glum, enraptured, imperative, genial, exemplary: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from GRE Vocabulary set 63. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. glum · adjective/ɡlʌm/

   feeling or looking sad or dejected

   After hearing the disappointing news, she wore a glum expression throughout the meeting.

   Synonyms: sorrowful, dejected, morose

   Origin: Origin unknown; possibly derived from Middle English 'glum' meaning 'dull' or 'gloomy', akin to Old Norse 'glumr' meaning 'gloomy' or 'sullen'.

2. enraptured · adjective/ɪnˈræptʃɚd/

   filled with intense joy or delight

   The audience was enraptured by the breathtaking performance of the ballet dancers.

   Synonyms: ecstatic, elated, joyous

   Origin: The word 'enraptured' comes from the verb 'enrapture', which is formed by combining the prefix 'en-' (to cause to be in) with 'rapture', derived from Latin 'raptura', which means 'seizure, carrying away'.

3. imperative · adjective/ɪmˈpɛrətɪv/

   expressing a command or request

   It is imperative that we meet the deadline to ensure the project's success.

   Synonyms: urgent, essential, crucial

   Origin: from Latin 'imperativus', from 'imperare' meaning 'to command'

4. genial · adjective/ˈdʒiːniəl/

   friendly and cheerful

   The genial host welcomed all the guests with a warm smile and made sure everyone felt comfortable throughout the evening.

   Synonyms: friendly, cheerful, affable

   Origin: from Latin 'genialis', meaning 'of marriage, festive, merry' or 'pertaining to birth, genial'.

5. exemplary · adjective/ɪɡˈzɛm.plɚ.i/

   serving as a desirable model or example

   Her exemplary behavior in class earned her a student of the month award.

   Synonyms: model, commendable, admirable

   Origin: From Latin 'exemplaris', from 'exemplar' meaning 'model, pattern'.