GRE Vocabulary — Set 103

Set 103 of GRE Vocabulary covers 5 words: remonstrate, balk, congeal, exhume, abate. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. remonstrate · verb/rɪˈmɑːn.streɪt/

   to present reasons or arguments in protest or disagreement

   The citizens decided to remonstrate against the new tax policy during the town hall meeting.

   Synonyms: protest, argue, object

   Origin: from Latin 'remonstratus', past participle of 'remonstrare', meaning 'to show, to demonstrate'

2. balk · verb/bɔk/

   to hesitate or be unwilling to accept an idea or undertaking

   She decided to balk at the idea of relocating for the job, feeling uncertain about the move.

   Synonyms: hesitate, recoil, flinch

   Origin: Originates from the Middle English 'balke' meaning 'to stop short' or 'to refuse'.

3. congeal · verb/kənˈdʒil/

   to become thick or solidify from a liquid state

   As the soup cooled, it began to congeal into a thick broth.

   Synonyms: thicken, solidify, coagulate

   Origin: from Middle French 'congeler' meaning 'to freeze', derived from Latin 'congelare', from 'com-' (together) + 'gelare' (to freeze)

4. exhume · verb/ɛɡˈzjum/

   to dig out something buried, especially a body from a grave

   The authorities decided to exhume the body to gather more evidence for the ongoing investigation.

   Synonyms: disinter, excavate, unearth

   Origin: from Latin 'exhumare', from 'ex-' meaning 'out of' and 'humus' meaning 'ground or earth'

5. abate · verb/əˈbeɪt/

   to reduce in amount, degree, or intensity

   The storm’s intensity began to abate, allowing the rescue teams to safely reach the stranded residents.

   Synonyms: diminish, decrease, lessen

   Origin: from Middle English 'abaten', from Old French 'abattre' meaning 'to beat down', from Latin 'abattuere'.