GRE Vocabulary · Level 1

High-Frequency Words

These 12 words show up constantly in GRE reading passages and text-completion questions.

Practice this set for free — no account needed. Loads 12 flashcards into the learner.

How to study this set

Many GRE words come in near-opposite pairs (candid/disingenuous, e.g.) — learning them in contrasting pairs speeds up recall.

abundant, in large quantities

copious

She took copious notes during the lecture.

to publicly declare something to be wrong or evil

denounce

The senator denounced the policy as unjust.

to speak of something in a negative, belittling way

disparage

He disparaged the proposal without offering an alternative.

serving as a desirable model, outstandingly good

exemplary

Her work ethic was exemplary throughout the project.

irrelevant or unnecessary to the matter at hand

extraneous

The editor cut all the extraneous details from the report.

happening by a lucky chance

fortuitous

Their meeting at the conference was entirely fortuitous.

based on an assumption or possibility rather than known fact

hypothetical

Let’s consider a hypothetical situation.

about to happen very soon

imminent

The storm’s arrival was imminent.

continuing without pause or interruption

incessant

The incessant noise from the construction site kept them awake.

feeling or showing anger because of unfair treatment

indignant

She was indignant at being blamed for the mistake.

essential, a necessary part of a whole

integral

Trust is integral to any good partnership.

clear and easy to understand

lucid

His explanation was remarkably lucid.

Next: Level 2, "Advanced Words" — the tier that trips up most test-takers.