C - GRE Words

Vinoth T. (India)
468 words 8 learners

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words only definitions & notes
  1. cabal
    a clique that seeks power usually through intrigue
  2. cache
    a hidden storage space
  3. cacophonous
    having an unpleasant sound
  4. cadaver
    the dead body of a human being
  5. cadaverous
    of or relating to a corpse
  6. cadence
    the accent in a metrical foot of verse
  7. cadet
    a military trainee (as at a military academy)
  8. cajole
    influence or urge by gentle urging, caressing, or flattering
  9. calamity
    an event resulting in great loss and misfortune
  10. calculated
    carefully thought out in advance
  11. caldron
    a very large pot that is used for boiling
  12. caliber
    diameter of a tube or gun barrel
  13. calligraphy
    beautiful handwriting
  14. callous
    emotionally hardened
  15. callow
    young and inexperienced
  16. callus
    a skin area that is thick or hard from continual pressure
  17. calorific
    of or relating to the energy in food
  18. calumny
    a false accusation of an offense
  19. camaraderie
    the quality of affording easy familiarity and sociability
  20. cameo
    engraving or carving in low relief on a stone
  21. camp
    temporary lodgings in the country for travelers
  22. canard
    a deliberately misleading fabrication
  23. candor
    the quality of being honest and straightforward
  24. canine
    a dog, wolf, jackal, or other closely related mammal
  25. canker
    an ulcerlike sore
  26. canny
    showing self-interest and shrewdness in dealing with others
  27. cant
    a slope in the turn of a road or track
  28. cantankerous
    stubbornly obstructive and unwilling to cooperate
  29. cantata
    a musical composition for voices and orchestra
  30. canter
    a smooth three-beat gait
  31. canto
    a major division of a long poem
  32. canvass
    get opinions by asking specific questions
  33. capacious
    large in the amount that can be contained
  34. capacity
    capability to perform or produce
  35. capillary
    a minute blood vessel connecting arterioles with venules
  36. capitulate
    surrender under agreed conditions
  37. caprice
    a sudden desire
  38. capricious
    determined by chance or impulse rather than by necessity
  39. capsize
    overturn accidentally
  40. caption
    brief description accompanying an illustration
  41. captious
    tending to find and call attention to faults
  42. carafe
    a bottle with a stopper
  43. carapace
    hard outer covering or case of certain organisms
  44. carat
    a unit of measurement for the proportion of gold in an alloy
  45. carcinogenic
    causing or tending to cause cancer
  46. cardinal
    a vivid red color
  47. cardiologist
    a specialist in the structure and function of the heart
  48. careen
    move at high speed and in an uncontrolled way
  49. career
    the particular occupation for which you are trained
  50. carefree
    without trouble or worry
  51. caricature
    a representation of a person exaggerated for comic effect
  52. carillon
    set of bells hung in a bell tower
  53. carnage
    the savage and excessive killing of many people
  54. carnal
    of or relating to the body or flesh
  55. carnivorous
    relating to flesh-eating animals
  56. carousal
    revelry in drinking; a merry drinking party
  57. carping
    persistent petty and unjustified criticism
  58. carrion
    the dead and rotting body of an animal; unfit for human food
  59. cartographer
    a person who makes maps
  60. cascade
    a small waterfall or series of small waterfalls
  61. caste
    a hereditary social class among Hindus
  62. castigation
    verbal punishment
  63. castrate
    remove the testicles of a male animal
  64. casual
    without or seeming to be without plan or method; offhand
  65. casualty
    someone injured or killed in an accident
  66. cataclysm
    a sudden violent change in the earth's surface
  67. catalyst
    substance that initiates or accelerates a chemical reaction
  68. catapult
    an engine providing medieval artillery used during sieges
  69. cataract
    disease that involves the clouding of the lens of the eye
  70. catastrophe
    a sudden violent change in the earth's surface
  71. catcall
    a cry expressing disapproval
  72. catechism
    an elementary book summarizing the principles of a religion
  73. categorical
    relating to or included in a class or classes
  74. cater
    give what is desired or needed
  75. catharsis
    purging the body to stimulate evacuation of the bowels
  76. cathartic
    emotionally purging
  77. catholic
    comprehensive or broad-minded in tastes and interests
  78. caucus
    meet to select a candidate or promote a policy
  79. caulk
    a waterproof filler and sealant used in building and repair
  80. causal
    involving an entity that produces an effect
  81. caustic
    capable of destroying or eating away by chemical action
  82. cauterize
    burn, sear, or freeze using a hot iron or electric current
  83. cavalcade
    a procession of people traveling by foot, horse, or vehicles
  84. cavalier
    showing a lack of concern or seriousness
  85. cavil
    raise trivial objections
  86. cede
    give over
  87. celerity
    a rate that is rapid
  88. celestial
    relating to or inhabiting a divine heaven
  89. celibate
    abstaining from sexual intercourse
  90. cemetery
    a tract of land used for burials
  91. censor
    a person authorized to suppress unacceptable material
  92. censorious
    harshly critical or expressing censure
  93. censure
    harsh criticism or disapproval
  94. centaur
    a mythical being that is half man and half horse
  95. centigrade
    temperature scale on which water freezes at 0 degrees
  96. centrifugal
    tending to move away from the middle
  97. centrifuge
    an apparatus that separates particles from a suspension
  98. centripetal
    tending to move toward an area in the middle
  99. centurion
    leader of soldiers in ancient Rome
  100. cerebral
    of or relating to the brain
  101. cerebration
    the process of using one's mind to consider something
  102. ceremonious
    characterized by pomp and stately display
  103. certitude
    complete assurance or confidence
  104. cessation
    a stopping
  105. cession
    the act of surrendering possession or control
  106. chafe
    become or make sore by or as if by rubbing
  107. chaff
    material consisting of seed coverings and pieces of stem
  108. chagrin
    strong feelings of embarrassment
  109. chalice
    a bowl-shaped drinking vessel
  110. chameleon
    lizard of Africa and Madagascar able to change skin color
  111. champion
    someone who has won first place in a competition
  112. championship
    a competition at which a winner is chosen
  113. chancellor
    the person who is head of state (in several countries)
  114. chant
    a repetitive song in which syllables are assigned to a tone
  115. chaotic
    completely unordered and unpredictable and confusing
  116. chapel
    a place of worship that has its own altar
  117. chaperon
    one who accompanies and supervises a young woman or gatherings of young people
  118. chaplain
    a member of the clergy ministering to some institution
  119. char
    burn to charcoal
  120. charisma
    personal attractiveness that enables you to influence others
  121. charlatan
    a flamboyant deceiver
  122. charm
    attractiveness that interests or pleases or stimulates
  123. chary
    characterized by great caution
  124. chase
    go after with the intent to catch
  125. chasm
    a deep opening in the earth's surface
  126. chassis
    the skeleton of a motor vehicle
  127. chaste
    abstaining from unlawful sexual intercourse
  128. chasten
    censure severely
  129. chastise
    scold or criticize severely
  130. chauvinist
    a person with a prejudiced belief in his own superiority
  131. check
    examine to determine accuracy or quality
  132. checkered
    patterned with alternating squares of color
  133. cherubic
    having a sweet nature befitting an angel
  134. chicanery
    the use of tricks to deceive someone
  135. chide
    scold or reprimand severely or angrily
  136. chimerical
    like a grotesque product of the imagination
  137. chip
    a small fragment of something broken off from the whole
  138. chisel
    an edge tool with a flat steel blade with a cutting edge
  139. chivalrous
    attentive and honorable like an ideal knight
  140. choice
    the act of selecting
  141. choir
    a chorus that sings as part of a religious ceremony
  142. choleric
    characterized by anger
  143. chore
    a specific piece of work required to be done
  144. choreography
    a series of dance steps and movements for stage performances
  145. chortle
    a soft partly suppressed laugh
  146. chorus
    actors who comment on the action in a classical Greek play
  147. chronic
    long-lasting or characterized by long suffering
  148. chronicle
    a record or narrative description of past events
  149. chuckle
    a soft partly suppressed laugh
  150. churlish
    having a bad disposition; surly
  151. ciliated
    having a margin or fringe of hairlike projections
  152. cipher
    a secret method of writing
  153. circlet
    a small ring-shaped object
  154. circuit
    a journey or route all the way around a place or area
  155. circuitous
    deviating from a straight course
  156. circumlocution
    an indirect way of expressing something
  157. circumscribe
    draw a geometric figure around another figure
  158. circumspect
    careful to consider potential consequences and avoid risk
  159. circumvent
    surround so as to force to give up
  160. cistern
    a sac or cavity containing fluid
  161. citadel
    a stronghold for shelter during a battle
  162. cite
    make reference to
  163. civil
    of or occurring between or among citizens of the state
  164. clairvoyant
    someone who can perceive things not present to the senses
  165. clamber
    climb awkwardly, as if by scrambling
  166. clamor
    utter or proclaim insistently and noisily
  167. clandestine
    conducted with or marked by hidden aims or methods
  168. clangor
    a loud resonant repeating noise
  169. clap
    strike one's hands together
  170. clapper
    metal striker that hangs inside a bell and makes a sound
  171. clarion
    loud and clear
  172. clasp
    hold firmly and tightly
  173. claustrophobia
    a morbid fear of being closed in a confined space
  174. clavicle
    bone linking the scapula and sternum
  175. cleave
    separate or cut with a tool, such as a sharp instrument
  176. cleft
    a long narrow opening
  177. clemency
    leniency and compassion shown toward offenders
  178. cliche
    a trite or obvious remark
  179. clientele
    customers collectively
  180. climactic
    consisting of or causing a decisive moment
  181. clime
    the weather in some location averaged over a period of time
  182. clip
    a small fastener used to hold loose articles together
  183. clipper
    scissors for cutting hair or finger nails
  184. clique
    an exclusive circle of people with a common purpose
  185. cloister
    residence that is a place of religious seclusion
  186. clot
    a lump of material formed from the content of a liquid
  187. clout
    (boxing) a blow with the fist
  188. clown
    a person who amuses others by ridiculous behavior
  189. cloying
    overly sweet
  190. coagulate
    change from a liquid to a thickened or solid state
  191. coalesce
    fuse or cause to come together
  192. coalition
    the union of diverse things into one body or form or group
  193. coax
    influence or persuade by gentle and persistent urging
  194. coda
    the closing section of a musical composition
  195. coddle
    cook in nearly boiling water
  196. codicil
    a supplement to a will
  197. codify
    organize into a system, such as a body of law
  198. coercion
    using force to cause something to occur
  199. coeval
    of the same period
  200. cog
    tooth on the rim of gear wheel
  201. cogent
    powerfully persuasive
  202. cogitate
    consider carefully and deeply
  203. cognate
    related by blood
  204. cognitive
    relating to or involving the mental process of knowing
  205. cognizance
    the state or act of having knowledge of
  206. cohabit
    share living quarters
  207. cohere
    cause to form a united, orderly, and consistent whole
  208. cohesion
    the state of sticking together
  209. cohort
    a band of warriors
  210. coiffure
    the arrangement of the hair
  211. coin
    a flat metal piece (usually a disc) used as money
  212. coincidence
    the property of two things happening at the same time
  213. colander
    bowl-shaped strainer used to wash or drain foods
  214. collaborate
    work together on a common enterprise or project
  215. collage
    a paste-up of pieces to form an artistic image
  216. collate
    assemble in proper sequence
  217. collateral
    accompanying; following as a consequence
  218. collation
    assembling in proper numerical or logical sequence
  219. collected
    brought together in one place
  220. colloquial
    characteristic of informal spoken language or conversation
  221. colloquy
    formal conversation
  222. collusion
    secret agreement
  223. colossal
    so great in size or force or extent as to elicit awe
  224. colossus
    someone or something that is abnormally large and powerful
  225. coma
    a state of deep and often prolonged unconsciousness
  226. comatose
    in a state of deep and usually prolonged unconsciousness
  227. combustible
    capable of igniting and burning
  228. comeback
    a quick reply to a question or remark
  229. comely
    according with custom or propriety
  230. comestible
    suitable for use as food
  231. comeuppance
    a usually negative outcome or fate that is well deserved
  232. comity
    a state or atmosphere of harmony or mutual civility
  233. commandeer
    take arbitrarily or by force
  234. commemorate
    call to remembrance
  235. commemorative
    intended to honor the memory of someone or something
  236. commensurate
    corresponding in size or degree or extent
  237. commiserate
    feel or express sympathy or compassion
  238. commodious
    large and roomy
  239. commonplace
    completely ordinary and unremarkable
  240. commonwealth
    a political system in which power lies in a body of citizens
  241. communal
    for or by a group rather than individuals
  242. commune
    share or interact intimately with
  243. compact
    closely and firmly united or packed together
  244. compartment
    a partitioned section within a larger enclosed area
  245. compassion
    a deep awareness of and sympathy for another's suffering
  246. compatible
    able to exist and perform in harmonious combination
  247. compelling
    capable of arousing and holding the attention
  248. compendium
    a publication containing a variety of works
  249. compensation
    the act of making amends for service, loss, or injury
  250. compilation
    the act of putting together
  251. compile
    get or gather together
  252. complacency
    the feeling you have when you are satisfied with yourself
  253. complaisant
    showing a cheerful willingness to do favors for others
  254. complement
    something added to embellish or make perfect
  255. complementary
    serving to fill out, enhance, or supply what is lacking
  256. compliance
    the act of submitting, usually surrendering power to another
  257. compliant
    disposed to act in accordance with someone's wishes
  258. complicity
    guilt as a confederate in a crime or offense
  259. component
    one of the individual parts making up a larger entity
  260. comport
    behave in a certain manner
  261. compost
    a mixture of decaying vegetation and manure
  262. composure
    steadiness of mind under stress
  263. compound
    a whole formed by a union of two or more elements or parts
  264. comprehend
    get the meaning of something
  265. comprehensive
    including all or everything
  266. compress
    squeeze or push together
  267. comprise
    be made of
  268. compromise
    an accommodation in which both sides make concessions
  269. compulsion
    using force to cause something to occur
  270. compulsive
    having obsessive habits or irresistible urges
  271. compulsory
    required by rule
  272. compunction
    a feeling of deep regret, usually for some misdeed
  273. compute
    make a mathematical calculation
  274. concatenate
    add by linking or joining so as to form a chain or series
  275. concave
    curving inward
  276. concede
    give over
  277. conceit
    the trait of being unduly vain
  278. concentric
    having a common center
  279. conception
    the creation of something in the mind
  280. concerted
    involving the joint activity of two or more
  281. concession
    the act of yielding
  282. conciliatory
    making or willing to make concessions
  283. concise
    expressing much in few words
  284. conclave
    a confidential or secret meeting
  285. conclusive
    forming a decisive end or resolution
  286. concoct
    make something by mixing
  287. concomitant
    following or accompanying as a consequence
  288. concord
    a harmonious state of things and of their properties
  289. concordat
    a signed written agreement between two or more parties
  290. concur
    happen simultaneously
  291. concurrent
    occurring or operating at the same time
  292. condescend
    behave in a patronizing manner
  293. condign
    fitting or appropriate and deserved
  294. condiment
    a preparation to enhance flavor or enjoyment
  295. condole
    express one's sympathy on the occasion of someone's death
  296. condone
    excuse, overlook, or make allowances for
  297. conducive
    tending to bring about; being partly responsible for
  298. conduit
    a passage through which water or electric wires can pass
  299. confidant
    someone to whom private matters are told
  300. confide
    reveal in private
  301. confidence
    belief in yourself and your abilities
  302. confidential
    given in secret
  303. confine
    place limits on
  304. confiscate
    take temporary possession of a security by legal authority
  305. conflagration
    a very intense and uncontrolled fire
  306. confluence
    a place where things merge or flow together
  307. conformist
    someone who follows established standards of conduct
  308. conformity
    correspondence in form, type, or appearance
  309. confound
    be confusing or perplexing to
  310. congeal
    solidify, thicken, or come together
  311. congenial
    suitable to your needs
  312. congenital
    present at birth but not necessarily hereditary
  313. conglomerate
    collect or gather
  314. conglomeration
    a sum total of many varied things taken together
  315. congruence
    the quality of agreeing; being suitable and appropriate
  316. congruent
    corresponding in character or kind
  317. conifer
    a type of tree or shrub bearing cones
  318. conjecture
    believe especially on uncertain or tentative grounds
  319. conjugal
    relating to the relationship between a wife and husband
  320. conjure
    summon into action or bring into existence
  321. connivance
    agreement on a secret plot
  322. connoisseur
    an expert able to appreciate a field
  323. connotation
    an idea that is implied or suggested
  324. connubial
    relating to marriage or the relationship between spouses
  325. consanguineous
    related by blood
  326. consanguinity
    relation by blood
  327. conscientious
    characterized by extreme care and great effort
  328. conscript
    enroll into service compulsorily
  329. consecrate
    give entirely to a specific person, activity, or cause
  330. consensus
    agreement in the judgment reached by a group as a whole
  331. consequential
    having important effects or results
  332. conservatory
    a schoolhouse with special facilities for fine arts
  333. consign
    give over to another for care or safekeeping
  334. consistency
    uniformity or stability in arrangement, behavior, or quality
  335. console
    give moral or emotional strength to
  336. consolidation
    combining into a solid mass
  337. consonance
    a harmonious state of things and of their properties
  338. consonant
    a speech sound that is not a vowel
  339. consort
    keep company with
  340. conspiracy
    a plot to carry out some harmful or illegal act
  341. conspire
    act in agreement and in secret towards a deceitful purpose
  342. consternation
    sudden shock or dismay that causes confusion
  343. constituency
    the body of voters who elect a representative for their area
  344. constituent
    one of the individual parts making up a composite entity
  345. constitution
    the act of forming or establishing something
  346. constraint
    the state of being physically limited
  347. construe
    make sense of; assign a meaning to
  348. consummate
    having or revealing supreme mastery or skill
  349. contagion
    an incident in which an infectious disease is transmitted
  350. contaminate
    make impure
  351. contempt
    lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike
  352. contend
    compete for something
  353. contention
    the act of competing as for profit or a prize
  354. contentious
    showing an inclination to disagree
  355. contest
    a struggle between rivals
  356. context
    the set of facts or circumstances that surround a situation
  357. contiguous
    having a common boundary or edge
  358. continence
    voluntary control over urinary and fecal discharge
  359. contingent
    determined by conditions or circumstances that follow
  360. contortion
    a tortuous and twisted shape or position
  361. contraband
    distributed or sold illicitly
  362. contravene
    go against, as of rules and laws
  363. contrite
    feeling or expressing pain or sorrow
  364. contrivance
    the faculty of inventive skill
  365. contrive
    make or work out a plan for; devise
  366. contrived
    showing effects of planning or manipulation
  367. controvert
    prove to be false or incorrect
  368. contumacious
    willfully obstinate; stubbornly disobedient
  369. contusion
    an injury in which the skin is not broken
  370. conundrum
    a difficult problem
  371. convene
    meet formally
  372. convention
    the act of meeting formally
  373. conventional
    following accepted customs and proprieties
  374. converge
    be adjacent or come together
  375. conversant
    well informed about or knowing thoroughly
  376. converse
    carry on a discussion
  377. convert
    change the nature, purpose, or function of something
  378. convex
    curving or bulging outward
  379. conveyance
    something that serves as a means of transportation
  380. conviction
    an unshakable belief in something without need for proof
  381. convivial
    occupied with or fond of the pleasures of good company
  382. convoke
    call together
  383. convoluted
    highly complex or intricate
  384. convulsion
    a violent uncontrollable contraction of muscles
  385. copious
    large in number or quantity
  386. coquette
    talk or behave amorously, without serious intentions
  387. cordial
    politely warm and friendly
  388. cordon
    a series of sentinels or posts enclosing some place or thing
  389. cornice
    the topmost projecting part of an entablature
  390. cornucopia
    a horn filled with fruit and grain symbolizing prosperity
  391. corollary
    an inference following from the proof of another proposition
  392. coroner
    an official who investigates death not due to natural causes
  393. corporeal
    having material or physical form or substance
  394. corpulent
    excessively large
  395. corpus
    a collection of writings
  396. corpuscle
    an unattached cell such as a red or white blood cell
  397. correlate
    bear a reciprocal or mutual relation
  398. correlation
    a reciprocal connection between two or more things
  399. corroborate
    give evidence for
  400. corrode
    cause to deteriorate due to water, air, or an acid
  401. corrosive
    capable of destroying or eating away by chemical action
  402. corrugated
    shaped into alternating parallel grooves and ridges
  403. cosmic
    pertaining to or characteristic of the universe
  404. coterie
    an exclusive circle of people with a common purpose
  405. countenance
    the appearance conveyed by a person's face
  406. countermand
    cancel officially
  407. counterpart
    a person or thing having the same function as another
  408. coup
    a sudden and decisive change of government by force
  409. couple
    two items of the same kind
  410. courier
    a person who carries a message
  411. court
    an assembly to conduct judicial business
  412. covenant
    an agreement between a god and the people
  413. covert
    secret or hidden
  414. covetous
    immoderately desirous of acquiring something
  415. cow
    female of domestic cattle
  416. cower
    crouch or curl up
  417. coy
    affectedly shy especially in a playful or provocative way
  418. cozen
    be dishonest with
  419. crabbed
    annoyed and irritable
  420. craft
    the skilled practice of a practical occupation
  421. crass
    so unrefined as to be offensive or insensitive
  422. crave
    have an appetite or great desire for
  423. craven
    lacking even the rudiments of courage; abjectly fearful
  424. credence
    the mental attitude that something is believable
  425. credential
    a document attesting to the truth of certain stated facts
  426. credo
    any system of principles or beliefs
  427. credulity
    tendency to believe readily
  428. creed
    any system of principles or beliefs
  429. creep
    move slowly
  430. cremate
    reduce to ashes
  431. crescendo
    a gradual increase in loudness
  432. crest
    the top or extreme point of something
  433. crestfallen
    brought low in spirit
  434. crevice
    a long narrow opening
  435. cringe
    draw back, as with fear, pain, or embarrassment
  436. crinkle
    make wrinkles or creases on a smooth surface
  437. criterion
    the ideal in terms of which something can be judged
  438. crochet
    needlework by interlocking stitches with a hooked needle
  439. crone
    an ugly, evil-looking old woman
  440. cross
    a marking that consists of lines that intersect each other
  441. crossbreed
    the offspring of genetically dissimilar parents or stock
  442. crotchety
    having a difficult and contrary disposition
  443. crust
    a hard outer layer that covers something
  444. crux
    the most important point
  445. crypt
    a cellar or vault or underground burial chamber
  446. cryptic
    having a secret or hidden meaning
  447. cubicle
    small area set off by walls for special use
  448. cue
    a reminder for some action or speech
  449. cuisine
    the manner of preparing food or the food so prepared
  450. culinary
    of or relating to or used in cooking
  451. cull
    remove something that has been rejected
  452. culmination
    a concluding action
  453. culpable
    deserving blame or censure as being wrong or injurious
  454. culprit
    someone or something responsible for harm or wrongdoing
  455. culvert
    a transverse and enclosed drain under a road or railway
  456. cumbersome
    difficult to handle or use, especially because of size or weight
  457. cumulative
    increasing by successive addition
  458. cunning
    showing inventiveness and skill
  459. cupidity
    extreme greed for material wealth
  460. curator
    the custodian of a collection, as a museum or library
  461. curb
    the act of restraining power or action or limiting excess
  462. curfew
    an order that after a certain time activities are prohibited
  463. curmudgeon
    an irascible, cantankerous person full of stubborn ideas
  464. cursive
    handwriting in which letters are connected within words
  465. cursory
    hasty and without attention to detail; not thorough
  466. curtail
    terminate or abbreviate before its intended or proper end
  467. cynical
    believing the worst of human nature and motives
  468. cynosure
    something that provides guidance
Created on Tue Jul 24 00:38:17 EDT 2012 (updated Thu May 09 08:40:08 EDT 2013)

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