GRE Vocabulary — Set 96

Set 96 of GRE Vocabulary covers 5 words: quagmire, paradigm, reprobate, oblation, echelon. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. quagmire · noun/ˈkwæɡmaɪr/

   a difficult, awkward, or hazardous situation

   The company found itself in a financial quagmire after several poor investment decisions.

   Synonyms: mire, predicament, swamp

   Origin: The word 'quagmire' originates from the early 17th century, thought to be a combination of 'quake' and 'mire', referring to a soft, boggy area.

2. paradigm · noun/ˈpær.ə.daɪm/

   a typical example or pattern of something a model

   The scientific community is currently reevaluating the paradigm of classical physics in light of new quantum discoveries.

   Synonyms: model, example, pattern

   Origin: from the Greek word 'paradeigma', meaning 'pattem, example, precedent'

3. reprobate · noun/ˈrɛprəˌbeɪt/

   a morally unprincipled person

   Despite his charming demeanor, many in the community regarded him as a reprobate who constantly exploited others for his personal gain.

   Synonyms: rascal, rogue, scoundrel

   Origin: Middle English from the Latin 'reprobatum', meaning 'to be rejected' or 'to be condemned'

4. oblation · noun/oʊˈbleɪʃən/

   a religious offering or act of devotion

   During the ceremony, the priest offered an oblation of bread and wine to symbolize the sacred bond with the divine.

   Synonyms: offering, sacrifice, devotion

   Origin: Middle English, from Latin 'oblatio', from 'offerre' meaning 'to offer'

5. echelon · noun/ˈɛʃəˌlɑn/

   a level or rank in an organization or system

   The new policy was approved by the upper echelon of management, ensuring its swift implementation across all departments.

   Synonyms: level, rank, tier

   Origin: The word 'echelon' comes from the French word 'échelon', meaning 'rung on a ladder' or 'step', which is derived from the Old French 'escalon', meaning 'a step or ladder'.