GRE Vocabulary — Set 185

Set 185 of GRE Vocabulary covers 5 words: propensity, prescience, proclamation, propriety, provocation. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. propensity · noun/prəˈpɛn.sɪ.ti/

   an inclination or natural tendency to behave in a certain way

   Despite his calm demeanor, he has a propensity for getting into heated arguments during debates.

   Synonyms: tendency, inclination, disposition

   Origin: Early 17th century: from Latin 'propensitas', from 'propensus' meaning 'to hang forward'.

2. prescience · noun/ˈprɛʃ.əns/

   the ability to foresee or predict future events

   Her prescience about the market trends allowed her to invest wisely before the boom.

   Synonyms: foreknowledge, clairvoyance, foresight

   Origin: from the Latin 'praescientia', meaning 'foreknowledge', from 'praesciēns', the present participle of 'praescīre' which means 'to know beforehand'

3. proclamation · noun/ˌprɑːk.ləˈmeɪ.ʃən/

   an official announcement or declaration

   The mayor made a public proclamation declaring a day of remembrance for the city's history.

   Synonyms: announcement, declaration, statement

   Origin: from Latin 'proclamatio', from 'proclamare', meaning 'to cry out' or 'proclaim'.

4. propriety · noun/prəˈpraɪəti/

   the state or quality of being socially acceptable or proper

   She was known for her propriety in all social situations, always ensuring that her actions reflected the highest standards of decorum.

   Synonyms: decorum, etiquette, propracticality

   Origin: From Latin 'proprietas', meaning 'property, ownership', from 'proprius', meaning 'own, particular'.

5. provocation · noun/ˌprɑː.vəˈkeɪ.ʃən/

   the act of provoking or inciting someone to action or feeling

   His comments were seen as a provocation that stirred up tensions among the group.

   Synonyms: incitement, provocation, instigation

   Origin: From Latin 'provocatio', meaning 'a calling forth', from 'provocare', meaning 'to call forth, challenge'