GRE Vocabulary — Set 47

Set 47 of GRE Vocabulary covers 5 words: foible, ebullience, egress, erudition, felicity. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. foible · noun/ˈfɔɪ.bəl/

   a minor weakness or eccentricity in someone's character

   Despite his many strengths, his tendency to obsess over small details is a charming foible that his friends have come to accept.

   Synonyms: weakness, eccentricity, quirk

   Origin: The word 'foible' comes from the French word 'foible,' which means 'weak.' It originally referred to the weaker part of a sword blade, and later came to denote minor weaknesses in character.

2. ebullience · noun/ɪˈbʌl.jəns/

   the quality of being cheerful and full of energy

   Her ebullience was contagious, lighting up the room and lifting everyone's spirits during the dull meeting.

   Synonyms: enthusiasm, exuberance, liveliness

   Origin: from Latin 'ebullientem', meaning 'boiling over', from 'ebullire', which means 'to bubble out'.

3. egress · noun/ˈiːɡrɛs/

   the act of going out or leaving a place

   In case of an emergency, the egress routes must be clearly marked to ensure everyone can exit the building quickly.

   Synonyms: exit, departure, way out

   Origin: Latin egressus, from egreder, meaning 'to go out'

4. erudition · noun/ˌɛr.jʊˈdɪʃ.ən/

   deep, extensive knowledge acquired through studying and learning

   Her erudition in classical literature impressed everyone at the seminar.

   Synonyms: learning, knowledge, scholarship

   Origin: from Latin 'eruditio', meaning 'education, instruction'; derived from 'erudire' which means 'to educate, to instruct'.

5. felicity · noun/fəˈlɪs.ɪ.ti/

   intense happiness or joy

   Her smile radiated a sense of felicity that brightened the entire room during the celebration.

   Synonyms: happiness, bliss, joy

   Origin: from Middle English 'felicite', from Latin 'felicitas', from 'felix' meaning 'happy or fortunate'