On the vocabulary section of the GRE (and the SAT) you’ll be presented with words that you’ve never seen before, ones that you might have seen but don’t know well, and some that you think you know but that are easily confused with others. In order to do well on the exams, you can use some of the study tips we’ve already discussed on this blog – understanding root words, learning to use words in context by writing sample sentences, working with flash cards and other visual aids – but you’ll also need to spend a certain amount of time simply memorizing words that are likely to appear on the examinations. Here are ten words that you’ll find useful on these tests, and which are also excellent additions to your everyday vocabulary.
explicit (ex-PLIH-sit) adjective (adverb explicitly)
Definition: Detailed, precise, and completely understandable.
Synonyms: exact, definitive
Antonyms: ambiguous, vague
Example: The guide spent fifteen minutes giving the hiking group explicit instructions on what to do if they saw a rattlesnake on the trail.
paradigm (PAIR-ah-dime) noun
Definition: An example or a model that other things are patterned on.
Synonyms: prototype, standard
Example: Linking cell phones and internet access has created a new paradigm for global communication systems.
criterion (cry-TEAR-ee-uhn) noun (plural criteria)
Definition: A standard or example that other things are measured by.
Synonyms: gauge, yardstick
Example: A successful applicant will need to match each criterion on the interviewer’s list.
subversive (sub-VER-sihv) adjective, but can be used as a noun
Definition: Working against established authority, in particular to overthrow it; or, a person who is acting in such a manner.
Synonyms: rebellious, seditious
Antonyms: obedient, loyal
Example: Those three men are on the Interpol watch list because they are suspected of engaging in subversive activities in several unstable countries.
fiduciary (fih-DOO-shee-air-ee) adjective, but also commonly used as a noun
Definition: A relationship of trust between two entities, usually involving money; or, a person who has responsibility for that trust or property.
Synonyms: trustworthy, responsible
Antonyms: unreliable, irresponsible
Example: Alice inherited her fortune when she was a child, and her estate was managed by several older relatives in a fiduciary capacity until she turned 21.
You can trust that we’ll be back tomorrow with five more useful, powerful vocabulary words for you to learn.