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High-Frequency GRE Vocabulary: Grouped by Theme
GRE vocabulary is thematic, not random. Here's a focused list of the highest-frequency words, grouped by topic, with meanings and usage.
Why theme-based learning works
GRE words often cluster around themes: abstract ideas (esoteric, ambiguous), criticism/conflict (refute, contentious), praise/approval (laudable, meritorious), support/weakness (bolster, undermine), and emotions (ebullient, despondent). Learning by theme helps you recall faster and understand relationships between words.
Abstract & intellectual words
esoteric (intended for a small group of specialists), ambiguous (open to more than one interpretation), abstruse (difficult to understand), perspicacious (having keen insight), sagacious (wise). These often appear in passages about philosophy, academia and complex ideas. Knowing them helps you follow difficult Verbal texts.
Criticism and conflict theme
refute (prove wrong), rebut (argue against), castigate (reprimand harshly), vituperative (abusive language), contentious (causing disagreement), acrimonious (bitter and hostile), belligerent (hostile and aggressive). These describe arguments, debates and disagreements in GRE passages.
Support, strength and weakness
bolster (strengthen or support), corroborate (confirm or verify), undermine (weaken), mitigate (make less severe), assuage (calm, pacify), exacerbate (make worse), ameliorate (improve). These words signal cause-effect relationships and appear frequently in GRE reading passages.
Praise, approval and character
laudable (worthy of praise), meritorious (deserving praise), exemplary (serving as model), sagacious (wise), perspicacious (insightful), dilatory (slow to act), indolent (lazy). These describe people, actions and character — useful for reading and essay tasks.
Emotions and states of mind
ebullient (enthusiastic and energetic), languorous (slow, relaxed), morose (gloomy), sanguine (optimistic), despondent (sad and without hope), trepidation (fear), equanimity (calmness). These convey mood and tone in passages about people, experiences and attitudes.
Frequently asked questions
- How many GRE vocabulary words should I learn?
- Focus on the 500–1000 most frequent GRE words. That covers 80% of the words you will see; the remainder are less common.
- Is it better to memorise words or learn them in context?
- Both. Memorise definitions with flashcards for speed, then reinforce by reading them in context (GRE passages, articles). Context helps you remember and use them accurately.
- Do difficult GRE words appear in every test?
- Yes, but they usually appear in one or two tough passages per test section. Strong vocabulary paired with reading comprehension skills helps you score high.