GRE Vocabulary — Set 108

Set 108 of GRE Vocabulary covers 5 words: ostracize, spurn, conflate, beleaguer, scrutinize. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. ostracize · verb/ˈɑstrəˌsaɪz/

   to exclude or banish someone from a group or society

   After the scandal, the community decided to ostracize him completely from their social gatherings.

   Synonyms: exclude, banish, shun

   Origin: from the Greek word 'ostrakizein', which means 'to banish by voting with potsherds.'

2. spurn · verb/spɜrn/

   to reject something with disdain or contempt

   She chose to spurn his advances, finding his flattery insincere and annoying.

   Synonyms: reject, disdain, scorn

   Origin: Middle English 'spurnen', from Old English 'spernian', of uncertain origin.

3. conflate · verb/kənˈfleɪt/

   to combine two or more different ideas or concepts into one

   In his presentation, he tended to conflate different theories of economics, making it difficult for the audience to follow his argument.

   Synonyms: merge, combine, fuse

   Origin: from Latin 'conflata', the past participle of 'conflare', meaning 'to blow together' or 'to combine'.

4. beleaguer · verb/bɪˈliɡər/

   to lay siege to or beset with difficulties

   The small town was beleaguered by financial troubles, making it difficult for residents to find affordable housing.

   Synonyms: surround, besiege, harass

   Origin: The word 'beleaguer' originates from the Dutch 'belegeren', meaning 'to besiege', which is derived from 'be-' (around, about) and 'leger' (to camp).

5. scrutinize · verb/ˈskruːtəˌnaɪz/

   to examine or inspect closely and critically

   The auditor will scrutinize the financial records to ensure there are no discrepancies.

   Synonyms: examine, inspect, analyze

   Origin: from Latin 'scrutinium', meaning 'a search, inquiry, or examination'