GRE Word List

PLAINTIVE

expressive of suffering or woe : melancholy

The meaning of the word plaintive is expressive of suffering or woe : melancholy.

Random words

WordMeaning
scrapsfragments of discarded or leftover food
waylayto lie in wait for or attack (someone) from ambush
suavitysmoothly though often superficially gracious and sophisticated
aristocracygovernment by the best individuals or by a small privileged class
trepidationa nervous or fearful feeling of uncertain agitation : apprehension
preemptto acquire (something, such as land) by preemption
pyromaniaca person who has an uncontrollable impulse to start fires : a person affected by pyromania
baroqueof, relating to, or having the characteristics of a style of artistic expression prevalent especially in the 17th century that is marked generally by use of complex forms, bold ornamentation, and the juxtaposition of contrasting elements often conveying a sense of drama, movement, and tension
obviateto anticipate and prevent (something, such as a situation) or make (an action) unnecessary
despiseto look down on with disrespect or aversion