Learn Advanced Vocabulary: GRE Words (C2+)
English with Jennifer
2.1K followers
765 Video Views·May 6, 2025
Let's study three words that commonly appear on GRE word lists.
Find out what the GRE is. Learn words beyond C2!
CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
0:55 What's the GRE?
1:15 bolster
2:46 waver
4:44 fervid
6:04 Review task: matching
6:36 Sentence completions
Would you like to speak more sophisticated English?
I'm Jennifer from English with Jennifer.
Strong vocabulary empowers us to articulate our ideas, and there's always more to learn, even for native speakers.
But be mindful. Low-frequency vocabulary tends to be more formal,
so it's not always appropriate to use these words in everyday conversation.
I mean, you tell me. Which sounds more natural for conversation?
He's a really nice guy. He possesses a genuinely affable nature.
So should you learn C2 words and beyond like affable?
Yes! Well-read, articulate English speakers know this word and use it appropriately.
It's also a GRE word.
Some graduate schools in the U.S. require the GRE, the Graduate Record Examination.
GRE words are generally more formal and academic.
Let's take a close look at three words that commonly appear on GRE word lists.
I'll make sure you understand them and can use them.
First word. Bolster.
For you personally, what helps bolster your confidence?
Positive affirmations like, you can do it.
Praise from a teacher, coach, or someone else.
Recalling past successes.
So can you understand the meaning of this verb from context?
What other words are similar to bolster? Take a look.
To bolster something means to make it better in some way.
Note that bolster takes an object.
We can talk about bolstering confidence.
So go back to that first question. What's your answer?
What bolsters your confidence?
Question two. What might a marketing company promise to bolster?
A company's image or sales.
Question three. How can a company bolster consumer trust?
Feel free to answer this one in the comments.
The second word. Waiver.
When presented with the choice, are you decisive or do you tend to waiver?
Choose. I make my mind up quickly.
I might change my mind last minute.
I need lots of time to choose.
So do you understand the meaning of this verb from context?
Which other words are similar to waiver?
To waiver means to become uncertain or weak.
It can also mean that one cannot decide.
Waiver doesn't take an object, but there are some common patterns with prepositions.
Waiver between two choices.
Waiver over a decision.
Waiver from a goal.
Waiver in support or in one's position.
So go back to question four now.
When presented with a choice, are you decisive or do you tend to waiver?
Note two adjectives based on this verb.
Wavering. Unwavering.
As in changing and unchanging.
Unwavering means solid and steady.
Question five.
Whose unwavering support do you appreciate?
Tell me in the comments.
Here's another question you can answer.
Instead of wavering from a goal, what can you do to follow through?
The third word. Fervid.
Have you ever felt a fervid desire to travel?
Choose your response.
Not at all. It's home sweet home for me.
All the time. Buy me a plane ticket.
Sure. Once or twice in my life.
So do you understand the meaning of this word from context?
Which words are similar to fervid?
Fervid is an adjective meaning strong and passionate.
So go back to that last question now.
Have you ever felt the fervid desire to travel?
What else could be described as fervid?
Fans. Supporters.
A speech.
Are you a fervid fan of anyone?
Tell me in the comments.
Let's review.
Match the words to their meanings.
Bolster. Increase.
Improve. Strengthen.
Waver. Change.
Weaken. Become uncertain.
Fervid. Strong and passionate.
Okay. Final challenge.
Complete my sentences.
Say the first idea that comes to mind.
Ready?
Go back and review as needed.
We'll end here.
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As always, thanks for watching and happy studies!
