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GRE Vocabulary Preparation Tips, Strategies, Word Lists, and PDFs
GRE vocabulary preparation would include maintaining a separate note for GRE Vocab. Write down the meanings of each and every word you are not familiar with be it from the dictionary, or app, or while solving questions from a specific resource/material. Try to learn the new words by writing them in a sentence of your own using that word. The best way to study GRE vocab is making a habit of reading and also using flashcards.
How to Prepare for GRE Vocabulary?
To learn GRE words, and GRE word list, candidates need to follow three important steps. These three steps explain the learning process of GRE vocab:
Introductory stage
This is the stage when the candidate first comes across the new GRE vocabulary words, learns their meaning from the GRE flashcards. The candidate gets familiar with the word after using it in numerous sentences.
Association stage
In this stage of GRE vocabulary learning, after knowing the meaning of the word the candidate will be able to create the distinction between that word and similar words. This is evitable in GRE verbal reasoning, where there are similar answer choices and candidates need to pick the correct one.
Final Stage
This is the final stage of the GRE vocabulary learning process where the candidate can not only form a sentence with the word but can also remember it for future use. Therefore, the word gets added to their GRE vocabulary list.
Here is a table from Magoosh GRE explaining in simple steps how to ace the GRE vocabulary for the GRE Verbal reasoning section :
Best Way to Learn Vocabulary for GRE
Here are a few GRE vocabulary prep tips that can help you ace a good GRE score:
Practice Reading
Reading is considered a very helpful preparation for GRE grammar and vocabulary. Practice reading habits of good books, magazines, and newspapers. Do pay attention to words you don’t know. Do try not to skip them but write them down, and look for the meanings.
Take Help of the Dictionary
Take the help of a dictionary for unusual words. Do not assume the first definition is the only one you need to know, as GRE often tests secondary definitions, so go through it all.
Use Your Own Definitions
It would be difficult to learn the meaning of all new words. It would be easier to remember a word’s meaning if you make it your own.
Keep a GRE Vocabulary List
Writing down the new GRE vocabulary words may be in a napkin, as a text on your cellphone, or in your notepad will add it to the GRE word list. During practice, follow the process of learning the meaning, differentiating it from other similar words, and finally forming a sentence with that new GRE vocabulary. Consider this as your official GRE vocabulary list and learn from it.
Use GRE Flashcards
Flashcards are one of the most promising ways of learning the GRE vocabulary. You can make your own GRE vocab flashcards by writing the new word on the blank side and the meaning on the other. If the pronunciation bothers you, write it down too. Write a proper sentence with that word to remember in which context to use them.
Prioritize Learning GRE Words
Learning GRE vocabulary from the dictionary can help candidates know the different meanings of a single word. GRE syllabus often tests the candidate’s knowledge by asking for the second meaning of a specific word. For instance, a wave means moving the hand to greet someone, and it also means an arched form of water approaching the shore.
Visualizations Help
Try to practice memorizing new words with the help of visualization. Try to use your imagination to create an image to fix a new word in your mind. For example, the word voracious, which means having an insatiable appetite, imagine an incredibly hungry bear eating huge piles of food. The voracious bear will help you to recall the meaning of the word.
Learn GRE Vocabulary from Root Words
Learn about words having similar roots or origins. The word ‘aqua’ means water and word like aquarium and aquatic are both related to water. Learning about root words helps candidates in assuming the meaning of the unknown GRE vocabulary in case they are not aware of the meaning.
GRE Vocabulary Books with PDFs
Here is a list of the top GRE preparation books with PDFs for helping the candidates during GRE preparation:
- Barron’s Essential Words for the GRE:Check PDF
- Kaplan GRE Exam Vocabulary Flashcards:Check PDF
- Word Power Made Easy:Check PDF
- GRE Vocabulary Flash Review:Check PDF
- Webster’s New World Essential Vocabulary:Check PDF
Best Apps to Improve GRE Vocabulary
GRE vocabulary preparation requires rigorous practice. It depends on your prior knowledge of which difficulty level of GRE vocabulary is suitable for you. You will need to learn more words in less time. The best apps to improve GRE preparation for vocabulary available on the internet can be found really helpful.
- GRE Vocabulary Flashcards by Magoosh (4.8 stars, 1180+ ratings)
- GRE Practice, Prep, Flashcards by Varsity Tutors (4.9/5 stars, 727 ratings)
- GRE Prep and Practice by Magoosh (4.8/5 stars, 763 ratings)
- Manhattan Prep GRE by Higher Learning Technologies (4.8 stars, 213 ratings)
- GRE Test Prep by Galvanize (4.8/5 stars, 50 ratings)
- GRE Daily Vocabulary by The Economist (4.9 stars, 29 ratings)
List of GRE Prep Words
English preparation for GRE vocabulary involves learning numerous new words which can be intimidating and boring. Test-takers may also choose GRE online vocabulary preparation with pictures to enhance their vocabulary.
| Words | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| anomaly (noun ) | something that is unusual or unexpected | The student’s poor performance on the latest test was an anomaly since she had previously earned excellent grades. |
| equivocal (adj. ) | not easily understood or explained | Politicians have been known to provide equivocal answers to reporters’ questions |
| lucid (adj.) | very clear and easy to understand | The lecture was lucid and straightforward, allowing the students to fully grasp the concepts presented. |
| precipitate (verb ) | to cause (something) to happen quickly or suddenly | Unforeseen costs can precipitate a budget crisis. |
| assuage(verb) | to make (an unpleasant feeling) less intense | A massage can assuage the soreness in your muscles. |
| erudite( adj.) | having or showing great knowledge | High school students often struggle with novels that are more erudite than they are entertaining. |
| opaque ( adj.) | not able to be seen through; not easily understood | Medical jargon includes many opaque terms like macrosomic, which describes a newborn who weighs more than 4,000 grams. |
| prodigal( adj.) | wastefully extravagant | The prodigal prince bought lavish gifts and planned expensive events. |
| enigma (noun ) | a person or thing that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand | Scientists continue to research cancer to solve the enigma of its primary cause, which will hopefully lead to a cure. |
| fervid (adj.) | intensely enthusiastic or passionate | The child showed a fervid fascination for superheroes, pouring over comic books for hours. |
| placate (verb) | to make (someone) less angry or hostile | A parent may decide to placate a baby with a pacifier. |
| zeal (noun) | a strong feel of interest and enthusiasm that makes someone very eager or determined to do something | The great emperor’s crusading zeal led him to conquer many lands. |
| abstain ( verb) | to restrain oneself for doing or enjoying something | Doctors encourage their patients to abstain from smoking cigarettes. |
| audacious ( adj.) | a willingness to take bold risks/ showing a lack of respect | The new CEO pursued audacious initiatives to save the company from bankruptcy. / The student’s audacious remark earned her a seat in afternoon detention. |
| prevaricate (verb ) | avoid telling the truth by not directly answering a question | During the trial, the lead witness was willing to prevaricate in order to protect his friend. |
| ostentation ( noun ) | excessive display of wealth | Owning a mansion doesn’t imply ostentation, but traveling exclusively by private jet certainly can. |
GRE 2024 : 6 Answered QuestionsView All
Ans. In case you are enquiring about the CAT percentile let me clarify that ISB Hyderabad does not take into consideration CAT scores. It accepts GMAT/GRE scores only. Most importantly, the ISB Shortlisting process is profile-based. This means even with a lower percentile you can manage to get shortlisted provided you have an excellent profile. There is no fixed cutoff for GMAT. However, a 700+ GMAT score isn't a must-have for ISB if your application is strong in other areas. According to an ISB spokesperson, candidates were admitted to the 2021 cohort with scores as low as 580, and as high as 780. So the GMAT score range for ISB is 580-780. Read more
Ans. ISB Hyderabad accepts both examination scores. So, you can opt for either of GMAT or GRE. Your chances of selection or rejection will remain the same. Go through the examination pattern and syllabus and choose the one in which you feel that you will be able to score better. Ultimately having a good score is what matters during admission. As per the recent trends, ISB Hyderabad cutoff for GMAT is 600, while for GRE it is 311. Read more
Ans. There are a few institutes that offer classroom coaching for GRE preparation in Bhubaneswar. Given below are information about a few such institutes: Offshore Education Academy This institute is a one-stop point for good counseling and preparation of GRE exams in Bhubaneswar. Merit scholarships are given to students who perform well in the online admission test. The minimum time to be devoted will be 4 months although it can be extended to 5 months in case an individual wants more time to prepare. Prajna Prep Prajna Prep offers comprehensive class sessions on Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Analytical Writing. You can also take GRE Practice Tests to improve your preparation. Manya-The Princeton Review Manya-The Princeton Review is another excellent choice for GRE preparation. This institute offers different types of GRE courses and you can choose the one which suits you best. There is also an option for learning in groups or in one on one sessions. Besides classroom coaching, self-preparation is also a good option if your current academics are above average. Read more
Ans. Of the two entrance exams, GMAT and GRE, the former is a better option. ISB Hyderabad has recently started accepting GRE scores. This doesn’t mean that taking the GRE is a bad idea. Many business schools apart from ISB are now accepting GRE scores. The best part is that ISB won’t be converting your GRE scores to GMAT for comparison during the MBA admissions. GRE is suitable for students who are considering other PG options apart from MBA like MS or MA. For someone who is sure of their career in an MBA, the GMAT is a better choice because GRE is much more dynamic. GMAT shows your commitment to MBA and thereby increases your chances of admission in comparison to GRE which shows that you are open to various options. ISB Hyderabad prefers GMAT over GRE also because the former is a more quantitatively challenging exam than the latter. Certain firms may ask for your GMAT score before shortlisting you for your interview. These include the biggest firms in the corporate world like McKinsey So from these points, we can safely conclude that GMAT is a better option for MBA students provided that you are sure of your course. Read more
Ans. Firstly, GRE scores are not accepted for the PGP MBA program. Only CAT/GMAT scores are accepted. To apply through the GMAT route you need sufficient work experience in a foreign country. For the FPM program, like any other doctoral program, the quality of the application matters the most and there is no cut-off for the GRE scores. Other factors that are actually considered are Profile Past research Publications There is no specific GRE score that would guarantee a call-up from IIM Ahmedabad. Read more
Ans. There is a long list of countries that allow students to apply for Ph.D. without GRE or TOFEL scores. Some of these countries are as follows. France Singapore Malaysia Dubai Poland China Japan Thailand Latvia Georgia United Kingdom Malta However, you need to have a good academic record in English to show your proficiency. Some of these countries may also need other language proficiency test scores for admission. Read more
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College
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