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Advanced Vocabulary for the GRE - Civil Society and Religiosity

Here you will learn some English words about society and religion, such as "base", "rustic", "gaffe", etc. that are needed for the GRE exam.

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Advanced Words Needed for the GRE
affluent
affluent
[Adjective]

possessing a great amount of riches and material goods

Ex: The affluent neighborhood was characterized by its luxurious homes and upscale amenities. 
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ascetic
ascetic
[Adjective]

following a strict lifestyle where one practices self-discipline and denies oneself of any form of pleasure, particularly due to religious reasons

Ex: The monk led an ascetic life, dedicating himself to prayer and renouncing worldly pleasures. 
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base
base
[Adjective]

completely lacking moral or honorable purpose or character

Ex: His base actions shocked everyone at the party. 
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disinterested
disinterested
[Adjective]

not being involved in a situation or benefiting from it, thus able to act fairly

Ex: The disinterested third party was brought in to mediate the dispute and ensure fairness. 
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dispassionate
dispassionate
[Adjective]

not letting one's emotions influence one's judgment and decisions, thus able to stay rational and fair

Ex: Her dispassionate analysis of the data helped her make objective decisions. 
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egalitarian
egalitarian
[Adjective]

supporting the notion that all humans are equal and should be given equal rights

Ex: The community strives to maintain an egalitarian society where all members have equal rights and opportunities. 
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equitable
equitable
[Adjective]

ensuring fairness and impartiality, so everyone gets what they rightfully deserve

Ex: Labor unions strive to ensure workers receive equitable pay, benefits and safe working conditions. 
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expansive
expansive
[Adjective]

having a generous and friendly personality with a willingness to engage in conversations

Ex: Her expansive nature made her the perfect host, as she effortlessly struck up conversations with everyone at the party. 
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impartial
impartial
[Adjective]

not favoring a particular party in a way that enables one to act or decide fairly

Ex: The mediator remained impartial throughout the negotiations to ensure a fair outcome. 
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mundane
mundane
[Adjective]

lacking the ability to arouse interest or cause excitement

Ex: The mundane task of washing dishes felt tedious and uninteresting. 
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profligate
profligate
[Adjective]

acting in a shameless, overindulgent, and immoral manner

Ex: The billionaire’s profligate spending on luxury yachts and parties was widely criticized. 
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rustic
rustic
[Adjective]

displaying a natural simplicity and warmth that evokes traditional rural life

Ex: The rustic inn had stone walls, wooden beams, and a cozy fireplace. 
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sanctimonious
sanctimonious
[Adjective]

attempting to showcase how one believes to be morally or religiously superior

Ex: Her sanctimonious remarks about others' behavior were seen as insincere and patronizing. 
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spartan
spartan
[Adjective]

characterized by strict self-discipline, frugality, or simplicity

Ex: Despite the lavish offerings at the banquet, he maintained a spartan approach, choosing simple fare and refraining from indulgence. 
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unforthcoming
unforthcoming
[Adjective]

unwilling to reveal information or offer assistance

Ex: The witness was unforthcoming during the investigation, providing vague answers to questions. 
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apostasy
apostasy
[noun]

the act of abandoning a religious or political belief that one used to hold

Ex: His public declaration of atheism was viewed as an act of apostasy by his deeply religious family. 
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arriviste
arriviste
[noun]

an individual who is either new to a higher society or trying to get into it, and is looking for their approval

Ex: The arriviste's attempts to buy favor with expensive gifts were seen as transparent and insincere. 
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chauvinism

the extreme belief in the superiority of one's gender, race, country, or group

Ex: The political leader’s chauvinism fueled divisive rhetoric that heightened nationalistic sentiments. 
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gaffe
gaffe
[noun]

a thing that was done or said in a social or public situation that is considered to be an embarrassing or tactless mistake

Ex: The politician’s gaffe during the speech caused widespread embarrassment and criticism. 
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hierarchy
hierarchy
[noun]

the grouping of people into different levels or ranks according to their power or importance within a society or system

Ex: In the company hierarchy, team leaders report to managers, and managers report to directors. 
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inequity
inequity
[noun]

a situation or something that is lacking in equality or fairness

Ex: The inequity in the distribution of resources led to significant disparities between communities. 
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mendicant
mendicant
[noun]

a person who begs other people for food and money

Ex: The mendicant approached passersby, asking for spare change and food. 
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notoriety
notoriety
[noun]

the state of having a widespread negative reputation due to a bad or disapproving behavior or characteristic

Ex: The thief gained notoriety for his string of daring bank robberies across three states. 
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pariah
pariah
[noun]

an individual who is avoided and not liked, accepted, or respected by society or a group of people

Ex: She felt like a pariah at the party because of her controversial opinions on politics. 
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parvenu
parvenu
[noun]

a low-born individual who has gained quick and unexpected power, success, or wealth

Ex: The parvenu quickly rose to prominence, flaunting his newfound wealth and social status. 
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powwow
powwow
[noun]

a traditional ceremony of Native Americans in which they gather, dance, and sing

Ex: Traditional crafts and foods were showcased at the powwow, adding to the festive atmosphere. 
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rank
rank
[noun]

(plural) the people who collectively form a particular group or organization

Ex: The charity relies on volunteers within its ranks to help carry out its mission. 
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reprobate
reprobate
[noun]

an individual who lacks morality and principle

Ex: That reprobate lied to everyone and stole their money. 
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standing
standing
[noun]

a person's reputation, status, or position within a system, society, or organization

Ex: His standing in the company improved significantly after he successfully led the major project. 
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virago
virago
[noun]

a woman who is loud, ill-tempered, and aggressive

Ex: The school teacher, often seen as a virago, surprised everyone with her warm and supportive demeanor. 
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to coalesce

to come together in order to achieve a common goal

Ex: Various community groups coalesced to address the local environmental issues more effectively. 
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to deface
to deface
[Verb]

to ruin or damage something's appearance, particularly by writing or sketching on it

Ex: Graffiti artists often deface public buildings with their artwork. 
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to desecrate

to insult or damage something that people greatly respect or consider holy, particularly a place

Ex: Vandals desecrated the church by spray-painting graffiti on its walls. 
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to disseminate

to spread information, ideas, or knowledge to a wide audience

Ex: Social media has become a powerful tool to disseminate news and information quickly. 
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to proselytize

to attempt to persuade a person into accepting one's beliefs, particularly political or religious ones

Ex: The missionaries proselytize in various communities to spread their religious beliefs. 
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