GRE Vocabulary — Set 159

Set 159 of GRE Vocabulary covers 5 words: convoke, corroborate, covet, cower, dabble. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. convoke · verb/kənˈvoʊk/

   to call together or summon people for a meeting or gathering

   The committee decided to convoke an emergency meeting to discuss the new policy changes.

   Synonyms: summon, convene, call together

   Origin: From Latin 'convocare', from 'con-' (together) + 'vocare' (to call)

2. corroborate · verb/kəˈrɑːbəreɪt/

   to confirm or give support to a statement, theory, or finding

   The witness's testimony was able to corroborate the defendant's alibi during the trial.

   Synonyms: confirm, substantiate, validate

   Origin: Late Middle English: from Latin 'corroborat-' 'strengthened' (from the verb corroborare), from 'cor-' meaning 'together' + 'roborare' meaning 'to make strong'.

3. covet · verb/ˈkʌv.ɪt/

   to desire something belonging to another person

   She always seemed to covet her neighbor's beautiful garden, admiring it from her window every day.

   Synonyms: envy, crave, desire

   Origin: from Old French 'coveitier', from Latin 'cupiditas' meaning 'desire, longing'

4. cower · verb/ˈkaʊər/

   to crouch down in fear or apprehension

   The dog would cower in the corner whenever there was a loud noise.

   Synonyms: cringe, flinch, recoil

   Origin: Middle English 'coweren', from Old Norse 'kúrra', meaning to 'crouch' or 'to lie down'.

5. dabble · verb/ˈdæbl/

   to engage in an activity in a casual or superficial way

   She likes to dabble in painting during her free time, though she's not a serious artist.

   Synonyms: tinker, dab, fiddle

   Origin: The word 'dabble' originated in the late 15th century, possibly from the Middle Dutch 'dabbelen', meaning to splash or to move lightly in water.