GRE Vocabulary — Set 28

Set 28 of GRE Vocabulary covers 5 words: pusillanimous, endemic, avaricious, nascent, chary. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. pusillanimous · adjective/ˌpjuː.sɪˈlæn.ɪ.məs/

   lacking courage or determination timid

   Despite his intelligent ideas, his pusillanimous demeanor made it difficult for him to assert himself in meetings.

   Synonyms: timid, cowardly, craven

   Origin: The word 'pusillanimous' comes from the Latin 'pusillanimis', meaning 'small-minded' or 'timid', from 'pusillus' meaning 'very small' and 'anima' meaning 'spirit' or 'soul'.

2. endemic · adjective/ɪˈdɛn.dɪk/

   native or restricted to a certain place or region

   The unique flora of the island includes several endemic species that can be found nowhere else in the world.

   Synonyms: indigenous, native, local

   Origin: Originating from the Greek word 'endēmios', which means 'native' or 'pertaining to a people'.

3. avaricious · adjective/ˌævəˈrɪʃəs/

   having an extreme greed for wealth or material gain

   The avaricious businessman continuously sought ways to increase his wealth at the expense of his employees.

   Synonyms: greedy, covetous, grasping

   Origin: from Latin 'avaritia' meaning 'greed' and 'avarus' meaning 'greedy' or 'covetous'

4. nascent · adjective/ˈnæs.ənt/

   beginning to develop or exist

   The nascent technology has the potential to revolutionize the way we communicate.

   Synonyms: emerging, developing, budding

   Origin: from Latin 'nascens', the present participle of 'nasci', meaning 'to be born'

5. chary · adjective/ˈʧɛri/

   cautiously or suspiciously reluctant to do something

   She was chary of accepting the job offer without knowing more about the company's culture.

   Synonyms: cautious, wary, hesitant

   Origin: From Middle English 'cheri', meaning 'careful, cautious', possibly related to Old English 'cearig', meaning 'sorrowful, anxious'.