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6000 GRE words

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GRE 6000 - Set 15

(309 words)
WordPOSDefinition
plenary
adj.
Complete or attended by all members
plenipotentiary
noun
A person, especially a diplomat, invested with full power to act on behalf of their government.
plenitude
noun
An abundance or large amount
plethora
noun
An excessive amount
pliable
adj.
Easily bent or shaped
pliant
adj.
Easily bent or flexible
plight
noun
A difficult or unfortunate situation
plod
verb
To walk slowly with heavy steps
plodding
adj.
Slow-moving and unexciting
ploy
noun
A cunning plan or action designed to turn a situation to one's advantage.
pluck
verb
To pull something quickly to remove it
plucky
adj.
Showing courage and determination
plumage
noun
The feathers covering a bird's body.
plumb
verb
To measure the depth of something, often water
plumber
noun
A person who installs and repairs water pipes and fixtures.
plume
noun
A long, soft feather or arrangement of feathers
plummet
verb
To fall or drop straight down at high speed
plump
adj.
Having a full, rounded shape
plus
prep.
Added to
plutocracy
noun
A government or society ruled by the wealthy
pngent
adj.
Having a sharply strong taste or smell
podiatrist
noun
A healthcare professional specializing in the care and treatment of feet.
podium
noun
A raised platform for speakers or performers
poignancy
noun
The quality of evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret
poignant
adj.
Evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret
poise
noun
Graceful and elegant bearing in a person
polar
adj.
Relating to the North or South Pole
polarity
noun
The property of having poles or being polar
polarize
verb
To cause division into opposing groups
polarized
adj.
Divided into two sharply contrasting groups or sets of opinions or beliefs
polemic
noun
A strong verbal or written attack on someone or something
polemical
adj.
Involving strong arguments about a controversial issue
policy
noun
A course of action adopted and pursued by a government, party, ruler, or organization.
politic
adj.
Showing good judgment, especially in dealing with others.
polity
noun
An organized society or state
pollyannaish
adj.
Excessively optimistic or cheerful
poltroon
noun
A person lacking courage
polygamist
noun
A person married to more than one spouse at the same time.
polyglot
noun
A person who knows and uses several languages
polymath
noun
A person with knowledge in many subjects
pommel
noun
A rounded knob on the end of a sword or saddle
pomp
noun
A showy display or ceremony
pomposity
noun
The quality of being self-important or arrogant
pompous
adj.
Having an inflated sense of self-importance
ponderous
adj.
Slow and clumsy because of great weight
pontifical
adj.
Relating to a pope or the papacy
pontificate
verb
To speak in a pompous or dogmatic manner
populist
noun
A person who seeks to represent the interests and concerns of ordinary people, often against the elite.
pore
noun
A minute opening in a surface, especially the skin or a leaf, through which gases, liquids, or microscopic particles can pass.
porous
adj.
Having small holes that allow air or liquid to pass through.
porphyry
noun
A type of igneous rock with large-grained crystals
porridge
noun
A dish made by boiling grains or legumes in water or milk
portend
verb
To be a sign or warning of a future event
portent
noun
A sign or warning that something, often something momentous or calamitous, is likely to happen.
portentous
adj.
Giving a sign or warning that something, often something momentous or calamitous, is likely to happen
portly
adj.
Having a stout body; somewhat fat.
pose
verb
To present or constitute a problem or danger
poseur
noun
A person who pretends to be what they are not
posit
verb
To suggest or put forward an idea or theory
posterity
noun
Future generations or descendants
posthumous
adj.
Occurring or awarded after someone's death
postmortem
noun
Examination of a body after death to determine the cause of death
postprandial
adj.
Occurring after a meal
postulate
verb
To assume or suggest something as a basis for reasoning
posture
noun
The position in which someone holds their body when standing or sitting
potable
adj.
Safe to drink
potent
adj.
Having great power or influence
potentate
noun
A person who possesses great power, often a ruler or monarch.
potential
noun
Ability to develop or achieve something in the future
potion
noun
A liquid with magical properties
potpourri
noun
A mixture of dried petals and spices used to scent the air
poultice
noun
A soft, moist mass of material applied to the body to relieve soreness and inflammation.
powwow
noun
A gathering or meeting, often for discussion.
précis
noun
A concise summary of a text or speech
practicable
adj.
Capable of being done or put into practice successfully
practical
adj.
Concerned with actual use or practice rather than theory or speculation
practice
noun
The act of doing something repeatedly to improve skill
practitioner
noun
A person actively engaged in a profession, especially medicine.
pragmatic
adj.
Dealing with things sensibly and realistically
pragmatist
noun
A person who is practical and focused on reaching goals
prance
verb
To move with high, springy steps
prank
noun
A practical joke or mischievous act
prate
verb
To talk at length without purpose
prattle
verb
To talk at length in a foolish or inconsequential way.
pre-empt
verb
To take action to prevent an anticipated event from happening.
preamble
noun
An introductory statement in a document
precarios
adj.
Not securely held or in position; dangerously likely to fall or collapse.
precarious
adj.
Not securely held or in position; dangerously likely to fall or collapse.
preceded
verb
To come before something in time or order
precedent
noun
An earlier event or action that serves as an example or guide
precept
noun
A rule or principle prescribing a particular course of action or conduct.
precinct
noun
A district or area with defined boundaries, often used for administrative purposes
preciosity
noun
Excessive refinement or affectation in style or language
precipice
noun
A very steep rock face or cliff, typically a tall one.
precipitant
adj.
Acting suddenly without careful consideration
precipitate
verb
To cause something to happen suddenly or sooner than expected
precipitous
adj.
Very steep
precis
noun
A concise summary
precise
adj.
Clearly expressed and accurate in every detail
precision
noun
The quality of being exact and accurate
preclude
verb
To prevent something from happening or make it impossible
precocious
adj.
Having developed certain abilities or inclinations at an earlier age than usual.
precrsor
noun
An entity or event that comes before another
precursor
noun
A person or thing that comes before another of the same kind.
predator
noun
An animal that naturally preys on others
predatory
adj.
Relating to animals preying on others
predecessor
noun
A person who held a job or position before someone else.
predetermine
verb
To decide or establish in advance
predicament
noun
A difficult, unpleasant, or embarrassing situation
predilection
noun
A strong liking or preference for something
predilection
noun
A strong liking or preference for something
predispose
verb
To make someone inclined to a particular attitude, action, or condition
predisposed
adj.
More likely to be affected by a particular condition or inclination
preeminent
adj.
Surpassing all others; very distinguished in some way
preempt
verb
To take action to prevent something from happening
preemptive
adj.
Taken as a measure against something anticipated
preen
verb
To clean and arrange feathers with the beak
prefatory
adj.
Serving as an introduction
prefigure
verb
To suggest or indicate a future event
prehensile
adj.
Capable of grasping or holding
prelate
noun
A high-ranking member of the clergy
prelude
noun
An introduction or overture, especially to a musical performance
premeditate
verb
To think out or plan beforehand
premise
noun
A statement or idea that is accepted as true and is used as the basis for an argument or reasoning.
premonition
noun
A strong feeling that something is about to happen, especially something unpleasant
premonitory
adj.
Serving as a warning or sign of something to come.
preponderance
noun
A greater amount or number of something
preponderate
verb
To be greater in number, influence, or importance
prepossessing
adj.
Attractive or appealing in appearance
preposterous
adj.
Completely absurd or ridiculous
prerogative
noun
A right or privilege exclusive to a particular individual or class
presage
verb
To be a sign or warning of a future event
prescience
noun
The ability to know or predict what will happen in the future
prescient
adj.
Having knowledge of events before they happen
presentiment
noun
A feeling that something is about to happen
presmptos
adj.
Overstepping due bounds; taking liberties
prestige
noun
High status or reputation
presume
verb
To suppose something is true without proof
presumption
noun
An assumption made without proof
presumptive
adj.
Based on probability or assumption
presumptuous
adj.
Failing to observe the limits of what is permitted or appropriate
pretend
verb
To act as if something is true when it is not
pretense
noun
An attempt to make something that is not the case appear true
pretension
noun
An attempt to impress by affecting greater importance or merit than is actually possessed.
pretentious
adj.
Attempting to impress by affecting greater importance or merit than is actually possessed.
preternatural
adj.
Beyond what is normal or natural
pretext
noun
A false reason given to hide the real reason
prevail
verb
To prove more powerful or superior
prevalent
adj.
Common or widespread in a particular area or at a particular time
prevaricate
verb
To speak or act in an evasive way
prey
noun
An animal hunted or caught for food by another animal.
prim
adj.
Very formal and proper in behavior and appearance
primacy
noun
The state of being first in importance
primal
adj.
Essential or fundamental
primary
adj.
First or highest in rank or importance; main.
primate
noun
A mammal of the order that includes humans, apes, monkeys, and prosimians.
prime
adj.
Of the best possible quality; excellent.
primogeniture
noun
The right of the firstborn child to inherit the family estate
primordial
adj.
Existing at or from the beginning of time
primp
verb
To groom or dress oneself with care
principled
adj.
Having strong moral standards
pristine
adj.
In its original condition; unspoiled
privation
noun
Lack of basic necessities or comforts of life
privy
adj.
Having knowledge of something secret or private
prize
noun
An award given for achievement
probe
verb
To investigate or explore thoroughly
probity
noun
Adherence to the highest principles and ideals
problematic
adj.
Difficult or causing problems
proboscis
noun
A long, flexible snout or trunk, as in an elephant or some insects.
procedural
adj.
Relating to a set of actions conducted in a certain order or manner.
proceeding
noun
A series of actions or steps taken to achieve an end
proceeds
noun
Money obtained from an event or activity
proclivity
noun
A natural tendency to behave in a particular way
procrastinate
verb
To delay or postpone action
procurement
noun
The act of obtaining or acquiring something, especially for business purposes.
prod
verb
To poke or jab with a pointed object
prodigal
adj.
Spending money or resources freely and recklessly
prodigious
adj.
Remarkably or impressively great in size, extent, or degree
prodigy
noun
A person, especially a young one, with exceptional abilities or talents.
profane
adj.
Showing disrespect toward sacred things
proficient
adj.
Skilled and experienced at doing something
profligate
adj.
Recklessly wasteful, especially in the use of resources
profond
adj.
Having deep insight or understanding
profound
adj.
Very deep or intense
profundity
noun
Great depth of insight or knowledge
profuse
adj.
Given, produced, or existing in large amounts
profusion
noun
A large amount of something
progenitor
noun
An ancestor or parent
progeny
noun
Offspring or descendants
prognathous
adj.
Having a projecting lower jaw or chin
prognosis
noun
A forecast of the likely course of a disease or ailment
prognosticate
verb
To predict or foretell a future event
prognostication
noun
The act of predicting future events
prohibitive
adj.
Excessively high or difficult to afford
project
verb
To estimate or forecast something based on current trends or data
projectile
noun
An object thrown or propelled through the air
projection
noun
An estimate or forecast of future events based on current data or trends
proletarian
noun
A member of the working class
proliferate
verb
To increase rapidly in numbers or spread quickly
prolific
adj.
Producing a lot of something
prolix
adj.
Using too many words; tediously lengthy
prolixity
noun
Excessive wordiness
prologue
noun
An introductory section of a book or play
prolong
verb
To extend the duration of something
prominent
adj.
Important or well-known
promiscuous
adj.
Having or involving many transient sexual relationships
promontory
noun
A high point of land extending into a body of water
promote
verb
To support or actively encourage
prompt
noun
A cue given to someone to help them remember their lines or an action
promulgate
verb
To make known officially and publicly
prone
adj.
Likely to suffer from, do, or experience something, typically something regrettable or unwelcome
prong
noun
A pointed projection or part, typically one of several, such as on a fork or antler.
pronounced
adj.
Very noticeable or marked
prop
noun
An object used on stage or screen to enhance a performance
propagate
verb
To spread or promote widely
propellant
noun
A substance used to drive something forward, such as in rockets or spray cans.
propensity
noun
An inclination or natural tendency to behave in a particular way
property
noun
A thing or things owned by someone
prophetic
adj.
Accurately predicting what will happen in the future
prophylactic
adj.
Intended to prevent disease
propinquity
noun
Nearness in place or time
propitiate
verb
To appease or pacify someone, especially by giving them what they want
propitious
adj.
Indicating a good chance of success or favorable conditions
proponent
noun
A person who supports or argues for something
propound
verb
To put forward an idea or theory for consideration
propriety
noun
Conforming to accepted standards of behavior or morals
propulsive
adj.
Having the power to drive or push forward
prorogue
verb
To discontinue a session of a legislative body without dissolving it
prosaic
adj.
Lacking in imagination or originality
proscenium
noun
The part of a theater stage in front of the curtain
proscribe
verb
To officially forbid something
proselytize
verb
To try to convert someone to a different belief or opinion
prosody
noun
The patterns of rhythm and sound in poetry
prospective
adj.
Likely to become or be something in the future
prosper
verb
To be successful or fortunate, especially in financial respects
prosperity
noun
A state of being successful or thriving, especially in financial respects
prosperous
adj.
Successful and wealthy
prostrate
adj.
Lying flat, often face down, as in submission or adoration
protégé
noun
A person who is guided and supported by an older and more experienced person.
protagonist
noun
The main character in a story, play, movie, etc.
protean
adj.
Able to change or adapt frequently
protege
noun
A person who is guided and supported by an older and more experienced person.
protocol
noun
A system of rules that explain the correct conduct and procedures to be followed in formal situations.
prototype
noun
An original model or first version of something from which other forms are developed or copied.
protract
verb
To extend the duration of something
protrude
verb
To extend beyond or above a surface
protuberance
noun
A thing that sticks out from a surface
provenance
noun
The place of origin or earliest known history of something
provender
noun
Food for domestic animals
proverb
noun
A short, well-known saying that expresses a general truth or piece of advice.
providence
noun
The protective care of a spiritual power
provident
adj.
Careful about planning for the future and saving money
providential
adj.
Occurring at a favorable time; opportune
provincial
adj.
Relating to a province or rural areas
provision
noun
A supply of something needed
provisional
adj.
Temporary or subject to change
proviso
noun
A condition attached to an agreement
provocation
noun
An action or speech that makes someone annoyed or angry, especially deliberately
provocative
adj.
Causing a strong reaction, especially anger or excitement
provoke
verb
To stimulate or give rise to a reaction or emotion, typically a strong or unwelcome one in someone
prowess
noun
Exceptional skill or ability
proximity
noun
Nearness in space, time, or relationship
proxy
noun
A person authorized to act on behalf of another
prude
noun
A person who is excessively concerned with propriety or modesty, especially regarding sexual matters.
prudent
adj.
Showing care and thought for the future
prune
verb
To trim or cut away dead or overgrown branches or stems, especially to encourage growth
prurient
adj.
Having or showing excessive interest in sexual matters
pry
verb
To inquire too closely into a person's private affairs.
pseudonym
noun
A name used by someone instead of their real name, often by writers or artists
psyche
noun
The human mind, soul, or spirit
psychiatrist
noun
A medical professional who diagnoses and treats mental disorders
psychic
adj.
Relating to the mind or mental phenomena
psychopathic
adj.
Exhibiting chronic mental disorder with abnormal or violent social behavior.
psychosis
noun
A severe mental disorder in which thought and emotions are so impaired that contact is lost with external reality.
psychosomatic
adj.
Relating to physical symptoms caused by mental or emotional factors
pterodactyl
noun
An extinct flying reptile from the Late Jurassic period.
pucker
verb
To contract into folds or wrinkles
pudding
noun
A sweet, creamy dessert
puerile
adj.
Childishly silly or trivial
pugilism
noun
The sport or practice of fighting with fists
pugilist
noun
A person who fights with their fists, especially a professional boxer
pugnacious
adj.
Eager or quick to argue or fight
pugnacity
noun
A tendency to be aggressive or combative
puissance
noun
Great power or influence
puissant
adj.
Having great power or influence
pulchritude
noun
Physical beauty
pulmonary
adj.
Relating to the lungs
pulpit
noun
A raised platform or lectern in a church
pulsate
verb
To expand and contract with strong regular movements.
pulse
noun
The rhythmic throbbing of the arteries as blood is propelled through them
pulverize
verb
To crush or grind into a fine powder
pummel
verb
To hit repeatedly
punctilious
adj.
Showing great attention to detail or correct behavior
pundit
noun
An expert or authority who gives opinions or commentary.
pungent
adj.
Having a strong, sharp smell or taste
punitive
adj.
Intended as punishment
puny
adj.
Small and weak
purblind
adj.
Having impaired or defective vision.
purchase
verb
To acquire something by paying for it
purgatory
noun
A state of suffering or waiting, often used in a religious context as a place where souls are purified before entering heaven.
purge
verb
To remove unwanted elements
purloin
verb
To steal something, especially in a sneaky or secretive way
purport
verb
To claim or appear to be something, often falsely
purported
adj.
Claimed or alleged to be true, often without proof
purse
noun
A small bag used for carrying money and personal items
pursuant
adj.
In accordance with
purvey
verb
To supply or provide goods or services
purveyor
noun
A person or company that supplies goods or services
purview
noun
The range of authority or control