Advanced Vocabulary for the GRE - Artsy Endeavors

Here you will learn some English words about art, such as "artifact", "epigram", "phony", etc. that are needed for the GRE exam.

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apothegm

[noun]

a clever and concise expression that contains a general truth or principle

Ex: The motivational speaker ’s speech was peppered with apothegms that resonated with the audience .

anachronism

[noun]

an object, person, or event that is out of place in terms of time or context, often appearing in a historical setting before its actual invention or introduction

Ex: The anachronism of a medieval knight wielding a firearm in a historical reenactment drew criticism from historians and enthusiasts for its inaccuracies .

artifact

[noun]

a man-made object, tool, weapon, etc. that was created in the past and holds historical or cultural significance

Ex: This artifact, a beautifully carved statue , was a significant find that helped date the historical site .

buttress

[noun]

a protruding structure that supports a building or wall and is made out of bricks or stones

Ex: The Gothic revival mansion had ornamental buttresses that added a sense of drama and verticality to its façade , evoking the spirit of medieval architecture .

connoisseur

[noun]

an individual who is an expert of art, food, music, etc. and can judge its quality

Ex: The music connoisseur curated a playlist spanning genres and eras , showcasing lesser-known gems alongside timeless classics for an eclectic listening experience .

counterpoint

[noun]

a musical technique that consists of mixing two or more separate melodies into one harmony

Ex: Studying counterpoint is essential for understanding the complexity and beauty of Baroque music , as it involves the interplay of several melodic lines .

denouement

[noun]

the last section of a literary or dramatic piece where the plot is concluded and all the matters of the work is explained

Ex: After a thrilling climax , the novel ’s denouement provided a satisfying resolution to all the conflicts .

epigram

[noun]

a saying that coveys an idea in a manner that is short and witty

eulogy

[noun]

a text or speech that offers high praise for a person or thing, not necessarily linked to the deceased

Ex: The scientist 's discovery received a eulogy in the international conference , marking its significance in the field .

prolixity

[noun]

the fact of having an excessive number of words that results in being tedious

Ex: The editor advised the writer to avoid prolixity by cutting unnecessary words and focusing on concise , impactful statements to maintain the readers ' interest .

raconteur

[noun]

an individual who has the skill of telling stories in a way that is entertaining

Ex: The author ’s background as a raconteur shone through in his vividly detailed novels .

rhetoric

[noun]

the study of the rules and different methods of using language in a way that is effective

Ex: While rhetoric is often associated with persuasion , it also serves as a tool for critical analysis , enabling individuals to deconstruct arguments , identify fallacies , and evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategies .

to inform

[Verb]

to characterize or influence a style, behavior, opinion, etc.

Ex: Traditional values inform the customs and rituals observed in the community 's ceremonies .

canonical

[Adjective]

according to the rules that are broadly accepted or are official

Ex: Her interpretation of the historical event was based on canonical sources recognized by experts .

fanciful

[Adjective]

coming from the imagination rather than facts

Ex: His excuses for being late were often fanciful and lacking in truth , leading his friends to doubt their validity .

figurative

[Adjective]

using language in a way that words don't have their actual meaning, but an imaginative meaning instead

Ex: Understanding the figurative meaning of the idiom requires knowledge of cultural context .

hackneyed

[Adjective]

(of phrases, words, ideas, etc.) used so much that it has lost its effect, interest, or originality

Ex: The use of hackneyed phrases in the advertisement made it less impactful .

kafkaesque

[Adjective]

resembling Franz Kafka's works in being extremely nightmarish, bizarre, and confusing

Ex: The abandoned building had a kafkaesque quality, with its distorted hallways and unsettling atmosphere.

limpid

[Adjective]

(of language or music) clear and easy to understand

Ex: The limpid harmony of the choir provided a beautiful and straightforward listening experience for the audience .

macabre

[Adjective]

disturbing and fear inducing due to its connection with death, murder, violence, etc.

Ex: The macabre setting of the old, abandoned asylum was perfect for the horror movie.

mellifluous

[Adjective]

(of sounds) smooth, pleasant, and sweet to the ear

Ex: Listening to classical music can have a mellifluous effect on the mind , promoting relaxation and inner peace .

objective

[Adjective]

having an existence that is independent of personal perception or interpretation

Ex: Some philosophers claim that truth is entirely objective.

phantasmagorical

[Adjective]

seeming unreal, confusing, and dream-like

Ex: His phantasmagorical hallucinations were both mesmerizing and unsettling , blurring the line between reality and illusion .

phony

[Adjective]

not based on honesty or truth and intended to mislead others

Ex: The phony signature on the document was quickly discovered during the investigation .

posthumous

[Adjective]

referring to something that happens, is published, or is awarded after the death of the person to whom it relates

Ex: She received a posthumous degree from the university , acknowledging her academic achievements after her death .

subjective

[Adjective]

existing within one's mind and dependent on one's perspective rather than reality

Ex: Aesthetic preferences remain subjective, influenced by personal taste .

Advanced Vocabulary for the GRE

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Advanced Vocabulary for the GRE - Artsy Endeavors