GRE Vocabulary — Set 196

Set 196 of GRE Vocabulary covers 5 words: squalid, stark, steadfast, tacit, tangential. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. squalid · adjective/ˈskwɑlɪd/

   having a degraded or filthy appearance due to neglect or lack of hygiene

   The squalid conditions of the abandoned house made it unlivable and attracted pests.

   Synonyms: filthy, grubby, wretched

   Origin: Late Latin 'squalidus', from 'squalere' meaning 'to be filthy'

2. stark · adjective/stɑrk/

   complete or extreme in severity or intensity

   The stark contrast between the vibrant city life and the desolate countryside was impossible to ignore.

   Synonyms: complete, extreme, severe

   Origin: Middle English, from Old Norse 'starkr' meaning strong, powerful.

3. steadfast · adjective/ˈstɛdˌfæst/

   firmly loyal or constant in purpose, faith, or attachment

   Her steadfast loyalty to the cause inspired others to join the movement.

   Synonyms: loyal, constant, unwavering

   Origin: Middle English 'stedfast', from 'stede' meaning 'place' and 'fast' meaning 'firmly fixed'.

4. tacit · adjective/ˈtæsɪt/

   understood or implied without being stated

   The team's tacit agreement to support each other during the project made a significant difference in their overall success.

   Synonyms: implicit, unspoken, understood

   Origin: from Latin 'tacitus' meaning 'silent'

5. tangential · adjective/tænˈdʒɛnʃəl/

   relating to or along a tangent not directly related to the main subject

   During the meeting, his tangential comments distracted everyone from the main topic of discussion.

   Synonyms: peripheral, unrelated, digressive

   Origin: from the Latin 'tangens', which means 'touching', derived from 'tangere', meaning 'to touch'.