GRE Vocabulary — Set 51

Set 51 of GRE Vocabulary covers 5 words: inscrutable, ineffable, interminable, intrepid, invidious. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. inscrutable · adjective/ɪnˈskruːtəbl/

   impossible to understand or interpret

   Her smile was inscrutable, leaving everyone wondering what she was truly thinking.

   Synonyms: enigmatic, myserious, impenetrable

   Origin: Late Middle English, from Latin 'inscrutabilis', meaning 'not to be scrutinized', from 'in-' (not) + 'scrutare' (to examine or search).

2. ineffable · adjective/ɪˈnɛfəbəl/

   too great or extreme to be expressed in words

   The beauty of the sunset was ineffable, leaving everyone speechless as the sky turned vibrant shades of orange and purple.

   Synonyms: unspeakable, indescribable, inexpressible

   Origin: From Middle English 'ineffable', from Latin 'ineffabilis', from 'in-' (not) + 'effabilis' (able to be expressed), from 'effari' (to speak out).

3. interminable · adjective/ɪnˈtɜrmɪnəbl/

   endless or seemingly endless

   The meeting felt like an interminable series of debates that never seemed to reach a conclusion.

   Synonyms: endless, perpetual, eternal

   Origin: from Latin 'interminabilis', meaning 'unending', from 'in-' (not) and 'terminabilis' (able to be terminated)

4. intrepid · adjective/ɪnˈtrɛpɪd/

   fearless and adventurous

   The intrepid explorer ventured into the uncharted wilderness, ready to face any challenges that lay ahead.

   Synonyms: fearless, unflinching, adventurous

   Origin: from Latin 'intrepidus', meaning 'unshaken, fearless'; 'in-' meaning 'not' + 'trepidus' meaning 'alarmed, afraid'

5. invidious · adjective/ɪnˈvɪd.i.əs/

   likely to arouse resentment or anger in others

   The manager's invidious decision to promote one employee over others caused a lot of discontent in the team.

   Synonyms: envy-inducing, resentful, spiteful

   Origin: From Latin 'invidiosus', from 'invidia' meaning 'envy'.