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precursor

noun/prɪˈkɜrѕər/

something that comes before and indicates the approach of another

The early signs of economic recovery are often seen as a precursor to greater job growth in the coming months.

forerunnerpredecessorharbinger
word origin — From Latin 'praecursor', meaning 'runner before', from 'prae-' meaning 'before' + 'currere' meaning 'to run'.

GRE Vocabulary — Set 128

Set 128 of GRE Vocabulary covers 5 words: precursor, obfuscation, effulgence, pulchritude, capitulation. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

  1. precursor · noun/prɪˈkɜrѕər/

    something that comes before and indicates the approach of another

    The early signs of economic recovery are often seen as a precursor to greater job growth in the coming months.

    Synonyms: forerunner, predecessor, harbinger

    Origin: From Latin 'praecursor', meaning 'runner before', from 'prae-' meaning 'before' + 'currere' meaning 'to run'.

  2. obfuscation · noun/ˌɑb.fəˈskeɪ.ʃən/

    the act of making something unclear or confusing

    The report's excessive technical jargon led to obfuscation of the main findings, making it difficult for the audience to understand the key points.

    Synonyms: confusion, obscurity, uncertainty

    Origin: Derived from the Latin word 'obfuscatio', which means 'to darken' or 'to make obscure', from 'obfuscāre', meaning 'to obscure, darken'.

  3. effulgence · noun/ɪˈfʌl.dʒəns/

    brilliant radiance or light

    The morning sun rose with an effulgence that illuminated the entire landscape, casting a golden glow over the fields.

    Synonyms: radiance, brilliance, luminosity

    Origin: from Latin 'effulgentia', meaning 'shining forth' or 'brilliance', derived from 'effulgere', meaning 'to shine out'.

  4. pulchritude · noun/ˈpʌl.krɪ.tuːd/

    great physical beauty or attractiveness

    The pulchritude of the landscapes in the national park left every visitor in awe.

    Synonyms: beauty, attractiveness, comeliness

    Origin: from Latin 'pulchritudo', from 'pulcher' meaning 'beautiful'

  5. capitulation · noun/kəˌpɪtʃəˈleɪʃən/

    the act of surrendering or giving up under agreed conditions

    The army's capitulation marked the end of a long and grueling conflict, with both sides agreeing to cease hostilities under clear terms.

    Synonyms: surrender, concession, submission

    Origin: From the Latin 'capitulatio', meaning 'a heading or clause', derived from 'capitulum', meaning 'little head'