GRE Vocabulary — Set 56

Set 56 of GRE Vocabulary covers 5 words: exorbitant, fervent, hypocritical, fortuitous, flippant. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. exorbitant · adjective/ɪɡˈzɔːrbɪtənt/

   unreasonably high in price or amount

   The hotel charged an exorbitant rate for a room during the peak season.

   Synonyms: excessive, outrageous, unreasonable

   Origin: from Latin 'exorbitans', meaning 'out of the orbit, deviating'

2. fervent · adjective/ˈfɜr.vənt/

   having or displaying a passionate intensity

   Her fervent belief in the cause inspired everyone around her to join the movement.

   Synonyms: zealous, passionate, ardent

   Origin: From the Latin word 'ferventem', the present participle of 'fervēre,' meaning 'to boil' or 'to glow.'

3. hypocritical · adjective/ˌhɪpəˈkrɪtɪkəl/

   behaving in a way that suggests one has higher standards or more noble beliefs than is the case

   His hypocritical behavior during the charity event, where he criticized others for not donating while he himself gave nothing, was hard to ignore.

   Synonyms: deceitful, insincere, two-faced

   Origin: From Late Latin 'hypocriticus', from Greek 'hypokritēs' meaning 'answerer, actor', from 'hypokrínesthai' meaning 'to interpret, reply'.

4. fortuitous · adjective/fɔrˈtʃuː.ɪ.təs/

   happening by chance rather than intention

   It was a fortuitous encounter that led to her getting the job of her dreams.

   Synonyms: serendipitous, accidental, coincidental

   Origin: The word 'fortuitous' originates from the Latin word 'fortuitus,' meaning 'happening by chance,' which is derived from 'fors,' meaning 'chance' or 'luck.'

5. flippant · adjective/ˈflɪp.ənt/

   lacking proper respect or seriousness

   His flippant attitude during the serious discussion annoyed everyone in the room.

   Synonyms: glib, disrespectful, frivolous

   Origin: from the verb 'flip' (to toss or throw), with the suffix '-ant' indicating an adjective.