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Difficulty: Very hardIdentifying Synonym and Near-Synonym Pairs

Match each advanced GRE vocabulary word on the left with its corresponding functional synonym or near-synonym on the right.

  • reconditeabstruse
  • inchoateembryonic
  • pusillanimouscraven
  • truculentpugnacious

Answer

The correct pairings are: 'recondite' matches with 'abstruse', 'inchoate' matches with 'embryonic', 'pusillanimous' matches with 'craven', and 'truculent' matches with 'pugnacious'.
The correct matches pair terms with identical primary definitions and secondary connotations: 'recondite' pairs with 'abstruse' (obscure/difficult to understand), 'inchoate' pairs with 'embryonic' (rudimentary/incipient), 'pusillanimous' pairs with 'craven' (cowardly/timid), and 'truculent' pairs with 'pugnacious' (belligerent/combative).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze 'recondite' to identify its semantic core.
Determined that 'recondite' refers to obscure intellectual material, matching 'abstruse'.
Both terms signify knowledge requiring specialized or deep comprehension.
2
Analyze 'inchoate' to identify its developmental connotation.
Determined that 'inchoate' means unformed or beginning, matching 'embryonic'.
Both words describe initial, formative stages of development.
3
Analyze 'pusillanimous' to evaluate character traits.
Determined that 'pusillanimous' means lacking courage, matching 'craven'.
Both terms share the explicit definition of extreme cowardice.
4
Analyze 'truculent' to evaluate interpersonal stance.
Determined that 'truculent' means eager to fight, matching 'pugnacious'.
Both words denote aggressive belligerence and hostility.

Key Concept

Identifying precise semantic equivalences and near-synonym pairs among advanced academic vocabulary.
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Topics

Identifying Synonym and Near-Synonym Pairs

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