GRE Vocabulary — Set 5

Set 5 of GRE Vocabulary covers 5 words: lucid, malleable, esoteric, fastidious, zealous. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. lucid · adjective/ˈluː.sɪd/

   clear and easy to understand

   The professor gave a lucid explanation of the complex theory, making it easy for the students to grasp the main concepts.

   Synonyms: clear, understandable, coherent

   Origin: from Latin 'lucidus', meaning 'light, clear, or bright'

2. malleable · adjective/ˈmæl.i.ə.bəl/

   capable of being shaped or bent without breaking

   The metal was highly malleable, allowing the artisans to create intricate designs without fear of breakage.

   Synonyms: ductile, pliable, flexible

   Origin: From Latin 'malleabilis', from 'malleare' meaning 'to hammer', from 'malleus' meaning 'hammer'.

3. esoteric · adjective/ˌesoʊˈtɛrɪk/

   intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with specialized knowledge

   The lecture on quantum mechanics was so esoteric that only a handful of students could grasp its concepts.

   Synonyms: abstruse, arcane, obscure

   Origin: from Greek 'esoterikos,' meaning 'belonging to an inner circle'

4. fastidious · adjective/fæˈstɪdious/

   excessively particular or demanding; hard to please

   She was so fastidious about her work that she would often spend hours perfecting every detail.

   Synonyms: meticulous, finicky, demanding

   Origin: from Latin fastidiosus, meaning 'full of disdain, squeamish', from fastidium 'disgust, loathing'

5. zealous · adjective/ˈzɛləs/

   having or showing great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or objective

   The zealous supporters of the new environmental policy rallied together to advocate for a greener future.

   Synonyms: enthusiastic, fervent, ardent

   Origin: from Latin 'zelosus' meaning 'full of zeal', from 'zeal' which originates from Greek 'zelos' meaning 'jealousy, zeal'