GRE Vocabulary — Set 55

Set 55 of GRE Vocabulary covers 5 words: germinate, flummox, flounder, espouse, imbibe. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. germinate · verb/ˈdʒɜr.məˌneɪt/

   to begin to grow or develop from a seed or spore

   In the right conditions, the seeds will germinate within a week, bringing new life to the garden.

   Synonyms: sprout, bud, grow

   Origin: The word 'germinate' originates from the Latin 'germinare', which means 'to sprout or grow'.

2. flummox · verb/ˈflʌ.məks/

   to confuse or perplex someone

   The complex puzzle flummoxed the contestants, leaving them unable to come up with a solution.

   Synonyms: confound, bewilder, perplex

   Origin: The origin of 'flummox' is uncertain, but it is believed to have emerged in the late 19th century, possibly derived from dialectal English or influenced by the word 'flummock', meaning to frustrate or confuse.

3. flounder · verb/ˈflaʊndər/

   to struggle or move clumsily in water or on land

   As the boat capsized, the swimmer began to flounder in the choppy waters, desperately trying to stay afloat.

   Synonyms: falter, stumble, struggle

   Origin: Middle English, from Old English 'flundra'; related to Dutch 'flonderen' and German 'flundern', meaning to move clumsily or flounder.

4. espouse · verb/ɪˈspaʊz/

   to adopt or support a cause, belief, or way of life

   The organization aims to espouse environmental sustainability as a core principle of its mission.

   Synonyms: support, adopt, embrace

   Origin: from Old French 'espouser', from Latin 'sponsare' meaning 'to betroth'.

5. imbibe · verb/ɪmˈbaɪb/

   to drink or absorb a liquid

   During the hot summer days, we like to imbibe refreshing lemonade on the patio.

   Synonyms: consume, sip, quaff

   Origin: From Latin 'imbibere', from 'in-' meaning 'in' + 'bibere' meaning 'to drink'.