apprehensive, spurious, jejune, reticent, affable: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from GRE Vocabulary set 146. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. apprehensive · adjective/ˌæp.rɪˈhɛn.sɪv/

   anxious or fearful that something bad or unpleasant will happen

   She felt apprehensive about starting her new job, unsure of what challenges awaited her.

   Synonyms: anxious, worried, nervous

   Origin: From Latin 'apprehensivus', from 'apprehendere' meaning 'to seize, grasp'.

2. spurious · adjective/ˈspjʊrɪəs/

   not genuine or authentic; false or misleading

   The researchers were careful to avoid spurious correlations that could mislead their conclusions.

   Synonyms: false, counterfeit, fraudulent

   Origin: From Latin 'spurius', meaning 'illegitimate, false'

3. jejune · adjective/dʒɪˈdʒun/

   lacking interest or significance; pertly youthful or immature

   The novel was criticized for its jejune plot, which failed to engage readers or evoke any real emotion.

   Synonyms: insipid, dull, vapid

   Origin: from Latin 'jejunus', meaning 'fasting, hungry, lacking in substance'

4. reticent · adjective/ˈrɛtɪsənt/

   not revealing one's thoughts or feelings readily

   Despite his achievements, John remained reticent about sharing his personal life with colleagues.

   Synonyms: reserved, taciturn

   Origin: from Latin 'reticens', present participle of 'reticere', meaning 'to keep back or be silent'

5. affable · adjective/ˈæf.ə.bəl/

   pleasant and at ease in talking to others

   Despite her busy schedule, she was always affable and made time to chat with her colleagues.

   Synonyms: friendly, amiable, sociable

   Origin: From Latin 'affabilis', meaning 'easy to speak to', from 'ad-' (to) + 'fari' (to speak)