GRE Vocabulary — Set 139

Set 139 of GRE Vocabulary covers 5 words: probity, recrimination, disillusionment, expatriate, precipitation. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. probity · noun/ˈproʊ.bɪ.ti/

   adherence to the highest principles and ideals of integrity and honesty

   The lawyer's probity was unquestioned, as he always put his clients' best interests above his own gains.

   Synonyms: integrity, morality, rectitude

   Origin: late Middle English, from Old French 'probité', from Latin 'probitas', from 'probus' meaning 'honest' or 'noble'

2. recrimination · noun/rɪˌkrɪməˈneɪʃən/

   the act of accusing someone in response to an accusation

   The debate quickly escalated into a series of bitter recriminations, as each side sought to blame the other for the failures of the project.

   Synonyms: counteraccusation, retaliation, accusation

   Origin: from Latin 'recriminari' meaning 'to charge again', from 're-' (again) + 'criminari' (to accuse)

3. disillusionment · noun/ˌdɪs.ɪˈluː.ʒən.mənt/

   a feeling of disappointment resulting from the discovery that something is not as good as one believed

   After years of working in a corporate job, she experienced a deep sense of disillusionment with the corporate world, realizing it was not the fulfilling career she had hoped for.

   Synonyms: disappointment, letdown, disenchantment

   Origin: The word 'disillusionment' comes from the prefix 'dis-' meaning 'not' or 'opposite of' and 'illusion' which originates from the Latin 'illusio', meaning 'deceptive appearance'. The term implies the removal of a false belief.

4. expatriate · noun/ɛkˈspeɪtriət/

   a person who lives outside their native country

   As an expatriate living in France, she often attends events organized by the local expatriate community to connect with others in similar situations.

   Synonyms: emigrant, foreigner, migrant

   Origin: From the Latin 'expatriatus', the past participle of 'expatriāre' meaning 'to be driven out of one's country'.

5. precipitation · noun/prɪˌsɪpɪˈteɪʃən/

   any form of water that falls from the atmosphere to the earth including rain snow sleet and hail

   The meteorologist predicted heavy precipitation in the form of snow for the upcoming weekend.

   Synonyms: fall, rainfall, downpour

   Origin: late Middle English: from Latin 'praecipitatio(n-)', from 'praecipitare' meaning 'to throw down'