GRE Vocabulary — Set 31

Set 31 of GRE Vocabulary covers 5 words: limpid, catholic, bilious, decrous, desiccated. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. limpid · adjective/ˈlɪmpɪd/

   clear and shining; free of any cloudiness or muddiness

   The limpid waters of the mountain lake invited us to take a refreshing swim on a hot summer day.

   Synonyms: clear, transparent, lucid

   Origin: from Latin 'limpidus', meaning 'clear, shining', derived from 'līmen' meaning 'threshold, limit'

2. catholic · adjective/ˈkæθ.əl.ɪk/

   including a wide variety of things having broad or universal scope

   Her tastes in music are very catholic, ranging from classical to modern pop.

   Synonyms: universal, comprehensive, all-encompassing

   Origin: from Late Latin 'catholicus', meaning 'universal', from Greek 'katholikos', from 'katholou' meaning 'on the whole, in general'

3. bilious · adjective/ˈbɪl.jəs/

   relating to bile or marked by a tendency to be angry or irritable

   After missing his deadline, his bilious temperament was evident as he snapped at everyone around him.

   Synonyms: choleric, irritable, grouchy

   Origin: from Latin 'biliosus', meaning 'full of bile'

4. decrous · adjective/ˈdɛkərəs/

   proper and seemly in appearance or behavior

   Her decrous behavior at the formal dinner earned her compliments from the guests.

   Synonyms: proper, seemly, decorous

   Origin: From Latin 'decorus' meaning 'graceful, seemly, becoming'

5. desiccated · adjective/ˈdɛs.ɪ.keɪ.tɪd/

   dried up or dehydrated

   The chef sprinkled desiccated coconut over the cake to enhance its flavor and texture.

   Synonyms: dehydrated, dried, powdered

   Origin: from Latin 'desiccatus', the past participle of 'desiccare', meaning 'to dry up', derived from 'de-' (down, away) and 'siccare' (to dry)