GRE Vocabulary — Set 125

Set 125 of GRE Vocabulary covers 5 words: deference, intimation, travail, juxtaposition, duplicity. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. deference · noun/ˈdɛfərəns/

   humble submission and respect toward someone or something

   In deference to her years of experience, the team decided to follow her recommendations during the project.

   Synonyms: respect, submission, homage

   Origin: from Latin 'deferre', meaning 'to carry down' or 'to bring down', which evolved through Old French 'deference'.

2. intimation · noun/ˌɪntɪˈmeɪʃən/

   an indirect suggestion or hint

   She gave no explicit instructions, but her intimation that the meeting was important was clear to everyone involved.

   Synonyms: hint, suggestion, indication

   Origin: from Latin 'intimatio', from 'intimare' meaning 'to make known, suggest'

3. travail · noun/trəˈveɪl/

   painful or laborious effort

   The novel describes the travail of the protagonist as she navigates through her struggles and hardships.

   Synonyms: labor, toil, exertion

   Origin: from Old French 'travaillier' meaning 'to strive or work' and Latin 'trabalium' meaning 'a burdensome task'

4. juxtaposition · noun/ˌdʒʌkstəpəˈzɪʃən/

   the act or placement of two or more things side by side to compare or contrast them

   The juxtaposition of the bright, colorful paintings against the dull, gray walls created a striking visual effect.

   Synonyms: comparison, contrast, adjacency

   Origin: from Latin 'juxta' meaning 'beside' and 'positio' meaning 'position'

5. duplicity · noun/duˈplɪs.ɪ.ti/

   deceitfulness in speech or conduct

   Her duplicity in handling the project led to a significant loss of trust among the team members.

   Synonyms: deceit, dishonesty, duplicity

   Origin: from Latin 'duplicitas', meaning 'doubleness', from 'duplex' meaning 'twofold'