In previous posts, we’ve discussed several ways to improve your vocabulary studying techniques. We’ve talked about using context to help define words, and about employing several different methods (reading, speaking words aloud, and writing) to get your whole brain engaged in the process of learning and remembering difficult vocabulary words. The Ultimate Vocabulary system is designed to help you use a variety of tools to increase your ability to memorize and use the words that will make a difference in your professional development.

If a graduate degree is part of your long-term career goals, getting a good score on the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is important. In this series of posts, we’ll be looking at twenty-six words that frequently appear on the GRE exam. We encourage you to use the study techniques you’ve learned so far when working with these powerful and useful vocabulary words.

When you accomplish something significant – such as getting a top score on the GRE – you’ll often receive accolades from friends and family, contragulating you on your achievement. Accolade means praise or approval, an acknowledgement of a job well done. The word can be traced back to the Middle Ages, and the days of the knights. In old French, the word accolade meant embrace. When a man was knighted, he received a kiss on the cheek or forehead from his lord or prince as well as the admiration of the court.

Example: The president held a ceremony to honor the veterans of World War II, and they received the accolades of the crowd gathered at the newly-dedicated memorial.

A knight was known for his chivalrous and courteous behavior, and also for his bravery in battle. However, a true knight was never bellicose. Bellicose means aggressive or hostile. A bellicose person is one who is easily angered, and always looking for a fight.

Example: The class bully is bellicose and will push you around if you let him, but at heart he’s a coward, and he will back down quickly if you stand up to him.

Study hard and you’ll receive praise and admiration as well as a good test score. Tomorrow we’ll look at two more useful GRE words: circumspect and desecrate.