GRE Vocabulary Builder
Master 240+ essential GRE vocabulary words with roots, examples, and mnemonics
Aberrant
/Word 1 of 8/
Definition
Deviating from the normal or expected course
Etymology
ab- (away) + errare (to wander)
Memory Aid
AB away, ERRANT wandering
Usage Example
"His aberrant behavior was concerning to his parents."
Benign
/Word 2 of 8/
Definition
Kind, gentle, or not harmful
Etymology
bene (well) + gnus (born)
Memory Aid
BENIGN = BE NICE
Usage Example
"The doctor said the tumor was benign."
Candid
/Word 3 of 8/
Definition
Frank, honest, and sincere
Etymology
candidus (white, pure)
Memory Aid
CAN-DID speak honestly
Usage Example
"She gave a candid assessment of the project."
Diligent
/Word 4 of 8/
Definition
Showing care and effort in your work
Etymology
diligentia (careful attention)
Memory Aid
DILI-GENT = DEDICATED TO WORK
Usage Example
"Her diligent approach earned her a promotion."
Ephemeral
/Word 5 of 8/
Definition
Lasting for a short time; transitory
Etymology
ephemeros (lasting only a day)
Memory Aid
EPH = SHORT-LIVED
Usage Example
"The beauty of cherry blossoms is ephemeral."
Forthright
/Word 6 of 8/
Definition
Direct, honest, and straightforward
Etymology
forth + right (moving directly forward)
Memory Aid
FORTH = FORWARD, RIGHT = DIRECT
Usage Example
"His forthright criticism helped improve the product."
Gregarious
/Word 7 of 8/
Definition
Tending to associate with others; social
Etymology
gregis (herd)
Memory Aid
GREG = GROUP
Usage Example
"She was gregarious and loved being with friends."
Hackneyed
/Word 8 of 8/
Definition
Overused and therefore lacking freshness
Etymology
Hackney (a horse for hire)
Memory Aid
HACK-KNEED = WORN OUT
Usage Example
"The phrase was too hackneyed for the essay."