being whole and undivided; completeness
intellect higher mental powers; person of great intellectual ability
intelligentsia intellectuals; members of the educated elite (often used derogatorily)
inter bury; N. interment
interdict prohibit; forbid; N.
interim meantime; Ex. in the interim; ADJ. taking place during an interim; Ex. interim paper
interjection exclamation; Ex. “Ouch'’
interloper intruder; one who interferes
intermediary intermediate; acting as a mediator; N: mediator; go-between
interminable endless
intermittent periodic; on and off; stopping and starting at intervals
internecine mutually destructive
interpolate insert between
interregnum period between two successive reigns or governments
interrogate question closely; cross-examine; cross-question
interstice narrow space between things
intervene come between; interfere; Ex. intervened to prevent a fight; N. intervention
intimate hint; suggest; imply; ADJ: marked by close relationship; familiar; private; personal; Ex. intimate knowledge/thoughts in the diary; N: close friend or confidant; CF. intimacy
intimidate frighten; N. intimidation
intolerant not willing to accept ways of thinking different from one’s own; CF. tolerant; CF. tolerate
intoxicate make drunk; stimulate or excite; Ex. intoxicated by all the money he might win
intractable unruly; difficult to manage; Ex. intractable problem/child
intransigence refusal of any compromise; stubbornness; ADJ. intransigent: uncompromising
intrepid fearless
intrigue make secret plans; plot; arouse the curiosity of; N: secret scheme; plot; secret love affair
intrinsic essential; inherent; built-in
introspective looking within oneself; N. introspection: self-examination
introvert one who is introspective or inclined to think more about oneself; ADJ. introverted
intrude put or force in without being asked; trespass; enter as an uninvited person; Ex. intrude one’s own opinion into the report; CF. thrust in
intuition immediate insight; power of knowing without reasoning; ADJ. intuitive; V. intuit: know by intuition
inundate flood; overflow; submerge; cover completely; Ex. inundated with work
inured accustomed; hardened; Ex. inured to the Alaskan cold; V. inure: make used to something undesirable; harden; CF. unfeeling
invalid one incapacitated(disabled) by a chronic illness; ADJ: incapacitated by illness; not valid; null; V: allow to leave (a military force) because of ill-health
invalidate weaken; destroy; make invalid; nullify
invective abuse
inveigh denounce; utter censure or invective; Ex. inveigh against the evils of drink
inveigle deceive; lead astray by deception; wheedle(cajole); Ex. inveigle her into joining the club; CF. interest dishonestly
inverse opposite
invert turn upside down or inside out; reverse the position or condition of
inveterate deep-rooted; habitual; CF. grow old
invidious designed to create ill will or envy; tending to rouse ill will or envy; Ex. invidious comparison
invincible unconquerable
inviolable secure from corruption, attack, or violation(or profanation); unassailable; Ex. inviolable oath/rights; N. inviolability
invocation prayer for help (used in invoking); calling upon as a reference or support; act of invoking
invoke call and bring into use (a right or law); call on/upon (a higher power or god) for help; ask for; beg for; conjure (a spirit); Ex. invoke the veto power; Ex. invoke one’s advisor/God
invulnerable incapable of injury; impossible to damage or injure
iota very small quantity
irascible irritable; easily angered
irate angry; CF. ire: anger; wrath
iridescent exhibiting rainbowlike colors; Ex. iridescent oil slick; N. iridescence
irksome annoying; tedious; V. irk: annoy
ironic expressing irony; occurring in an unexpected and contrary manner
irony hidden sarcasm or satire; use of words that seem to mean the opposite of what they actually mean; use of words to convey the opposite of their literal meaning
irreconcilable impossible to reconcile; incompatible; not able to be resolved
irrefutable indisputable; incontrovertible; undeniable
irrelevant not applicable; unrelated
irremediable incurable; uncorrectable; impossible to remedy
irreparable not able to be corrected or repaired; impossible to repair
irrepressible unable to be restrained or held back; impossible to hold back
irreproachable beyond reproach; blameless; impeccable; Ex. irreproachable conduct
irresolute uncertain how to act; weak; lacking in resolution; indecisive; N. irresolution
irretrievable impossible to recover or regain; CF. retrieve
irreverence lack of proper respect or reverence; ADJ. irreverent
irrevocable unalterable; irreversible; impossible to revoke
isotope varying from of an element
isthmus narrow neck of land connecting two larger bodies of land
itinerant wandering; traveling from place to place (to perform work); Ex. itinerant preacher
itinerary plan of a trip; record of a trip

GRE wordlist I(part 3)

increment increase
incriminate accuse of or implicate in a crime; serve as evidence against; cause to seem or make guilty of a crime; Ex. incriminating evidence
incrustation hard coating or crust; V. incrust: encrust; cover with a crust
incubate hatch; warm (eggs) with the body to promote hatching; maintain at optimal environment conditions for development; be holding in one’s body an infection which is going to develop into a disease; N. incubation; CF. incubation:disease
incubus burden; very worriying problem; mental care; nightmare; male devil; CF. succubus
inculcate teach (ideas or principles); instill
incumbent obligatory; imposed as an obligation; currently holding an office; N: person who holds an office
incur bring upon oneself
incursion temporary invasion; CF. excursion: short journey
indecision irresolution; inability to make up one’s mind
indecisive marked by indecision; inconclusive; Ex. indecisive battle
indefatigable tireless; untiring; showing no sign of getting tired
indelible not able to be erased
indemnify make secure against damage or loss; compensate for damage or loss; CF. make uninjured
indentation notch; deep recess; V. indent; CF. tooth
indenture bind as servant or apprentice to master; bind by indenture; N: contract binding one party into the service of another for a specified time (as between an apprentice and his master)
indeterminate uncertain; not clearly fixed; indefinite
indicative suggestive; implying; serving to indicate
indices signs; indications; Ex. indices of a student’s potential; CF. index: something that reveals or indicates; sign; Ex. cost-of-living index
indict charge; N. indictment
indifferent unmoved or unconcerned by; having no interest in; mediocre; neither good nor bad
indigence poverty
indigenous native; Ex. plant indigenous to the New World
indigent poor; destitute
indignation anger at an injustice; Ex. righteous indignation; ADJ. indignant
indignity treatment or situation that causes shame or loss of dignity, respect; offensive or insulting treatment; humiliating or degrading treatment; Ex. I suffered the indignity of having to say that in front of them.
indiscriminate choosing at random; confused; not based on careful distinctions
indisputable too certain to be disputed; beyond doubt
indissoluble permanent; impossible to dissolve or disintegrate
indite write; compose
indoctrinate cause to accept a doctrine without questioning it; Ex. indoctrinated with mindless anti-communism
indolent lazy
indomitable unconquerable; unyielding
indubitable unable to be doubted; which cannot be doubted; unquestionable
induce persuade; lead to do something; bring about; N. inducement
induct place formally in office; install; admit as a member; initiate; N. induction: inducting; process of deriving general principles from particular facts
inductive pertaining to induction or proceeding from the specific to the general
indulge yield to; gratify; allow oneself a special pleasure; Ex. indulge one’s every whim/a child/in a big cigarette; N. indulgence
indulgent humoring; yielding; lenient; showing indulgence
industrious diligent; hard-working; N. industry
inebriate make drunk; intoxicate; N. intoxicated person
inebriated habitually intoxicated; drunk; N. inebriety
ineffable unutterable; not to be uttered; taboo; that cannot be expressed in speech; indescribable; unspeakable; inexpressible; Ex. ineffable name/joy
ineffectual not effective; not having a desired effect; weak
ineluctable irresistible; not to be escaped; unavoidable
inept unsuited; inappropriate; lacking skill; incompetent; CF. inapt: (of statements or ideas) inappropriate
inequity unfairness; ADJ. inequitable
inerrancy infallibility
inert inactive; lacking power to move; unable to move or act; Ex. chemically inert; N. inertia: state of being inert; force which keeps a thing in the position or state
inestimable impossible to estimate; (apprec) invaluable; of immeasurable worth
inevitable unavoidable
inexorable relentless; unyielding; implacable; not capable of being changed by entreaty or efforts; Ex. inexorable price rises
inextricable from which it is impossible to get free; that cannot be untied; Ex. inextricable troubles; Ex. inextricable two histories
infallible unerring; never making mistakes
infamous notoriously bad; notorious; well known for being bad; Ex. infamous behavior; N: infamy: infamous act; evil fame or reputation
infantile childish; infantlike
infer deduce; conclude; N. inference
infernal pertaining to hell; devilish; N. inferno: place of fiery heat or destruction
infest inhabit in numbers large enough to be harmful; Ex. Mice infested the house; Ex. shark-infested waters
infidel unbeliever (with respect to a particular religion)
infiltrate pass into or through; penetrate or enter (an organization) sneakily; Ex. infiltrate the troops into enemy territory; CF. infiltrator
infinitesimal very small
infirmity weakness
inflated exaggerated; pompous; enlarged (with air or gas)
influx flowing into
infraction violation (of a rule or regulation); breach
infringe violate (a law); encroach (the right of another person)
ingenious marked by inventive skill; clever; resourceful; N. ingenuity
ingenue ing\’enue; young innocent girl
ingenuous naive and trusting; young; unsophisticated; candid
ingrained deeply established; firmly rooted; Ex. ingrained dirt/prejudice
ingrate ungrateful person (not expressing thanks)
ingratiate become popular with; bring (oneself) in favor of another; Ex. ingratiate himself with the boss
inherent firmly established by nature or habit; intrinsic
inhibit restrain; prohibit; retard or prevent; N. inhibition
inhibited (of a person) unable to express what one really feels
inimical (of someone) unfriendly; hostile; (of something) harmful; detrimental; CF. enemy
inimitable matchless; not able to be imitated
iniquitous wicked; immoral; unrighteous; N. iniquity; Ex. den of iniquity
initiate begin; originate; receive into a group; introduce to a new field or activity; Ex. initiate someone into the mysteries of a secret religion; N: one who has been initiated
injurious harmful; causing injury
inkling hint; slight indication
innate inborn
innocuous harmless
innovation change; something newly introduced; introduction of something new; V. innovate: begin or introduce (something new); be creative; ADJ. innovative
innuendo indirect or subtle (derogatory) hint; insinuation; Ex. sexual innuendo
inopportune untimely; inappropriate or ill-timed; poorly chosen
inordinate beyond reasonable limits; unrestrained; excessive; Ex. inordinate demands
inquisitive eager for knowledge; unduly curious
inquisitor questioner (especially harsh); investigator; person making an inquisition
inroad hostile invasion; advance that lessens the quantity or difficulty of something; Ex. The long illness made serious inroads on his savings; CF. raid
insalubrious unwholesome; not healthful; Ex. insalubrious place
insatiable not easily satisfied; unquenchable; Ex. insatiable appetite
inscrutable difficult to understand; impenetrable; not readily understood; mysterious
insensate without feeling; lacking sense; foolish
insensible unconscious; unresponsive; insensitive; unaware; imperceptible; Ex. insensible of his danger/to pain; Ex. insensible change; CF. not the opposite of sensible
insidious treacherous; stealthy; sly; working or spreading harmfully in a stealthy manner; Ex. insidious spreading of dry rot
insightful discerning; perceptive
insinuate hint; imply; suggest indirectly; creep in; introduce or insert (oneself) by artful means; Ex. insinuate himself into the boss’s favor; CF. ingratiate
insipid lacking in flavor; lacking interest; dull; Ex. insipid food/character
insolence impudent disrespect; haughtiness; ADJ. insolent; CF. haughty + rude
insolvent bankrupt; lacking money to pay; N. insolvency
insomnia wakefulness; inability to sleep
insouciant without concern or care; unconcerned; indifferent
instigate start; urge; provoke; incite; Ex. instigate a search/quarrel
institute organization for a special purpose; V: establish
institution instituting; (building for the) organization; established custom, practice, or

GRE wordlist I(part 2)

implicate incriminate; involve incriminatingly; show to be involved (in a crime); Ex. implicate someone in the crime
implication something hinted at or suggested; implying; implicating
implicit understood but not stated; implied; unquestioning and complete; Ex. implicit trust
implode burst inward; CF. vaccum tube
implore v. ask or beg earnestly; beseech
imply suggest a meaning not expressed; signify
impolitic not wise; not expedient; not politic
imponderable weightless; that cannot undergo precise evaluation; CF. pound
import significance; importance; meaning
importunate urging; always demanding; troublesomely urgent or persistent
importune beg persistently; make repeated requests (in an annoying way)
imposture assuming a false identity; masquerade; CF. impostor
impotent weak; ineffective; lacking in physical strength or power
impoverish make poor; deprive of natural strength or something important; Ex. impoverished soil
imprecation curse; swearword
impregnable invulnerable; impossible to capture or enter by force; Ex. impregnable fort/argument; CF. take
impregnate make pregnant; fill thoroughly; saturate
impromptu without previous preparation; off the cuff(end of a sleeve); on the spur of the moment
impropriety improperness; unsuitableness
improvident thriftless; not providing for the future
improvise compose on the spur of the moment
imprudent lacking caution; not prudent; injudicious
impudence impertinence; insolence
impugn dispute or contradict (often in an insulting way); attack as false or questionable; challenge; gainsay; CF. fight
impuissance powerlessness; feebleness
impunity freedom from punishment or harm; CF. punish
impute attribute; ascribe; charge; N. imputation
inadvertently unintentionally; by oversight; carelessly
inalienable not to be taken away; nontransferable; Ex. inalienable rights
inamorata woman whom a man loves
inane silly; senseless; Ex. inane remarks; N. inanity
inanimate lifeless; not animate
inarticulate speechless; producing indistinct speech; not articulate; not expressing oneself clearly
inasmuch_as since; owing to the fact that
inaugurate begin formally; install in office; induct into office by a formal ceremony; N. inauguration; ADJ. inaugural
incandescent strikingly bright; shining with intense heat; emitting visible light when heated; Ex. incandescent light bulb; CF. candle
incantation singing or chanting of magic spells; magical formula; (the saying of) words used in magic; CF. enchant
incapacitate disable; N. incapacity: lack of capacity
incarcerate imprison
incarnate endowed with flesh; invested with bodily form; personified; Ex. devil incarnate; V: give bodily form to; embody
incarnation act of assuming a human body and human nature; one who personifies something; personification; Ex. previous incarnation/reincarnation
incendiary arsonist; ADJ: causing fire; of arson; Ex. incendiary bomb
incense enrage; infuriate(make furious); make extremely angry; outrage; N: aromatic substance burned to produce a pleasant odor
incentive spur; motive; something which encourages one to greater activity
inception start; beginning
incessant uninterrupted; unceasing
inchoate (of desire, wish, plan) recently begun; not explicit; at the beginning of development; rudimentary; elementary; Ex. inchoate mass
incidence rate of occurrence; particular occurrence; Ex. high incidence of infant mortality
incident event; event that causes a crisis
incidental not essential; minor; N: something incidental
incinerate burn to ashes
incipient beginning; in an early stage
incisive (appreciatively) cutting; sharp; Ex. incisive remarks; V. incise: make a cut into
incite arouse to action; goad; motivate; induce to exist; Ex. incite a riot/the crowd to rebellion
inclement stormy; unkind; unmerciful; CF. clement
incline slope; slant; Ex. steep incline
inclined tending or leaning toward; bent; V. incline: slant; dispose; be disposed; tend
inclusive tending to include all; all-inclusive; Ex. inclusive charge
incognito with identity concealed; using an assumed name; ADJ.
incoherent unintelligible; muddled; unable to express one’s thoughts in an orderly manner; illogical; lacking cohesion; not coherent
incommodious not spacious; inconvenient
incompatible inharmonious; N. incompatibility
incongruity lack of harmony; absurdity; ADJ. incongruous: lacking in harmony; inappropriate
inconsequential insignificant; unimportant
inconsistency state of being self-contradictory; lack of uniformity or steadiness; ADJ. inconsistent: displaying a lack of consistency; erratic; contradictory; incompatible
incontinent lacking self-restraint; not continent; licentious
incontrovertible indisputable; impossible to dispute; not open to question; unquestionable
incorporate introduce something into a larger whole; include; embody; give material form to; ADJ.
incorporeal without a material body; insubstantial
incorrigible uncorrectable
incredulity tendency to disbelief
incredulous withholding belief; skeptical; showing disbelief

GRE Word List I(part 1)

ichthyology study of fish; CF. ichthyo-: fish
icon(ikon) religious image; idol; image or representation
iconoclastic attacking cherished traditions; N. iconoclast: one who attacks traditional ideas; one who destroys sacred images
ideology system of ideas characteristic of a group or culture
idiom expression whose meaning as a whole differs from the meanings of its individual words; distinctive style (of expression); Ex. idiom of the modern popular music; ADJ. idiomatic
idiosyncrasy individual trait usually odd in nature; behavioral peculiarity; eccentricity; attitude, behavior, or opinion peculiar to a person; anything highly individual or eccentric; ADJ. idiosyncratic
idle not working; not employed or busy; lazy; without purpose; useless; lacking substance; baseless; not based on truth; Ex. idle worker; Ex. talk idly; V.
idolatry worship of idols; excessive admiration or devotion; ADJ. idolatrous
idyll(idyl) short poem idealizing rural life; simple happy period of life (in the country); scene from such a time; Ex. idyll of two young lovers
idyllic charmingly carefree; simple and happy; Ex. idyllic scene
igneous produced by fire; of fire; volcanic; (of rocks) formed from lava; Ex. igneous meteorite
ignite kindle; light; catch fire or set fire to
ignoble unworthy; not noble; dishonorable; Ex. ignoble deed
ignominy deep disgrace; shame or dishonor; ADJ. ignominious; Ex. ignominous defeat
illicit illegal
illimitable infinite; limitless
illuminate brighten; clear up or make understandable; enlighten; enable to understand; Ex. illuminating remarks
illusion misleading vision or visual image; false idea or belief; CF. delusion
illusive deceiving; based on illusion; causing illusion; deceptive
illusory illusive; deceptive; not real
imbalance lack of balance or symmetry; disproportion
imbecility weakness of mind; state of being an imbecile; N. imbecile: stupid person; fool
imbibe drink in
imbroglio complicated situation (as in a play); painful or complex misunderstanding (as in a play); entanglement; confused mass (as of papers); V. embroil
imbue saturate(soak thoroughly); fill; Ex. imbue someone with feelings
immaculate spotless; flawless; absolutely clean
imminent impending; near at hand
immobility state of being immovable
immolate offer or kill as a sacrifice (by fire)
immune resistant to; free or exempt from; N. immunity
immure imprison; shut up in confinement; CF. wall
immutable unchangeable
impair injure; hurt; damage
impale pierce (with a sharp point); Ex. impaled by the spear
impalpable imperceptible(not easily understood); intangible; OP. palpable: tangible; easily perceptible
impart grant a share of; make known; Ex. news to impart
impartial not biased; fair; N. impartiality
impassable not able to be traveled or crossed
impasse predicament(dangerous condition) from which there is no escape; situation allowing for no further progress
impassioned (of speech) filled with passion; fervent
impassive without feeling; expressionless; imperturbable; stoical; Ex. impassive face
impeach charge (a public official) with crime in office; raise doubts about; indict; Ex. impeach a witness’s credibility
impeccable faultless
impecunious without money
impede hide; retard or obstruct the progress of; block
impediment hindrance; stumbling-block; speech defect preventing clear articulation; Ex. speech impediment
impel drive or force onward; drive to take action; urge to action
impending nearing; approaching; about to happen
impenetrable not able to be pierced or entered; beyond understanding; impossible to understand; Ex. impenetrable mystery
impenitent not repentant
imperative absolutely necessary; that must be done; critically important; expressing command; Ex. It is imperative that; N: something that must be done
imperceptible unnoticeable; impossible to perceive; undetectable
imperial like an emperor; related to an empire; CF. imperialism
imperil put in danger
imperious domineering; too commanding; haughty; CF. imperial/emperor
impermeable impervious; not permitting passage through its substance; impossible to permeate
impersonal not being a person; not showing personal feelings; Ex. impersonal force/manner/organization
impertinent insolent; rude; not pertinent; N. impertinence
imperturbable unshakably calm; placid
impervious impenetrable; incapable of being damaged or distressed; incapable of being affected (in one’s opinions); Ex. impervious to water/criticism
impetuous violent; hasty; rash; impulsive; without careful thought; Ex. impetuous decision
impetus moving force; momentum; force of a moving body; incentive; stimulus; impulse
impiety irreverence; lack of respect for God or piety
impinge infringe; encroach; influence; touch; collide with; Ex. The effects are impinging on every aspect of our lives.
impious irreverent
implacable incapable of being pacified; impossible to appease; Ex. implacable enemy
implausible unlikely (to be true); unbelievable; Ex. implausible alibi
implement put into effect; enforce; carry out; supply with tools; Ex. implement the

GRE Word List H(part 2)

hindsight understanding the nature of an event after it has actually happened
hinterlands back country; inner part of a country; OP. foreland
hireling one who serves for hire (usually used contemptuously); one who works solely for compensation; Ex. hireling politician
hirsute hairy; having a lot of hair
historic important in history; Ex. historic battle
historical connected with history; based on events in history (whether regarded as important or not)
histrionic theatrical; excessively dramatic or emotional; affected; of actors or acting; N. histrionics: histrionic behavior
hive box for bees; V: cause to go in a hive
hoard stockpile; accumulate for future use; N: supply stored for future use
hoary white with age
hoax trick which makes someone take action; practical joke; Ex. hoax mail; V.
holocaust destruction by fire; CF. burnt whole; CF. Holocaust
holster leather pistol case (that hangs on a belt around the waist)
homage honor; tribute; great respect; Ex. pay/do homage to
homely not good-looking; unattractive
homeostasis tendency of a system or organism to maintain relative stability or internal equilibrium; CF. homeo-: constant; Ex. homeotherm
homespun domestic; made at home; spun or woven at home; simple and ordinary; Ex. homespun philosophy
homily sermon; tedious moralizing lecture; serious warning; ADJ. homiletic
homogeneous of the same kind; uniform in composition throughout
hone sharpen (a tool); N: whetstone for sharpening a tool
hoodwink deceive; delude
horde crowd; swarm
horoscope diagram of the positions of stars at a given moment (eg. of a person’s birth) used by astrologers
hortatory encouraging; exhortive; marked by exhortation; CF. exhort
horticultural pertaining to cultivation of gardens; N. horticulture: science or art of cultivating fruits, vegetables, or ornamental plants; CF. agriculture: science or art of farming or growing crops
hostage person who is kept as a prisoner by an enemy so that the other side will do what the enemy demands
hostility unfriendliness; hatred; enmity; ADJ. hostile
hothead person who does things too quickly without thinking; ADJ. hotheaded
hovel shack; small wretched house
hover hang about; (of birds or aircraft) stay in the air in one place; (of people) wait nearby; stay around one place; waver; be in an uncertain state
hubbub confused uproar; loud noise; din
hubris arrogance; excessive self-conceit
hue color; aspect; Ex. opinions of every hue
hue_and_cry outcry; loud cry or clamor; strong protest; Ex. hue and cry against the new rule
hull husk; dry outer covering of a seed; frame or body of a ship
humane marked by kindness or consideration; kind and compassionate; humanitarian
humanitarian one devoted to the promotion of human welfare; CF. humanism
humble of low rank or position; modest; having a low opinion of oneself and a high opinion of others; unassuming; not proud; V. humiliate: make humble; cause to feel ashamed or to lose the respect of others
humdrum dull; monotonous
humid damp; N. humidity
humility humbleness of spirit
hummock small hill; hillock
humor indulge; comply with the wishes of; N. quality that makes something amusing; state of mind; mood; Ex. in a bad humor; Ex. out of humor
humus substance or rich soil formed by decaying vegetable matter; CF. soil
hurl throw forcefully; shout out violently
hurtle crash; rush; move with great speed; Ex. hurtling runaway train
husband use sparingly; conserve; save; Ex. husband one’s energy; CF. house holder
husbandry frugality; thrift; economy; agriculture; farming; Ex. animal husbandry; CF. husbandman
hut crude dwelling; shack
hybrid mongrel; mixed breed; V. hybridize
hydrophobia fear of water; rabies
hygiene science and practice of the promotion and preservation of health; ADJ. hygienic: showing careful attention to cleanness (to prevent disease); Ex. hygienic condition
hyperbole exaggeration; overstatement; ADJ. hyperbolic: of hyperbole; of a hyperbola
hypercritical excessively exacting; too critical (without noticing good qualities)
hypnosis induced sleeping state; ADJ. hypnotic; V. hypnotize
hypochondriac person unduly worried about his health; worrier without cause about illness; ADJ. CF. hypochondria: neurosis that one is or is becoming ill; CF. abdomen
hypocritical pretending to be virtuous; deceiving; N. hypocrisy: profession of beliefs one does not possess; CF. hypocrite
hypothetical based on assumptions or hypotheses; supposed; N. hypothesis
hysteria excessive or uncontrollable excitement; N. hysteric: person suffering from hysteria; CF. hysterics: attack of hysteria