GRE Vocabulary — Set 98

Set 98 of GRE Vocabulary covers 5 words: insatiate, rarefied, pliable, cantankerous, poignant. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. insatiate · adjective/ɪnˈseɪʃ.i.ət/

   impossible to satisfy or appease

   Her insatiate appetite for knowledge drove her to read countless books every month.

   Synonyms: unquenchable, insatiable, ravenous

   Origin: From Latin 'insatiabilis' meaning 'not able to be satisfied', from 'in-' (not) + 'satiare' (to satisfy)

2. rarefied · adjective/ˈrɛr.ɪ.faɪd/

   relating to a low density or pressure atmosphere or to a select group with refined tastes or interests

   The mountaineers struggled to breathe in the rarefied atmosphere at such high altitudes.

   Synonyms: thin, lofty, exclusive

   Origin: From Middle English rarefied, from Latin rarefactus, the past participle of rarefacere ('to make thin or rare'), from rarus ('thin, sparse') + facere ('to make').

3. pliable · adjective/ˈplaɪəbl/

   capable of being easily bent, flexible or adaptable

   The artist preferred to work with pliable clay that could be easily shaped into intricate designs.

   Synonyms: flexible, adaptable, supple

   Origin: from Latin 'pliabilis', meaning 'easily bent', from 'plicare' meaning 'to fold'.

4. cantankerous · adjective/kænˈtæŋkərəs/

   bad-tempered, argumentative, and uncooperative

   The cantankerous old man shouted at the children playing in the yard, complaining that they were being too noisy.

   Synonyms: grumpy, irritable, quarrelsome

   Origin: The word 'cantankerous' is believed to have originated in the early 19th century, possibly from the Scottish word 'cantanker', which means 'to scold or find fault'.

5. poignant · adjective/ˈpɔɪnənt/

   evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret

   The film's poignant moments left the audience in tears, capturing the essence of loss and longing.

   Synonyms: touching, moving, bittersweet

   Origin: From Old French 'poignant', which means 'to prick, pierce' or 'to provoke emotion', and is derived from the Latin 'pungere', meaning 'to prick'.