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qualm

noun/kwɑm/

definition

a feeling of unease or doubt about whether you are doing the right thing

example

She had a qualm about lying to her friend, fearing it might damage their relationship.

synonyms
misgivinguncertaintydoubt
word origin — The word 'qualm' comes from the Old Norse word 'kvalm', meaning 'nausea' or 'anguish', which is related to the Old English 'cwealm', meaning 'death' or 'destruction'.

GRE Vocabulary — Set 190

Set 190 of GRE Vocabulary covers 5 words: qualm, quibble, quiescence, ramification, rotundity. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

  1. qualm · noun/kwɑm/

    a feeling of unease or doubt about whether you are doing the right thing

    She had a qualm about lying to her friend, fearing it might damage their relationship.

    Synonyms: misgiving, uncertainty, doubt

    Origin: The word 'qualm' comes from the Old Norse word 'kvalm', meaning 'nausea' or 'anguish', which is related to the Old English 'cwealm', meaning 'death' or 'destruction'.

  2. quibble · noun/ˈkwɪb.əl/

    a slight or trivial objection or argument

    There was a small quibble about the dates, but overall the project proposal was approved without much debate.

    Synonyms: argument, objection, dispute

    Origin: Late Middle English, from the verb 'quibble' meaning to argue or raise petty objections, probably of imitative origin.

  3. quiescence · noun/kwiˈɛs.əns/

    a state of inactivity or dormancy

    After a long period of quiescence, the seeds finally began to germinate when the conditions were just right.

    Synonyms: dormancy, inactivity, rest

    Origin: Late Latin 'quiescentia' from 'quiescere' meaning 'to rest', from 'quies' meaning 'rest, quiet, peace'.

  4. ramification · noun/ˌræməfɪˈkeɪʃən/

    a consequence or result that complicates a situation

    The decision to cut funding for education had serious ramifications for the entire community, affecting students, teachers, and local economies.

    Synonyms: consequence, implication, fallout

    Origin: Derived from the Latin root 'ramificare', meaning to branch out, which is formed from 'ramus' meaning branch.

  5. rotundity · noun/roʊˈtʌndɪti/

    the quality of being rounded or spherical

    The rotundity of the planet was clearly visible from the spaceship, highlighting its spherical shape against the backdrop of the stars.

    Synonyms: roundness, fullness, curvature

    Origin: from Latin 'rotunditas' meaning 'roundness', from 'rotundus' meaning 'round'.