Whether you’re studying for the GRE (Graduate Record Examinations test) or just want to improve your vocabulary, these are ten words you should learn how to use right now.
Replete: filled or well-supplied with something. Our cupboard is replete with canned soup.
Harbinger: A person or thing that foreshadows or foretells the coming of someone or something. Some people believe that crows are harbingers of death.
Obdurate: Stubbornly persistent, generally in wrongdoing; refusing to reform or repent. She grew increasingly obdurate during her high school years.
Reprieve: To cancel or postpone the punishment of someone, especially an execution; the cancellation or postponement of a punishment. He had resigned himself to his fate but was granted a reprieve at the last minute.
Obfuscate: render obscure, unclear, or unintelligible; to bewilder someone. Sometimes it’s helpful to abbreviate long words. Other times, the abbreviations obfuscate the meanings of the words.
Crepuscular: of, resembling, or relating to twilight. A crepuscular light filled the ballroom, creating an atmosphere of hushed anticipation.
Temper (verb): To moderate or control; to strengthen or toughen a material, especially metal, by heat treatment. He tempered his feelings in order to give a civil reply. After the fire had been extinguished, they discovered that the heat had tempered the metal beams.
Plumage: Feathers, either covering a bird or used ornamentally; finery or elaborate dress. The bird’s plumage was exquisite: red, yellow, and orange feathers that shone like the rays of the sun.
Bolster: To brace, reinforce, secure, or support. She bolstered the team’s mood with a short pep during the break.
Epicure: A person who takes particular pleasure in fine food and drink. He is an avid epicure and tries to go to the opening of every new restaurant in town.
Do you have tips for learning new vocabulary words? Share them in the comments!
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