GRE Vocabulary — Set 41

Set 41 of GRE Vocabulary covers 5 words: blithe, churlish, commensurate, concomitant, conjugal. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. blithe · adjective/blaɪθ/

   joyful and carefree

   Her blithe spirit filled the room with laughter and joy, making everyone feel at ease.

   Synonyms: cheerful, carefree, lighthearted

   Origin: Middle English, from Old English 'blīðe', meaning 'happy, joyful, kind'

2. churlish · adjective/ˈtʃɜr.lɪʃ/

   rude in a mean-spirited and surly way

   His churlish comments during the meeting surprised everyone and created an uncomfortable atmosphere.

   Synonyms: rude, surly, uncivil

   Origin: From Old English 'ceorlisc', meaning 'belonging to a churl', where 'churl' referred to a free man of lower status, implying rudeness or lack of refinement.

3. commensurate · adjective/kəˈmɛn.sər.ɪt/

   corresponding in size or degree; proportionate

   The salary offered for the position was commensurate with her years of experience and education.

   Synonyms: proportionate, equivalent, comparable

   Origin: from Latin 'commensuratus', past participle of 'commensurare', which means 'to measure together' (com- 'together' + mensurare 'to measure')

4. concomitant · adjective/ˌkɑːnˈkɑːmɪtənt/

   occurring or existing at the same time as something else

   The economic growth was accompanied by a concomitant rise in pollution levels.

   Synonyms: simultaneous, accompanying, concurrent

   Origin: From Latin 'concomitans', present participle of 'concomitari' meaning 'to accompany'.

5. conjugal · adjective/ˈkɑn.dʒə.ɡəl/

   relating to marriage or the relationship between married partners

   The couple sought therapy to strengthen their conjugal bond after years of growing apart.

   Synonyms: marital, matrimonial, nuptial

   Origin: from Latin 'conjugalis', from 'conjugare' meaning 'to join together' or 'to marry'