This week we’re discussing more than two dozen advanced vocabulary words that frequently appear in the vocabulary sections of the SAT and GRE examinations. Use the study tips we discussed last week to learn today’s words. Just to warn you, there’s going to be a quiz at the end of the week …

flourish

When you see the word flourish in a sentence, pay close attention to the context, because this word has two common – but completely different – meanings. The first definition of flourish is “to grow, to thrive, to do well.” A plant or a person may flourish, given the right nourishment and encouragement.

A flourish can also be a showy gesture or ornament, something added for emphasis or to call attention to oneself. In this case, the word flourish can be either a noun or a verb.

Example 1: The volcanic hot springs in that mountain valley create a microclimate where even tropical plants like bananas and orchids flourish.
Example 2: The marching band ended their routine with a flourish of high trumpet notes and a rousing cheer.

guile

Guile means cunning or trickery, the ability to accomplish something in an underhanded or hidden way. In many cases, this noun is used when speaking of an action or a person that demonstrates deceit or fraud. The adjective guileless means innocent, childlike, or incapable of deception.

Example: His great personal charisma helped him use his guile to swindle hundreds of elderly women out of their life’s savings.

hackneyed

Something that is hackneyed is overused, trite, and banal – it’s been repeated so often that it has lost its original significance.

Example: That comedian still gets bookings, even though his hackneyed jokes all poke fun at politicians who haven’t been in office for years.

irascible

Someone who is irascible is cranky, touchy, and easily angered. A common synonym for irascible is irritable; both of these words come from the Latin root ira, meaning “anger.”

Example: My boss has been so irascible this week that I’ve changed my mind about asking for a raise – I’ll wait until he’s in a better mood.

jettison

This verb first appeared in the 15th century, and means “to throw things overboard” (that is, off of a ship). These days, we use jettison to describe the act of getting rid of things to lighten a load, or because they are no longer necessary, or because they are preventing us from doing something or hindering us in some way.

Example: When the hot-air balloon started sinking too fast, the pilot jettisoned three of the sandbags to quickly raise the basket above the level of the treetops.

kindle

Has your study of these words kindled a desire in you to learn even more powerful and useful vocabulary? To kindle means to light a fire, whether it’s a physical flame or an emotional warmth.

Example: The warm and loving welcome he received from her family kindled an answering affection in his heart, and he eventually became closer to her father than he was to his own.

We hope you’re all fired up to study words this week!