Tackling the GRE Verbal Section, One Word at a Time

The GRE's verbal reasoning section is notorious for its challenging vocabulary. Seeing a long list of complex words can feel overwhelming, but the secret isn't to learn the entire dictionary. The key is to focus on high-frequency words—the ones that appear most often on the exam.

By memorizing a core set of essential terms, you build a strong foundation for understanding difficult passages and answering questions accurately. This guide will walk you through 10 must-know GRE words to get you started. And if you need a simple way to practice them, you can create flashcards in seconds and start memorizing with a free app like Download Flashi.

10 Essential GRE Vocabulary Words

Here are 10 words frequently encountered on the GRE, complete with simple definitions and example sentences to help you understand their usage.

1. Equivocal

  • Definition: Open to more than one interpretation; ambiguous.
  • Usage: The politician gave an equivocal answer when asked about the new policy, leaving voters uncertain of his stance.

2. Lucid

  • Definition: Expressed clearly; easy to understand.
  • Usage: The professor's explanation was so lucid that even the most complex theories became clear.

3. Precipitate

  • Definition: To cause an event or situation (typically one that is bad or undesirable) to happen suddenly or unexpectedly.
  • Usage: The sudden drop in stock prices precipitated a financial crisis.

4. Assuage

  • Definition: To make an unpleasant feeling less intense.
  • Usage: The letter from her friend did little to assuage her deep grief.

5. Erudite

  • Definition: Having or showing great knowledge or learning.
  • Usage: The erudite scholar could speak five languages and had published several acclaimed books.

6. Opaque

  • Definition: Not able to be seen through; not transparent. Can also mean hard to understand.
  • Usage: The legal jargon in the contract was so opaque that we had to hire a lawyer to interpret it.

7. Prodigal

  • Definition: Spending money or resources freely and recklessly; wastefully extravagant.
  • Usage: The prodigal son returned home after squandering his entire inheritance.

8. Enigma

  • Definition: A person or thing that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand.
  • Usage: To his friends, the brilliant but reclusive artist remained an enigma.

9. Fervid

  • Definition: Intensely enthusiastic or passionate, especially to an excessive degree.
  • Usage: The candidate's fervid supporters attended every rally, waving signs and chanting slogans.

10. Placate

  • Definition: To make someone less angry or hostile, typically by making concessions.
  • Usage: The manager tried to placate the angry customer by offering a full refund.

How to Memorize These GRE Words Effectively

Reading a list is the first step, but true memorization requires active recall. This is where digital flashcards excel.

  1. Create a Flashcard for Each Word: On one side, write the word. On the other, write the definition and a short, memorable sentence.

  2. Review Daily: Spend 5-10 minutes each day reviewing your flashcard deck. Don't just read them—actively try to recall the definition before you flip the card over.

Using an app designed for vocabulary can streamline this process. Flashi allows you to quickly create decks, and its daily “Word of the Day” feature is a great way to build your vocabulary one term at a time without feeling overwhelmed.

Start Your GRE Prep Today

Mastering GRE vocabulary is a marathon, not a sprint. By focusing on high-frequency words like these and using effective memorization tools, you can build the confidence you need to succeed. Start with these 10 words, and then continue expanding your vocabulary.

Ready to start memorizing? Download Flashi for free and create your first GRE vocabulary deck in minutes:

https://apps.apple.com/jp/app/flashi-ai-flashcards/id6755940544?l