GRE Word List

ORATORIO

a lengthy choral work usually of a religious nature consisting chiefly of recitatives, arias, and choruses without action or scenery

The meaning of the word oratorio is a lengthy choral work usually of a religious nature consisting chiefly of recitatives, arias, and choruses without action or scenery.

Random words

WordMeaning
abstainto choose not to do or have something : to refrain deliberately and often with an effort of self-denial from an action or practice
paradoxone (such as a person, situation, or action) having seemingly contradictory qualities or phases
anthologya collection of selected literary pieces or passages or works of art or music
slickhaving a smooth surface : slippery
impassivegiving no sign of feeling or emotion : expressionless
ultimatuma final proposition, condition, or demand
arbitera person with power to decide a dispute : judge
epigrama concise poem dealing pointedly and often satirically with a single thought or event and often ending with an ingenious turn of thought
far-fetchedbrought from a remote time or place
castigationto subject to severe punishment, reproof, or criticism