Advanced Vocabulary for the GRE - Government as a Necessary Evil

Here you will learn some English words about power and politics, such as "anoint", "cede", "fortify", etc. that are needed for the GRE exam.

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Advanced Vocabulary for the GRE

(of a monarch or ruler) to step down from a position of power

Ex: Facing political turmoil , the emperor decided to abdicate to restore stability .

to choose whom an important position or job will be given to, generally done by a person of power

Ex: The influential donor hoped to anoint someone who would continue his philanthropic legacy .

to take control of something without any legal basis

Ex: The king 's advisors warned him not to arrogate the decision-making powers of the parliament .

to surrender after negotiation or when facing overwhelming pressure

Ex: The company capitulated to the union 's demands to avoid a strike .
to cede [verb]

to hand over power, land, or a position to another, particularly due to being forced

Ex: They had no choice but to cede their shares in the business when they declared bankruptcy .

to grant something such as control, a privilege, or right, often reluctantly

Ex: He was forced to concede that his initial plan was flawed after reviewing the new evidence .

to force a person of authority or power to step down from their position

Ex: In a dramatic turn of events , the general was defenestrated by his own officers after a failed campaign .

to remove someone from their job or position, typically due to poor performance

Ex: The manager had to dismiss the employee for consistent poor performance despite warnings .

to divide voting districts in a way that would advantage a particular group or party more

Ex: The state has gerrymandered the districts several times over the past decade .

to attempt at pleasing an authority by excessively flattering and obeying them

Ex: If he were to kowtow to the committee , he might have a better chance of having his proposal approved .

to secretly make plans, particularly to gain an advantage

Ex: During the conference , various interest groups will be machinating to shape the new policies .

to appoint a person or thing to a lower status, position, or rank

Ex: In academic settings , failing grades may relegate a student to a lower academic level .

to officially cancel a law, decision, agreement, etc.

Ex: The committee will be rescinding the outdated guidelines during their meeting next week .
to sap [verb]

to gradually drain or deplete someone's power or strength

Ex: Financial struggles can sap emotional well-being and stability .

to be the person who leads something like an attack, campaign, movement, etc.

Ex: The captain was assigned to spearhead the rescue mission in the disaster-stricken area .

to gradually decrease the effectiveness, confidence, or power of something or someone

Ex: Ignoring safety protocols can undermine the integrity of a project .
artless [adjective]

simple and free from cunning

Ex:
autonomous [adjective]

(of countries, organizations, regions, etc.) not governed by another force, and is in control of itself

Ex: As an autonomous community , the island has its own laws and regulations separate from the mainland .
bellicose [adjective]

displaying a willingness to start an argument, fight, or war

Ex:
compliant [adjective]

willingly obeying rules or doing what other people demand

Ex: The compliant patient diligently follows the doctor 's orders regarding medication and treatment .
magisterial [adjective]

displaying a behavior befitting someone who is in a powerful and authoritative position

Ex: The director ’s magisterial control over the set ensured that every aspect of the production met his high standards .
obsequious [adjective]

excessively flattering and obeying a person, particularly in order to gain their approval or favor

Ex: The politician surrounded himself with obsequious aides who never challenged his decisions .
partisan [adjective]

displaying support and favoritism toward a party or cause, usually without giving it much thought

Ex: His partisan views make it difficult for him to consider opposing perspectives .
truculent [adjective]

ill-tempered and ready to start an argument or fight

Ex:
artifice [noun]

a clever action or behavior that is intended to trick and deceive others

Ex: The witness 's story seemed contrived and full of artifice meant to misdirect interrogation rather than provide honesty .
calumny [noun]

a false statement meant to misrepresent someone

Ex: Spreading calumny about rivals is unethical in politics .

the formal ending of a business agreement, marriage, parliament, organization, etc.

Ex: The prime minister called for the dissolution of parliament , triggering a new election .
graft [noun]

a morally or legally wrong act, usually bribery, done to gain an advantage or support

Ex: The company 's success was built on graft , with executives paying off regulators to bypass legal requirements .
jingoist [noun]

someone who very strongly believes that their country is far more superior than other countries

Ex:

a force, movement, organization, etc. that is large, powerful, and uncontrollable

Ex: The advertising campaign was a juggernaut , reaching millions and leaving competitors far behind .
junta [noun]

a government of politicians or military officers that forcefully obtained power

Ex: Protests erupted across the nation , demanding an end to the junta ’s authoritarian rule .
nabob [noun]

an individual who possesses an extreme amount of wealth or a high social standing

Ex: Despite being a nabob , she remained humble and used her fortune to support education in underprivileged areas .

someone who rules over people and possesses absolute control and power

Ex: As a potentate , she had the final say on all matters of state and exerted her influence across the land .
quisling [noun]

an individual who betrays their country by assisting the enemy occupying or controlling it

Ex: The spy was labeled a quisling for his role in assisting the enemy and compromising national security .
coterminous [adjective]

(of areas of land or of countries) having a border in common

Ex: The coterminous borders of the two states allowed for seamless travel and trade between the regions .

a neutral area free of the conflict and danger that is between opposing powers

Ex: Refugees found temporary safety in the buffer zone , away from the front lines of the conflict .

accusations made in retaliation for being accused

Ex: The manager 's response was filled with recriminations , deflecting responsibility onto his subordinates .

an individual who excessively flatters someone of importance to gain a favor or advantage

Ex: The politician surrounded himself with sycophants who praised his every decision .