ephemeral
Duration
Lasting for only a short time.
ephemeral fameephemeral pleasure
ExampleThe author argues that the movement's influence was powerful but ephemeral.
GRE
GRE vocabulary list
GRE vocabulary list: verbal words 11-20.
Continue your GRE vocabulary review with words that test tone, logic, contrast, and precise meaning in verbal reasoning questions.
Page 1Page 2 of 2 · Words 11-20
How to use this page
Meaning first
Start with the exact meaning before memorizing loose synonyms.
Notice contrast
GRE questions often reward spotting contrast, exception, and reversal clues.
Repeat difficult words
Mark words that feel close in meaning and review them together.
Vocabulary Entries
10 entries on this pageobdurate
Stubbornness
Refusing to change an opinion or course of action.
ExampleThe negotiator was obdurate despite several reasonable offers.
eschew
Avoidance
To deliberately avoid or reject something.
eschew traditioneschew sentimentality
ExampleThe critic praises writers who eschew sentimentality in favor of precision.
trenchant
Criticism
Sharp, clear, and effective, especially in criticism.
ExampleThe review was trenchant but fair.
amorphous
Form
Without a clear shape, structure, or organization.
ExampleThe proposal remained amorphous until the committee defined its goals.
austere
Style
Plain, strict, and without decoration or comfort.
austere styleaustere conditions
ExampleThe architect preferred an austere style with little ornamentation.
cogent
Argument
Clear, logical, and convincing.
cogent argumentcogent explanation
ExampleThe essay offers a cogent argument against the proposed policy.
enervate
Weakening
To weaken or reduce the energy of someone or something.
ExampleThe long delay seemed to enervate the reform movement.
fastidious
Standards
Giving too much attention to small details or demanding high standards.
ExampleThe editor was fastidious about evidence and rejected unsupported claims.
inchoate
Development
Just beginning to form and not yet clearly developed.
ExampleThe theory was still inchoate, but it pointed toward a new explanation.