GRE Vocabulary — Set 68

Set 68 of GRE Vocabulary covers 5 words: avarice, aversion, axiom, banter, bastion. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. avarice · noun/ˈæv.ər.ɪs/

   extreme greed for wealth or material gain

   His avarice for wealth led him to make unethical decisions in business.

   Synonyms: greed, cupidity, covetousness

   Origin: from Middle French 'avarice', from Latin 'avāritia', from 'avārus' meaning 'greedy'

2. aversion · noun/əˈvɜrʒən/

   a strong feeling of dislike or repugnance

   Her aversion to public speaking made it difficult for her to present in front of colleagues.

   Synonyms: dislike, hatred, loathing

   Origin: from Latin 'aversio', from 'aversus', the past participle of 'avertiō' which means 'to turn away'

3. axiom · noun/ˈæk.si.əm/

   a statement or proposition that is regarded as being self-evidently true and serves as a starting point for further reasoning

   In mathematics, one common axiom is that the whole is greater than the part.

   Synonyms: principle, maxim, postulate

   Origin: from Latin 'axioma', from Greek 'axiōma', meaning 'that which is deemed worthy or fit'

4. banter · noun/ˈbæn.tɚ/

   playful and friendly exchange of teasing remarks

   The friendly banter between the teammates kept the atmosphere light and enjoyable during the game.

   Synonyms: jesting, repartee, raillery

   Origin: From the 17th century French 'banter' (to speak in a playful or teasing manner), possibly derived from the Scottish dialect 'banter', meaning to 'exchange words or teasing remarks'.

5. bastion · noun/ˈbæs.tʃən/

   a strong support or protection for a particular principle or activity

   The university has always been a bastion of free thought and academic freedom, encouraging students to express their ideas openly.

   Synonyms: stronghold, fortress, bulwark

   Origin: From Middle French 'bastion', from Old Italian 'bastione', based on 'bastire' meaning 'to build'.