Set 130 · Study 1 / 5

Exit

overwrought

adjective/ˌoʊvərˈrɔt/

definition

extremely agitated or overwhelmed with emotion

example

After receiving the news about her friend's accident, she became overwrought with worry and fear for their safety.

synonyms
overexcitedagitatedtense
word origin — early 19th century: from over- + wrought, the past participle of work.

GRE Vocabulary — Set 130

Set 130 of GRE Vocabulary covers 5 words: overwrought, obsequious, palpable, whimsical, deft. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

  1. overwrought · adjective/ˌoʊvərˈrɔt/

    extremely agitated or overwhelmed with emotion

    After receiving the news about her friend's accident, she became overwrought with worry and fear for their safety.

    Synonyms: overexcited, agitated, tense

    Origin: early 19th century: from over- + wrought, the past participle of work.

  2. obsequious · adjective/əbˈsiː.kwi.əs/

    excessively eager to please or obey someone in authority

    The manager was surrounded by an obsequious assistant who agreed with every decision he made.

    Synonyms: servile, ingratiating, sycophantic

    Origin: Derived from the Latin 'obsequiosus', meaning 'compliant, dutiful', from 'obsequium', meaning 'compliance, servility'.

  3. palpable · adjective/ˈpæl.pə.bəl/

    capable of being touched or felt easily perceptible

    The tension in the room was palpable, as everyone awaited the results of the important vote.

    Synonyms: tangible, noticeable, detectable

    Origin: from Latin 'palpabilis', from 'palpare' which means 'to touch, to feel'

  4. whimsical · adjective/ˈwɪmzɪkəl/

    playfully quaint or fanciful, especially in an appealing and amusing way

    The artist's whimsical designs brought a sense of joy and wonder to the gallery, captivating visitors with their playful charm.

    Synonyms: fanciful, playful, capricious

    Origin: The word 'whimsical' originates from the word 'whimsy', which emerged in the late 17th century, derived from the earlier 'whim', signifying a fanciful notion or a sudden desire.

  5. deft · adjective/dɛft/

    skilful and quick in movement or action

    The carpenter made deft adjustments to the furniture, ensuring everything fit perfectly in the design.

    Synonyms: adept, nimble, skillful

    Origin: Middle English 'deofte', from Old English 'deoftha', meaning 'quick, skillful'.