GRE Vocabulary — Set 160

Set 160 of GRE Vocabulary covers 5 words: crease, consternation, crockery, decorum, decree. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. crease · noun/kris/

   a line or fold in something, typically created by bending or pressing

   She carefully ironed out the crease in her shirt before the big meeting.

   Synonyms: fold, line, mark

   Origin: Middle English 'cresse', from Old French 'creisse', from Latin 'crispa', meaning 'curled or twisted'.

2. consternation · noun/ˌkɑnstərˈneɪʃən/

   feelings of anxiety or dismay, typically at something unexpected

   To her consternation, the results of the test were not what she had prepared for at all.

   Synonyms: dismay, anxiety, distress

   Origin: from Latin 'consternatio', from 'consternare' meaning 'to terrify, dismay'

3. crockery · noun/ˈkrɑː.kə.ri/

   ceramic dishes, plates, cups, and other tableware

   She carefully arranged the crockery on the table for the dinner party.

   Synonyms: dishes, tableware, china

   Origin: The word 'crockery' comes from the word 'crock', which means a large, earthenware container, and is believed to derive from the Old Norse 'krukka', meaning 'vessel'.

4. decorum · noun/dɪˈkɔr.əm/

   proper behavior or etiquette in a social setting

   At the formal dinner, everyone was expected to maintain proper decorum, ensuring that conversations were polite and respectful.

   Synonyms: propriety, etiquette, modesty

   Origin: Derived from Latin 'decorum', meaning 'suitability' or 'propriety', which is from 'decus', meaning 'beauty' or 'grace'.

5. decree · noun/dɪˈkri/

   an official order issued by a legal authority

   The government issued a decree to implement new environmental regulations aimed at reducing pollution.

   Synonyms: order, mandate, edict

   Origin: from Latin 'decretum', meaning 'something decided or determined'.