How to Improve GRE Vocabulary?

The GRE is the most widely taken graduate-level admissions test in the world. It's required by most graduate schools and is a standard test to measure one's aptitude in the fields of graduate-level study. It is designed to measure verbal, mathematical, and analytical writing skills that are considered essential for success in graduate or business school. There are a lot of people who are familiar with the GRE test but still fear cracking it.

Graduate Record Exam (GRE) vocabulary is among the toughest for test-takers. These are the test-takers who need to expand their vocabulary but don't know how and where. Here we will discuss how to improve GRE vocabulary, but before that let us see what kinds of vocabulary questions are there in the GRE.

Types of vocabulary questions in the GRE

The GRE Verbal section contains three types of questions, and you will need advanced vocabulary skills to answer all three. Let's go over each of these question types and their related vocabulary abilities:

1. Reading Comprehension Vocabulary Questions:

Reading Comprehension questions require you to read a passage and answer questions about it. While not all of these questions will directly relate to vocabulary words, some will require you to identify the meaning of a specific word in the context of the passage.

2. Text Completion Vocabulary Questions:

Text completion questions are a type of multiple choice question in which you are asked to fill in the blanks with words and have three possible answers for each blank space. To answer these questions, you must have a strong vocabulary, as many of the given answer choices will most likely include the use of vocabulary words.

3. Sentence Equivalence Vocabulary Questions:

In these questions, you will be given a single sentence with one blank and asked to choose two words from the six possible answer choices to complete the sentence. It should make sense with the rest of a sentence and create sentences that all mean the same thing. Many of the answer options in these questions are vocabulary words.

Tips to get involved with GRE vocabulary

The vocabulary needed for the GRE is vastly different from the everyday vocabulary.  You don't have to know the exact definitions of words, but you do need to understand that they belong to a family of words.  Do GRE vocabulary practice using the following tips to improve your vocabulary and increase your chances of admission to your dream university.

1. Read, read, read.

Regularly read good books, magazines, and newspapers. Begin by focusing on words you don't know or have never heard before. You may be tempted to ignore them, but train yourself to notice them, write them down, search for their meaning, and use them whenever possible.

2. Learn to go through the dictionary now and then.

Make it a habit to look up new words in a dictionary. Don't believe that the first definition you've understood is the only one you need to know. Secondary definitions are frequently tested on the GRE, so go over all of them.

3. Convert new words into your own definitions.

Now that you've learned the definition of a new word from the dictionary, translate it into your own words. You will find it much easier to remember the meaning of a word if you make it your own and use it in everyday conversation.

4. Say words out loud.

Yes, you heard correctly, speak the words loudly; it may feel strange at first, but it works. Saying a new word aloud will help you remember it, and you will be more likely to remember it if it appears in the exam.

5. Keep a GRE vocabulary list.

Keep a notebook to keep track of new GRE vocabulary words. Writing the words will help you remember them better. When you find the words, write them down. Also, make a note of the sentence in which the word was first discovered to remind yourself how the word appears in context. You should ideally increase your GRE vocabulary by reading newspapers, magazines, and other publications.

6. Use GRE flashcards 

When practicing, write down all of the unfamiliar words you come across on different flashcards. Keep a few flashcards in your pocket every morning and read them whenever you can. 

For example: Waiting for the train at the station? Look at your flashcards. Standing in a long line at the cafeteria? Look at your flashcards. 

7. Prioritize practicing the word that GRE often uses.

When you come across new words during the GRE practice test, add them to the top of your vocabulary list. These words have been used before on the GRE and there are chances to be used again. On the GRE Online, you can find a list of some of the most frequently used words; practice them thoroughly.

8. Visualize the words.

Create an image in your mind to help you remember a new word. The more creative the image, the more likely you are to remember it. For example, if you want to remember the word voracious, which means having an insatiable appetite for an activity, imagine an incredibly hungry bear swallowing massive amounts of food. The voracious bear will assist you in remembering the definition of the word.

9. Understand word roots.

Many GRE vocabulary words have easily identifiable word roots that will aid you in your answer. For example, the word "posit" is made up of the roots "placed / put," which means "place." You can easily figure out these roots once you've learned them without reviewing a dictionary. You will be able to work more effectively with words you have never seen before if you learn these common roots.

10. Practice using your new words in everyday conversations.

Creating a strong list of GRE vocabulary words takes a lot of practice. Try incorporating a GRE vocabulary word into your everyday conversation. Using a new word as often as possible in writing or conversation helps you remember it for a longer period.

11. Note down the small differences between similar words

The GRE question includes words with similar meanings in the answer choices to confuse you. As a result, you must examine each answer choice and determine the potential difference between them. It is, therefore, preferable to practice similar words in the new vocabulary.

12. Start Learning from your Mistakes

Make a note of any unknown words you come across and review the answers to see where you went wrong. Understand the precise meaning of a word and try to remember all the words you studied a long time ago. Take your mistakes seriously. Consider each incorrect answer and try to do things differently the next time.

The most important aspect of the best GRE preparation is vocabulary. One of the common mistakes most GRE test takers make is spending too much time cramming words in the verbal section. Try to overcome your weaknesses. I hope these GRE vocabulary tips help you score high in the GRE Vocabulary section.