GRE Vocabulary — Set 172

Set 172 of GRE Vocabulary covers 5 words: obnoxious, occult, odious, odoriferous, officious. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. obnoxious · adjective/əbˈnɑːk.ʃəs/

   extremely unpleasant or offensive

   His obnoxious behavior at the party made everyone feel uncomfortable.

   Synonyms: offensive, detestable, disagreeable

   Origin: from Latin 'obnoxius', meaning 'exposed to harm, liable to' (from 'ob-' meaning 'to' and 'noxius' meaning 'harmful').

2. occult · adjective/əˈkʌlt/

   relating to mystical, supernatural, or magical powers or phenomena

   Many ancient rituals were performed under the guidance of occult practices that promised to unveil hidden truths.

   Synonyms: mystical, supernatural, esoteric

   Origin: from Latin 'occultus', meaning 'hidden', past participle of 'occultere', meaning 'to cover over'

3. odious · adjective/ˈoʊ.di.əs/

   extremely unpleasant or repulsive

   The smell coming from the garbage was absolutely odious, making it impossible to stay in the kitchen.

   Synonyms: hateful, repugnant, offensive

   Origin: From Latin 'odiosus', meaning 'hateful or offensive', derived from 'odium', meaning 'hatred'.

4. odoriferous · adjective/oʊˈdɚɪfərəs/

   having a pleasant or distinctive smell

   The garden was filled with odoriferous flowers, their sweet fragrance attracting bees and butterflies.

   Synonyms: fragrant, aromatic, perfumed

   Origin: From Latin 'odoriferus', from 'odor' meaning 'smell' and 'ferre' meaning 'to carry'.

5. officious · adjective/əˈfɪʃ.əs/

   assertive of authority in a domineering way especially with petty matters

   The officious guard insisted on checking everyone's bags at the entrance, despite the event organizer stating that it wasn't necessary.

   Synonyms: meddlesome, interfering, intrusive

   Origin: Mid 17th century: from Latin 'officiosus', meaning 'obliging, considerate', from 'officium', meaning 'office, duty'.