GRE Vocabulary — Set 46

Set 46 of GRE Vocabulary covers 5 words: efficacious, elegiac, enervating, ephemeral, expedient. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. efficacious · adjective/ˌɛfɪˈkeɪʃəs/

   capable of producing the desired effect

   The new drug has proven to be highly efficacious in reducing symptoms of the disease.

   Synonyms: effective, successful, productive

   Origin: from Latin 'efficax', meaning 'efficient, effective', from 'efficere' meaning 'to accomplish, to effect'.

2. elegiac · adjective/ˌɛlɪˈdʒaɪ.ək/

   relating to or resembling an elegy that expresses sorrow or lamentation

   The poet wrote an elegiac poem that captured the deep sense of loss felt by the community after the tragedy.

   Synonyms: mournful, melancholic, sorrowful

   Origin: from the Latin 'elegiacus', which comes from 'elegia', meaning 'elegy'

3. enervating · adjective/ˈɛnərˌveɪtɪŋ/

   causing a loss of energy or vitality

   The enervating heat of the summer sun made it difficult for us to enjoy our outdoor activities.

   Synonyms: exhausting, draining, debilitating

   Origin: from the Latin 'enervatus', meaning 'deprived of strength or vigor', from 'enervare', meaning 'to weaken'

4. ephemeral · adjective/ɪˈfɛm.ər.əl/

   lasting for a very short time

   The beauty of the sunset was ephemeral, fading away as quickly as it appeared.

   Synonyms: transitory, fleeting, short-lived

   Origin: from the Greek word 'ephemeros', meaning 'lasting only a day'

5. expedient · adjective/ɪkˈspiː.di.ənt/

   convenient and practical although possibly improper or immoral

   In a bid to avoid further scrutiny, the manager found it expedient to cover up the mistake, even though it was unethical.

   Synonyms: practical, convenient, advisable

   Origin: from Latin 'expedientem', the present participle of 'expedire', which means to free or to prepare