CONFUSED WORDS

The following easily confused words are likely to appear in the verbal sections of the GRE. There are two types:

• words that have similar spellings but different meanings. When these words are confused for each other, it is usually because the reader is familiar with one, but not the other (less commonly used) one.
• A few are confused because their meanings overlap or because the words are used in related contexts

I suggest you learn all these words. When you take the GRE, you'll find it was time well spent. Because the best way for you to learn to distinguish these words is to learn both the spelling and the definition.

Ambiguous : vague; capable of various interpretations
Ambivalent : being of two minds; holding conflicting feelings or attitudes

Compass : Instrument showing direction
Compress : Squeeze together

Corroborate : Confirm or give support
Collaborate : Work together

Deprecate : Express disapproval of
Depreciate : Diminish in value

Descry : to make open or plain, by saying
Decry : to condemn

Diffident : shy
Different : Unlike
Deference : Respect

Discomfit(vt) : to disconcert or make uncomfortable
Discomfort(n) : the lack of ease or comfort

Dissemble : Be hypocritical or insincere
Disassemble : Opposite of assemble


Effect : Result or consequence of an action
Affect : Produce an effect on

Effusive : Gushing, demonstrative
Elusive : Difficult to find or catch

Emulate : to pattern one's behavior (on a respected role model)
Imitate : to copy

Endemic : Found in a particular place or people
Epidemic : Widespread occurrence of disease

Engender : to bring into being
Endanger : to put at risk

Extant : in existence; used especially to refer to the last surviving Examples of something passing out of existence.
Extent : length or amount: The extent of corruption in the bureaucracy was well known.

Fission : division into two or more parts.
Fusion : joining of two or more entities into one.

Flaunt : to display brazenly or pretentiously
Flout : to show an obvious disregard or disrespect for; to treat contemptuously

Incredulous : disbelieving, very doubtful
Incredible : difficult to believe

Indigenous : Native or belonging to the place
Indigent : Needy , poor

Infer : deduce
Imply : show

Ingenuous : Artless, frank
Disingenuous :insincere
Ingenious : Clever at inventing, organizing
Ingenuity : inventiveness , cleverness

Insensible : unconscious
Insensitive : boorish

Lied : the past tense of lie.
Lied : (pronounced leed)a song; a type German of song, meant to be sung.

Restive : Fidgety , restless
Restful : Quiet , undisturbed

Viscous : Glutinous , sticky
Vicious : Bad tempered, violent