What's in this Book?
This book contains a Word List unlike any you have seen before. A traditional word list offers a vocabulary word, its dictionary definition, and a SINGLE use of the word in a sentence. That is simply not enough for a fully functional understanding of a word in all its complexities. Our Word List takes each vocabulary word through its paces, denoting its part of speech, synonyms for its various contexts, its descriptive meaning, and, most importantly, THREE (3) to FIVE (5) sentences using the word in its varied contexts. When appropriate, those varied contexts include both literal and figurative uses of the word.

How will our Word List Help You Prepare for the GRE(R)?
Performing well on the GRE(R) General Test, especially its Verbal Reasoning section, requires a strong working knowledge of the vocabulary that appears in the questions-how those words function both literally and figuratively, how their meanings vary based on context, and how (in many cases) they operate as more than one part of speech. The following is an example of a question type the GRE(R) refers to as "Sentence Equivalence." The test-taker is instructed to select two (2) answer choices that, when used to complete the sentence, fit the meaning of the sentence as a whole and produce completed sentences that are alike in meaning.

1. The angry delegates no longer debated the matter with equipoise, and the _____________________ that ensued prevented any further rational or intelligent discourse.
A. finesse
B. pandemonium
C. pragmatist
D. appellation
E. maelstrom
F. liaison

To perform well on this test question, the test-taker must look beyond the more traditional use (i.e., dictionary definitions) of the vocabulary it contains. The dictionary definition of the word "equipoise," for instance, is not particularly helpful. The "state of equilibrium" here is not physical (e.g., a gymnast in "equipoise"). Instead, the word is being applied figuratively to a debate or discussion in which the arguments are not in equilibrium-in other words, are not being discussed in an equal and fair manner. By combining the figurative use of "equipoise" with the clues that the delegates are "angry" and the debate is no longer "rational" or "intelligent," one can conclude the discussion has broken down into mayhem or confusion. The two (2) correct answers signify such a situation. They are: pandemonium (wild chaos or disorder) and maelstrom (a violent whirlpool or, figuratively, a tumultuous situation).

Using All Three (3) of our Word Lists Can Put Your Preparation on the Fast Track
We offer three (3) Word Lists to help you prepare for the GRE(R) List #1 (this list), List #2, and a Challenging list. It is important to remember that your goal is to be fully conversant in as many of these vocabulary words as possible. Why? You must not only recognize and comprehend the words when you encounter them in GRE(R) test questions, but you must also utilize sophisticated vocabulary to express your own ideas in the Analytical Writing section of the test. It is to your advantage, therefore, to have as many high-level vocabulary words as possible at your disposal.

How Can our Word Lists Help You Beyond the GRE(R)?
The goal of entrance exams, like the GRE(R), is to anticipate the test-taker's likelihood of success in the field into which they seek entry. Thus, the "long view" of mastering sophisticated vocabulary is that doing so will not only help you prepare for the GRE(R), but will simultaneously prepare you for what lies ahead: comprehending, analyzing, and evaluating graduate-level materials and writing with the complexity and sophistication expected of a graduate-level student. To put it simply: a fully-functioning, high-level vocabulary is the key to success in your graduate experience.

Prepare for success