Set 138 · Study 1 / 5

Exit

impunity

noun/ɪmˈpjunɪti/

exemption from punishment or freedom from the injurious consequences of an action

The corrupt officials continued to embezzle public funds with impunity, knowing that no one would hold them accountable.

immunityexemptionindemnity
word origin — from Latin 'impunitas', from 'in-' meaning 'not' + 'poena' meaning 'punishment'

impunity, rumination, subterfuge, equivocation, decadence: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from GRE Vocabulary set 138. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

  1. impunity · noun/ɪmˈpjunɪti/

    exemption from punishment or freedom from the injurious consequences of an action

    The corrupt officials continued to embezzle public funds with impunity, knowing that no one would hold them accountable.

    Synonyms: immunity, exemption, indemnity

    Origin: from Latin 'impunitas', from 'in-' meaning 'not' + 'poena' meaning 'punishment'

  2. rumination · noun/ˌrumɪˈneɪʃən/

    the act of thinking carefully and for a long period about something

    Her deep rumination on the subject allowed her to finally arrive at a well-informed decision.

    Synonyms: reflection, contemplation, deliberation

    Origin: Latin 'ruminatio', from 'ruminare' meaning 'to chew the cud'

  3. subterfuge · noun/ˈsʌbtərˌfjuz/

    deceit used in order to achieve one's goal

    His clever subterfuge allowed him to secure the promotion without anyone suspecting his true intentions.

    Synonyms: deceit, deception, trickery

    Origin: from Latin 'subterfugere' meaning 'to escape secretly' (subter- meaning 'under' and fugere meaning 'to flee')

  4. equivocation · noun/ɪˌkwɪvəˈkeɪʃən/

    the use of ambiguous language to conceal the truth or to avoid committing oneself

    The politician's equivocation during the debate left the audience confused about his true stance on the issue.

    Synonyms: prevarication, ambiguity, deceit

    Origin: Late Latin 'aequivocatio' meaning 'to call equally, to speak ambiguously'

  5. decadence · noun/ˈdɛkədəns/

    moral or cultural decline characterized by excessive indulgence in pleasure or luxury

    The novel explores the theme of moral decadence in a society consumed by materialism and self-indulgence.

    Synonyms: decay, decline, degeneration

    Origin: from Latin 'decadentia', which is from 'decadere' meaning 'to fall down'