GRE Unit 8

place of refuge or shelter

in biology, the reappearance of a characteristic in an organism after several generations of absence

Some modern political theorists reject nationalism as a tribal atavism.

to weaken

Modern digital radio equipment allows even signals that have been greatly attenuated to be transmitted by one station and received by another station.

bold; daring

Stern; unadorned

Deism is an austere belief that reflects the predominant philosophy of the Age of Enlightenment: a universe symmetrical and governed by rationality.

the belief in a God who created the universe and then abandoned it, assuming no control over life or natural phenomena , and giving no supernatural revelation.

a period in European philosophy during the eighteenth century that emphasized reason

self-governing; independent

greed

Successful investment bankers are sometimes accused of avarice; their defenders, however, say that they are simply very good at what they do and should be rewarded accordingly.

to affirm; declare true

Yogis aver that everyone has a guru, whether it be a person, God, or the experiences of the world, that helps him or her practice the yoga that is in accordance with his or her nature, and assists on the path toward enlightenment.

secondary occupation

like an uncle, benevolent and tolerant

Walter Cronkite, who was the anchorman of CBS News during much of the 1970's and 1980's had an avuncular manner that made him one of America's most trusted personalities.