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agog

adjective/əˈɡɔɡ/

definition

very eager or excited to see or hear something

example

The children were agog with excitement as they waited for the magician to begin his performance.

synonyms
eagerexcitedenthusiastic
word origin — The word 'agog' originates from the early 19th century, derived from the French word 'à gogue,' which means 'in a state of excitement.'

GRE Vocabulary — Set 137

Set 137 of GRE Vocabulary covers 5 words: agog, incendiary, inexorable, tumultuous, halcyon. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

  1. agog · adjective/əˈɡɔɡ/

    very eager or excited to see or hear something

    The children were agog with excitement as they waited for the magician to begin his performance.

    Synonyms: eager, excited, enthusiastic

    Origin: The word 'agog' originates from the early 19th century, derived from the French word 'à gogue,' which means 'in a state of excitement.'

  2. incendiary · adjective/ɪnˈsɛndˌɛri/

    tending to stir up conflict or provoke strong feelings

    The politician's incendiary remarks during the debate sparked outrage among the audience.

    Synonyms: provocative, inflammatory, controversial

    Origin: From Latin 'incendiarius', from 'incendere' meaning 'to set fire to'.

  3. inexorable · adjective/ɪˈnɛksərəbəl/

    impossible to stop or prevent

    The inexorable march of time waits for no one, reminding us that change is an unavoidable part of life.

    Synonyms: unrelenting, inevitable, relentless

    Origin: From Latin 'inexorabilis', where 'in-' means 'not' and 'exorabilis' means 'able to be persuaded'.

  4. tumultuous · adjective/tʊˈmʌl.tʃu.əs/

    characterized by disorder, noise, or turbulence

    The tumultuous relationship between the two countries often resulted in loud protests and chaotic demonstrations on the streets.

    Synonyms: turbulent, chaotic, disruptive

    Origin: From Latin 'tumultuosus', from 'tumultus' meaning 'turmoil, uproar, commotion'

  5. halcyon · adjective/ˈhælsiən/

    denoting a period of time in the past that was idyllically happy and peaceful

    Many people look back fondly on the halcyon days of their childhood, when life was simple and carefree.

    Synonyms: idyllic, tranquil, serene

    Origin: from Latin 'halcyon', derived from Greek 'alkyōn', referring to a mythical bird believed to calm the seas during its nesting period