GRE Words for Expert and Master

These 10 GRE words all share the meaning of expert and master. Studying them as one cluster is far more efficient than learning each in isolation, because the GRE tests words by how they relate to each other. Each entry below links to a full definition page with example sentences and memory hooks.

Why this cluster matters

On Sentence Equivalence you must choose two words that give the sentence the same meaning. That means the answer is almost always a synonym pair pulled from a cluster like this one. Watch the connotation tone on each word: a positive and a negative word rarely form a correct pair, even when their definitions look close.

The 10 words

accomplishedadjectivePositive tone

Highly trained or skilled; completed successfully

adeptadjectivePositive tone

Very skilled or proficient at something

authoritynounNeutral tone

A person with extensive knowledge in a field; the power to give orders or make decisions

connoisseurnounPositive tone

An expert judge in matters of taste, especially in fine arts or food

doyennounPositive tone

The most respected or prominent person in a particular field

luminarynounPositive tone

A person who inspires or influences others; a prominent figure

mavennounPositive tone

An expert or connoisseur in a particular field

proficientadjectivePositive tone

Competent or skilled in doing or using something

savantnounPositive tone

A learned person; someone with exceptional knowledge

virtuosonounPositive tone

A person highly skilled in music or another artistic pursuit

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