GRE Vocabulary — Set 1

Set 1 of GRE Vocabulary covers 5 words: soporific, laconic, pragmatic, acerbic, ostensible. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. soporific · adjective/ˌsɑː.pəˈrɪf.ɪk/

   causing or tending to cause sleep

   The lecture was so soporific that several students struggled to keep their eyes open.

   Synonyms: sleep-inducing, narcotic, sedative

   Origin: Late Latin 'soporificus', from 'sopor' meaning 'deep sleep'

2. laconic · adjective/ləˈkɑnɪk/

   using few words concise

   His laconic reply left everyone in the room curious about what he really meant.

   Synonyms: terse, succinct, brief

   Origin: The word 'laconic' comes from the Latin 'laconicus' and the Greek 'Lakonikós', which refers to the Laconians or Spartans, known for their concise and often blunt speech.

3. pragmatic · adjective/præɡˈmætɪk/

   dealing with things sensibly and realistically in a way that is based on practical rather than theoretical considerations

   Her pragmatic approach to problem-solving allowed the team to overcome challenges efficiently and effectively.

   Synonyms: practical, sensible, realistic

   Origin: from Greek 'pragmatikos', meaning 'dealing with things' or 'practical', derived from 'pragma', meaning 'deed' or 'thing done'

4. acerbic · adjective/əˈsɜr.bɪk/

   sharp and forthright in tone or manner

   Her acerbic wit often left colleagues speechless during meetings, as they struggled to respond to her sharp observations.

   Synonyms: caustic, biting, cutting

   Origin: from Latin 'acerbic-', the stem of 'acerbus', meaning 'harsh, rough, sour'

5. ostensible · adjective/ɑˈstɛnsəbl/

   appearing to be true or apparent but not necessarily so

   The ostensible reason for the meeting was to discuss budget cuts, but many suspected there were hidden motives behind it.

   Synonyms: apparent, supposed, professed

   Origin: From Latin 'ostensibilis', from 'ostendere' meaning 'to show, to display'.