GRE Vocabulary — Set 99

Set 99 of GRE Vocabulary covers 5 words: turpitude, panegyric, impasse, recluse, compunction. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. turpitude · noun/ˈtɜr.pɪ.tud/

   depravity or wickedness

   The politician's career ended in disgrace after evidence of moral turpitude surfaced, revealing a long history of corruption and deceit.

   Synonyms: depravity, wickedness, immorality

   Origin: from Latin 'turpitudo', from 'turpis' meaning 'ugly' or 'debased'

2. panegyric · noun/ˌpæn.əˈdʒɪr.ɪk/

   a public speech or published text in praise of someone or something

   The author delivered a moving panegyric in honor of the retiring professor, praising her dedication to education and her impactful contributions to the community.

   Synonyms: eulogy, tribute, commendation

   Origin: The word 'panegyric' comes from the Greek 'panēgurikós', which means 'of or for a public assembly'.

3. impasse · noun/ɪmˈpæs/

   a situation in which progress is impossible due to disagreement

   After hours of discussions, the negotiators reached an impasse, unable to agree on the terms of the contract.

   Synonyms: deadlock, stalemate, standstill

   Origin: The word 'impasse' comes from the French 'impasse', meaning 'dead end' or 'obstruction', combining 'in-' meaning 'not' and 'passer' meaning 'to pass'.

4. recluse · noun/rɪˈklus/

   a person who lives a solitary life and tends to avoid other people

   The famous author became a recluse after the success of his first novel, choosing to live in seclusion away from his fans.

   Synonyms: hermit, loner, introvert

   Origin: from Latin 'reclusus', past participle of 'recludere', meaning 'to shut up, enclose'.

5. compunction · noun/kəmˈpʌŋkʃən/

   a feeling of guilt or moral scruple that prevents or follows the doing of something bad

   Despite his initial excitement, he felt a twinge of compunction after lying to his friend about where he had been.

   Synonyms: remorse, regret, guilt

   Origin: from Latin 'Compunctio', from 'compungere' meaning 'to prick' or 'to sting', combined with 'com-' meaning 'together' and 'pungere' meaning 'to puncture'.