GRE Vocabulary — Set 12

Set 12 of GRE Vocabulary covers 5 words: stolid, querulous, ubiquitous, austere, erudite. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. stolid · adjective/ˈstɑː.lɪd/

   having or showing little emotion or sensitivity

   Despite the chaos around him, his stolid demeanor remained unchanged, showing no signs of distress.

   Synonyms: unemotional, impassive, phlegmatic

   Origin: from Latin 'stolidus' meaning 'dull, stupid, insensible'

2. querulous · adjective/ˈkwɛrələs/

   complaining in a petulant or whining manner

   With a querulous voice, she complained about the lack of service at the restaurant.

   Synonyms: complaining, whiny, petulant

   Origin: From Latin 'querulus', meaning 'complaining'

3. ubiquitous · adjective/juˈbɪk.wə.təs/

   present or existing everywhere

   In today's digital age, smartphones have become ubiquitous, allowing people to stay connected anywhere they go.

   Synonyms: omnipresent, pervasive, universal

   Origin: From Latin 'ubiquitas', meaning 'everywhere' or 'at all places'

4. austere · adjective/ɑːˈstɪr/

   severe or strict in manner, attitude, or appearance

   The teacher's austere demeanor left little room for levity in the classroom.

   Synonyms: stern, severe, strict

   Origin: from Middle French 'austere', from Latin 'austerus', from Greek 'austēros' meaning 'bitter, harsh'

5. erudite · adjective/ˈɛr.ʊˌdaɪt/

   having or showing great knowledge or learning

   The erudite scholar presented his findings at the conference, impressing everyone with his vast knowledge of ancient civilizations.

   Synonyms: learned, knowledgeable, scholarly

   Origin: The word 'erudite' originates from the Latin word 'eruditus', which is the past participle of 'erudire', meaning 'to educate' or 'to teach'.