Learn Advanced Vocabulary: GRE Words (C2+)

463 views ・ 2025-03-13

English with Jennifer


Please double-click on the English subtitles below to play the video.

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Would you like to speak more sophisticated  English? I'm Jennifer from English with Jennifer.  
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Strong vocabulary empowers us to articulate our  ideas, and there's always more to learn...even  
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for native speakers. But be mindful. Low frequency  vocabulary tends to be more formal, so it's not  
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always appropriate to use these words in everyday  conversation. I mean you tell me. Which sounds  
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more natural for conversation? He's a really nice  guy. He possesses a genuinely affable nature.
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So, should you learn C2 words in  beyond like "affable"? Yes. Well-read,  
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articulate English speakers know this word and  use it appropriately. It's also a GRE word.
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Some graduate schools in the US require  the GRE, The Graduate Record Examination.  
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GRE words are generally more formal and  academic. Let's take a close look at three  
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words that commonly appear on GRE word  lists. I'll make sure you understand them  
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and can use them. First word: bolster. For you  personally, what helps bolster your confidence?
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Positive affirmations like, "You can do it!"
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Praise from a teacher, coach, or someone else?
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Recalling past successes.
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So, can you understand the meaning of this verb  
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from context? What other words are  similar to "bolster"? Take a look.
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[Music]
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"To bolster" something means to  make it better in some way. Note  
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that "bolster" takes an object. We can  talk about bolstering confidence. So,  
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go back to that first question. What's  your answer? What bolsters your confidence?
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Question two. What might a marketing  company promise to bolster?
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A company's image or sales.
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Question three. How can a company bolster consumer  
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trust? Feel free to answer  this one in the comments.
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The second word: waver. When  presented with a choice,  
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are you decisive or do you tend to waver?  Choose. I make my mind up quickly. I'm  
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might change my mind last minute.  I need lots of time to choose. So,  
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do you understand the meaning of this verb from  context? Which other words are similar to "waver"?
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"To waver" means to become uncertain or weak.  It can also mean that one cannot decide. "Waver"  
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doesn't take an object, but there are some common  patterns with prepositions. Waver between two  
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choices. Waver over a decision. Waver from a goal.  Waver in support or in one's position. So, go  
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back to question four now. When presented with a  choice, are you decisive or do you tend to waver?
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Note two adjectives based on this verb: wavering,  unwavering -- as in changing and unchanging.  
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"Unwavering" means solid and steady. Question  five. Whose unwavering support do you appreciate?  
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Tell me in the comments.
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Here's another question you can answer. Instead  
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of wavering from a goal, what  can you do to follow through?
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The third word: fervid. Have you ever felt a  fervid desire to travel? Choose your response.
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Not at all. It's home sweet home for me.
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All the time. Buy me a plane ticket!
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Sure. Once or twice in my life.
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So, do you understand the meaning of this word  from context? Which words are similar to "fervid"?
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"Fervid" is an adjective meaning "strong and  passionate." So, go back to that last question  
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now. Have you ever felt the fervid desire to  travel? What else could be described as fervid?
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Fans, supporters, a speech.
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Are you a fervid fan of anyone? Tell me in the  
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comments. Let's review. Match  the words to their meanings.
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Bolster: increase, improve, strengthen.
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Waver: change, weaken, become uncertain.
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Fervid: strong and passionate.
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Okay. Final challenge. Complete my sentences.  Say the first idea that comes to mind. Ready?
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A good leader can bolster  team morale by doing...what?
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I never waver in my decision when it comes to...
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I'm a fervent supporter of...
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Go back and review as needed. We'll end here.  Please like and share the video if you found the  
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lesson useful. And if you'd like to learn  more vocabulary with me, consider joining  
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me on Patreon, where we work on all skills. As  always, thanks for watching and happy studies!
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