GRE Vocabulary — Set 7

Set 7 of GRE Vocabulary covers 5 words: disparate, circumspect, vacuous, polemical, capricious. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. disparate · adjective/ˈdɪspərət/

   fundamentally different or distinct in quality or kind

   The conference brought together experts from disparate fields, showcasing the value of interdisciplinary collaboration.

   Synonyms: distinct, unlike, diverse

   Origin: from Latin 'disparatus', meaning 'separated or distinguished'

2. circumspect · adjective/ˈsɜr.kəm.spɛkt/

   wary and unwilling to take risks

   She was particularly circumspect in her investments, carefully analyzing every opportunity before committing her funds.

   Synonyms: cautious, prudent, guarded

   Origin: from Latin 'circumspectus', past participle of 'circumspecere' meaning 'to look around'

3. vacuous · adjective/ˈvæk.ju.əs/

   lacking intelligence, ideas, or content

   The politician's vacuous promises failed to resonate with the voters, who were seeking genuine solutions to their problems.

   Synonyms: empty, vacant, devoid

   Origin: from Latin 'vacuus' meaning 'empty'

4. polemical · adjective/pəˈlɛmɪkəl/

   relating to or involving strongly critical or controversial debate or disputes

   The author's polemical critique of the government's policies sparked heated discussions among readers.

   Synonyms: controversial, disputatious, argumentative

   Origin: from Greek 'polemikos', meaning 'of war', from 'polemos' meaning 'war'

5. capricious · adjective/kəˈprɪʃ.əs/

   given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior

   The capricious weather made it impossible to plan our picnic; one moment it was sunny, the next it was pouring rain.

   Synonyms: fickle, whimsical, mercurial

   Origin: Late Latin 'capriciosus', from 'caper' meaning 'goat', suggesting a sudden change in behavior like a goat's unpredictable leaps.