English Basic Verbs

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Question English Answer English
advocate
start learning
speak; plead; or argue in favor of
While the senator privately approved of gay marriage; he was unwilling to advocate for the cause in a public venue. This word has other definitions but this is the most important one for the GRE
antedated
start learning
precede in time
Harry was so unknowledgable that he was unaware the Egyptian pharaohs antedated the American Revolution.
ascribe
start learning
attribute or credit to
History ascribes The Odyssey and The Illiad to Homer; but scholars now debate whether he was a historical figure or a fictitious name.
assail
start learning
attack in speech or writing
In the weekly paper; the editor assailed the governor for wasting hundreds of thousands of dollars in public projects that quickly failed.
assuage
start learning
make something intense less severe
Her fear that the new college would be filled with unknown faces was assuaged when she recognized her childhood friend standing in line.
augment
start learning
enlarge or increase; improve
Ideally; the restaurant's augmented menu will expand its clientele and increase its profits.
avert
start learning
ward off or prevent
The struggling videogame company put all of its finances into one final; desperate project to avert bankrupcy.
badger
start learning
to pester
Badgered by his parents to find a job; the 30-year-old loafer instead joined a gang of itinerant musicians. This word has other definitions but this is the most important one for the GRE
balk
start learning
refuse to comply
The students were willing to clean up the broken glass; but when the teacher asked them to mop the entire floor; they balked; citing reasons why they needed to leave.
banish
start learning
expel from a community; residence; or location; drive away The most difficult part of the fast was banishing thoughts of food. This word has other definitions but this is the most important one for the GRE beatific (adjective)
Often we imagine all monks to wear the beatific smile of the Buddha; but; like any of us; a monk can have a bad day and not look very happy.
begrudge
start learning
to give reluctantly; envy
We never begrudge money spent on ourselves.
behooves
start learning
to be one's duty or obligation
"The teacher looked down at the student and said; ""It would behoove you to be in class on time and complete your homework; so that you don't repeat freshman English for a third straight year."""
belittle
start learning
lessen the importance; dignity; or reputation of
A good teacher will never belittle his students; but will instead empower them.
besiege
start learning
surround (a place) with armed forces in order to capture it or force its surrender; be inundated by large numbers of requests or complaints
the king marched north to besiege Berwick; the television station was besieged with calls
besmirch
start learning
damage the good name and reputation of someone
The prince's distasteful choice of words besmirched not only his own name; but the reputation of the entire royal family.
buck
start learning
resist
The profits at our firm bucked the general downturn that effected the real estate industry. This word has other definitions but this is the most important one for the GRE
buttress
start learning
make stronger or defensible
China's economy has been buttressed by a global demand for the electronic parts the country manufactures.
censor
start learning
to examine and remove objectionable material
Every fall; high school English teachers are inundated by requests to censor their curriculum by removing The Catcher in the Rye and Scarlet Letter from their reading lists.
champion
start learning
protect or fight for as a champion
Martin Luther King Jr. championed civil rights fiercely throughout his short life. This word has other definitions but this is the most important one for the GRE
check
start learning
to limit (usually modifying the growth of something)
Deserted for six months; the property began to look more like a jungle and less like a residence--weeds grew unchecked in the front yard This word has other definitions but this is the most important one for the GRE
coalesce
start learning
fuse or cause to grow together
Over time; the various tribes coalesced into a single common culture with one universal language.
compound
start learning
make more intense; stronger; or more marked
Her headache was compounded by the construction crew outside; which had six jackhammers going at the same time. This word has other definitions but this is the most important one for the GRE
conniving
start learning
taking part in immoral and unethical plots
The queen was so conniving that; with the help of the prince; she tried to overthrow the king.
consecrate
start learning
to make holy or set apart for a high purpose
At the church of Notre Dame in France; the new High Altar was consecrated in 1182.
consummate
start learning
to make perfect and complete in every respect
The restoration of the ancient church was only consummated after a twenty years of labor. This word has other definitions but this is the most important one for the GRE
corroborate
start learning
to confirm or lend support to (usually an idea or claim)
Her claim that frog populations were falling precipitously in Central America was corroborated by locals; who reported that many species of frogs had seemingly vanished overnight.
debase
start learning
reduce the quality or value of something
The third-rate script so debased the film that not even the flawless acting could save it from being a flop.
debunk
start learning
expose as false ideas and claims; especially while ridiculing
Richard Dawkins tries to debunk religious belief; but his ridicule tends to push people away from his points rather than convince them.
degrade
start learning
reduce in worth or character; usually verbally
Jesse had mockingly pointed out all of Nancy's faults in front of their friends; publicly degrading the poor girl.
delegate
start learning
give an assignment to (a person)
Since the senior manager had to go on many international business trips; she was forced to delegate many of her responsibilities to two lower-level managers. This word has other definitions but this is the most important one for the GRE
deliberate
start learning
think about carefully; weigh the pros and cons of an issue
Emergency situations such as this call for immediate action and leave no room to deliberate over options. This word has other definitions but this is the most important one for the GRE
demean
start learning
to insult; to cause someone to lose dignity or respect
At first the soccer players bantered back and forth; but as soon as one of the players became demeaning; calling the other's mother a water buffalo; the ref whipped out a red card.
deride
start learning
treat or speak of with contempt
The nun derided the students for trying to sneak insects and worms into the classroom.
desecrate
start learning
to willfully violate or destroy a sacred place
After desecrating the pharaoh's tomb; the archaeologist soon fell victim to a horrible illness.
deter
start learning
try to prevent; show opposition to
The government's primary job should invlove deterring paths to war; not finding ways to start them.
devolve
start learning
" grow worse (usually ""devolve into"")"
The dialogue between the two academics devolved into a downright bitter argument.
differentiate
start learning
evolve so as to lead to a new species or develop in a way most suited to the environment
Animals on Madagascar differentiated from other similar animal species due to many years of isolation on the island.
discriminate
start learning
recognize or perceive the difference
Sarah couldn't discriminate between a good wine and a bad wine; so she avoided wine tastings. This word has other definitions but this is the most important one for the GRE
disenfranchise
start learning
deprive of voting rights
The U.S. Constitution disenfranchised women until 1920 when they were given the right to vote.
dispatch
start learning
dispose of rapidly and without delay and efficiently
As soon as the angry peasants stormed the castle; they caught the king and swiftly dispatched him. This word has other definitions but this is the most important one for the GRE
dog
start learning
to pursue relentlessly; to hound
Throughout his life; he was dogged by insecurities that inhibited personal growth. This word has other definitions but this is the most important one for the GRE
dupe
start learning
to trick or swindle
Once again a get-rich-fast Internt scheme had duped Harold into submitting a $5;000 check to a sham operation.
eke
start learning
To live off meager resources; to scrape by
Stranded in a cabin over the winter; Terry was able to eke out an existence on canned food.
elaborate
start learning
explain in more detail
Most high school physics teachers find themselves elaborating the same point over and over again; since many concepts confuse students.
elude
start learning
escape understanding
Even a basic understanding of physics can elude most high schools students.
embellish
start learning
make more attractive by adding ornament; colour; etc.; make more beautiful
McCartney would write relatively straightforward lyrics; and Lennon would embellish them with puns and poetic images.
emulate
start learning
strive to equal or match; especially by imitating; compete with successfully
To really become fluent in a new language; emulate the speech patterns and intonation of people who speak the language.
entice
start learning
get someone to do something through (often false or exaggerated) promises
Harold enticed his wife; Maude; to go on a vacation to Hawaii; with promises of luaus on the beach and all-you-can-eat seafood buffets.
enumerate
start learning
specify individually; one by one
I sat and listened as she enumerated all of the things she did not like about the past three months.
err
start learning
to make an error
"He erred in thinking that ""indigent"" and ""indignant"" were synonyms."
exasperate
start learning
to irritate intensely
As a child; I exasperated my mother with strings of never-ending questions.
exemplify
start learning
clarify by giving an example of
Please present some case studies that exemplify the results that you claim in your paper.
exhort
start learning
to strongly urge on; encourage
Nelson's parents exhorted him to study medicine; urging him to choose a respectable profession; intransigent; Nelson left home to become a graffiti artist.
fawn
start learning
try to gain favor by extreme flattery
The media fawned over the handsome new CEO; praising his impeccable sense of style instead of asking more pointed questions. This word has other definitions but this is the most important one for the GRE
ferret
start learning
to search for something persistently
Ever the resourceful lexicographer; Fenton was able to ferret out the word origin of highly obscure words. This word has other definitions but this is the most important one for the GRE
fete
start learning
to celebrate a person
After World War II; war heroes were feted at first but quickly forgotten.
finagle
start learning
achieve something by means of trickery or devious methods
Steven was able to finagle one of the last seats on the train by convincing the conductor that his torn stub was actually a valid ticket.
fleece
start learning
to deceive
Many people have been fleeced by Internet scams and never received their money back. This word has other definitions but this is the most important one for the GRE
flounder
start learning
behave awkwardly; have difficulties
Sylvia has excelled at advanced calculus; but ironically; when she has deal with taxes; she flounders.
glean
start learning
collect information bit by bit
Herb has given us no formal statement about his background; but from various hints; I have gleaned that he grew up in difficult circumstances.
goad
start learning
urge on with unpleasant comments
Doug did not want to enter the race; but Jim; through a steady stream of taunts; goaded him into signing up for it.
grovel
start learning
show submission or fear
Every time Susan comes to the office; Frank grovels as if she were about to fire.
guffaw
start learning
laugh boisterously
Whenever the jester fell to the ground in mock pain; the king guffawed; exposing his yellow; fang-like teeth.
hamper
start learning
prevent the progress or free movement of
As the rain water began to collect in pools on the highway; it began to hamper the flow of traffic. This word has other definitions but this is the most important one for the GRE
hamstrung
start learning
made ineffective or powerless
The FBI has made so many restriction on the local police that they are absolutely hamstrung; unable to accomplish anything.
hound
start learning
to pursue relentlessly
An implacable foe of corruption; Eliot Ness hounded out graft in all forms--he even helped nab Al Capone. This word has other definitions but this is the most important one for the GRE
impede
start learning
be a hindrance or obstacle to
Since the police sergeant had to train the pair of new hires; progress in his own case was impeded.
implicate
start learning
to indicate in wrongdoing; usually a crime
The crime boss was implicated for a long list of crimes; ranging from murder to disturbing the peace.
incense
start learning
make furious
When Herb bought football tickets for a game on the day of their wedding anniversary; Jill was incensed. This word has other definitions but this is the most important one for the GRE
indict
start learning
to formally charge or accuse of wrong-doing
The bankrobber was indicted on several major charges; including possession of a firearm.
inundate
start learning
to flood or overwhelm
The newsroom was inundated with false reports that only made it more difficult for the newscasters to provide an objective account of the bank robbery.
irk
start learning
irritate or vex
My little sister has a way of irking and annoying me like no other person.
meander
start learning
to wander aimlessly
A casual observer might have thought that Peter was meandering through the city; but that day he was actually seeking out those places where he and his long lost love had once visited.
mesmerize
start learning
to spellbind or enthrall
The plot and the characters were so well developed that many viewers were mesmerized; unable to move their eyes from the screen for even a single second.
morph
start learning
To undergo dramatic change in a seamless and barely noticeable fashion.
The earnestness of the daytime talk shows of the 1970's has morphed into something far more sensational and vulgar: today guests actually standup and threaten to take swings at one another.
patronize
start learning
treat condescendingly
She says she genuinely wanted to help me; but instead she patronized me; constantly pointing out how I was inferior to her. This word has other definitions but this is the most important one for the GRE
perpetuate
start learning
cause to continue
If you do not let him do things for himself; you are merely perpetuating bad habits that will be even harder to break in the future.
perturb
start learning
disturb in mind or cause to be worried or alarmed
Now that Henry is recovering from a major illnesses; he no longer lets the little trivialities; such as late mail; perturb him.
peruse
start learning
to read very carefully
Instead of perusing important documents; people all too often rush to the bottom of the page and plaster their signatures at the bottom.
pine
start learning
to yearn for
Standing forlornly by the window; she pined for her lost love. This word has other definitions but this is the most important one for the GRE
preempt
start learning
take the place of or have precedence over
A governmental warning about an imminent terrorist attack would preempt ordinary network programming on television.
prevail
start learning
prove superior
Before the cricket match; Australia was heavily favored; but India prevailed.
rankle
start learning
gnaw into; make resentful or angry
His constant whistling would rankle her; sometimes causing her to leave in a huff.
relegate
start learning
assign to a lower position
When Dexter was unable to fulfill his basic duties; instead of firing him; the boss relegated him to kitchen cleanup.
renege
start learning
fail to fulfill a promise or obligation
We will no longer work with that vendor since it has reneged on nearly every agreement.
resolve
start learning
reach a conclusion after a discussion or deliberation
After much thought; Ted resolved not to travel abroad this summer because he didn't have much money in his bank account. This word has other definitions but this is the most important one for the GRE
retract
start learning
pull inward or towards a center; formally reject or disavow a formerly held belief; usually under pressure
Email is wonderfully efficient; but once something awkward or damaging has been sent; there is no way to retract it.
rile
start learning
cause annoyance in; disturb; especially by minor irritations
Dan is usually calm and balanced; but it takes only one intense glare from Sabrina to rile him.
savvy
start learning
get the meaning of something
The student savvies the meaning of astrophysics with little effort.
snub
start learning
refuse to acknowledge; reject outright and bluntly
Wheeler was completely qualified for the committee; but the board snubbed him; choosing an obviously lesser qualified candidate instead.
spurn
start learning
reject with contempt
She spurned all his flattery and proposals; and so he walked off embarrassed and sad.
squander
start learning
spend thoughtlessly; waste time; money; or an opportunity
Fearing his money would be squandered by his family; he gave all of it to charity when he died.
start
start learning
to suddenly move in a particular direction
All alone in the mansion; Henrietta started when she heard a sound. This word has other definitions but this is the most important one for the GRE
stem
start learning
to hold back or limit the flow or growth of something
To stem the tide of applications; the prestigious Ivy requires that each applicant score at least 330 on the Revised GRE. This word has other definitions but this is the most important one for the GRE
stymie
start learning
hinder or prevent the progress or accomplishment of
The engineers found their plans stymied at every turn and were ultimately able to make almost no progress on the project.
tarnish
start learning
make dirty or spotty; as by exposure to air; also used metaphorically
Pete Rose was one of the best baseball players of his generation; but his involvement with gambling on baseball games has tarnished his image in the eyes of many.
tender
start learning
offer up something formally
The government was loath to tender more money in the fear that it might set off inflation. This word has other definitions but this is the most important one for the GRE
thwart
start learning
hinder or prevent (the efforts; plans; or desires) of
I wanted to spend a week in New York this autumn; but the high costs of travel and lodging thwarted my plans.
tout
start learning
advertize in strongly positive terms; show off
At the conference; the CEO touted the extraordinary success of his company's Research & Development division.
underwrite
start learning
to support financially
The latest symphony broadcast was made possible with underwriting from the Carnegie Endowment.
unnerve
start learning
to make nervous or upset
"At one time unnerved by math problems; she began avidly ""Magoosh-ing""; and soon became adept at even combinations and permutations questions."
vanquish
start learning
come out better in a competition; race; or conflict
For years; Argentina would dominate in World Cup qualifying matches; only to be vanquished by one of the European countries during the late stages of the tournament.
vie
start learning
compete for something
While the other teams in the division actively vie for the championship; this team seems content simply to go through the motions of playing.
wax
start learning
to gradually increase in size or intensity
Her enthusiasm for the diva's new album only waxed with each song; by the end of the album; it was her favorite CD yet. This word has other definitions but this is the most important one for the GRE

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