Note: If you are really serious about improving your vocabulary, we highly recommend you check out the popular Ultimate Vocabulary Builder

Do You Need GRE Vocabulary Software?

For extra help preparing for the test, you may want to look into GRE vocabulary software. The analogy and antonym sections of the GRE require a good working knowledge of certain vocabulary words, and conventional memorization techniques aren’t always enough. In order to really ace the language arts portions of the test, you need to really understand the words. The best way to expand your vocabulary is by reading, reading, and more reading. However, if you need to prepare for a big test like the GRE, LSAT, GMAT or MCAT, you probably want to focus on a list of target words. Without good vocabulary software, it can be difficult to learn those words well enough for the test.

Most people approach vocabulary tests by memorization. Flashcards are a favorite, as you can flip through them anytime, anywhere, and work on either the words or the definitions. Flashcards are also handy because you can sort them into groups based on how well you know the words. However, flashcards only help you memorize words and definitions. Flashcards do not help you figure out what part of speech the word is, or what times and places to use it. Flashcards are great for matching tests, definition quizzes, and the type of multiple choice tests you normally find in class. In order to perform well on the antonym and analogy sections of the GRE, you need know the words much better than that.

Synonyms are words that mean the same thing as a given word. Antonyms are the opposite, they have the opposite meaning of the given word. In order to choose the best antonym for a given word on the GRE, you need to know exactly what the word means and how it is used. Analogies are word puzzles that give you to words that are related in some way, and then a different word. You are required to choose a word that is related to the given word in the same way as the example. This requires you to have a feel for how and why the words are related.

GRE vocabulary software is a big help when learning the words you need for the test. Programs like Ultimate Vocabulary have GRE specific lists that allow you to focus only on the words most likely to be on the test. Ultimate Vocabulary also shows you 50 different sentences that use each word, so you can really understand how it is commonly used. Studying with Ultimate Vocabulary is like reading 50 different books or articles that use that word, so it helps you learn your target words in a natural way.