GRE Vocabulary — Set 145

Set 145 of GRE Vocabulary covers 5 words: artifice, vivacity, abeyance, abyss, aesthete. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. artifice · noun/ˈɑrtɪfɪs/

   clever or cunning devices or expedients, especially as used to trick or deceive others

   The con artist employed clever artifices to deceive investors into believing his fraudulent scheme was legitimate.

   Synonyms: cunning, trickery, deceit

   Origin: From Latin 'artificium' meaning 'craft, trade, or skill', derived from 'artifex' meaning 'craftsman, maker'.

2. vivacity · noun/vɪˈvæsɪti/

   liveliness and exuberance of spirit

   Her vivacity lit up the entire room, captivating everyone with her boundless energy and charm.

   Synonyms: animation, exuberance, liveliness

   Origin: from Latin 'vivacitas', from 'vivax' meaning 'lively' or 'vigorous'

3. abeyance · noun/əˈbeɪ.əns/

   a state of temporary inactivity or suspension

   The company's expansion plans were put in abeyance due to unexpected financial difficulties.

   Synonyms: suspension, inactivity, dormancy

   Origin: The word 'abeyance' originates from the Old French term 'abeance', which means 'emptiness' or 'to be vacant', derived from the Latin 'abire', meaning 'to go away'.

4. abyss · noun/əˈbɪs/

   a deep or seemingly bottomless chasm

   As they peered over the edge of the cliff, they couldn't help but feel a sense of dread at the vast abyss below.

   Synonyms: chasm, gulf, void

   Origin: The word 'abyss' comes from the Latin 'abyssus', which originates from the Greek 'ἀβυσσος' (abussos) meaning 'bottomless'.

5. aesthete · noun/ˈesˌθit/

   a person who appreciates and is sensitive to beauty and art

   As an aesthete, she spent hours wandering through galleries, soaking in the beauty of each painting.

   Synonyms: connoisseur, epicure, lover of beauty

   Origin: Derived from the Greek word 'aisthesis' meaning 'sensation' or 'perception'.