Root: un/uni

19 GRE vocabulary words

About this Root

Core idea: Un- often marks not or reversal (Germanic). Uni- is Latin one—unity, singleness. This page mixes both threads.

How it shows up on the GRE

Decide whether the blank needs “single, together as one” (unanimous, unique) or “not / opposite” (untenable, unwieldy). Under- forms here often mean “beneath” or “insufficient.”

Quick hooks from this list

unassailable

not able to be attacked

uncanny

strange

uncouth

rough awkward

undermine

To dig underneath (something), to make a passage for destructive or military purposes; to sap.

underscore

emphasize.

unearth

discover and bring to light

unfeigned

not pretended sincere

unfettered

free

universal

relating to or done by all people or things in the world or in a particular group; applicable to all cases.

unprecedented

never done or known before.

unscathed

unharmed unhurt

unseemly

(of behavior or actions) not proper or appropriate.

unstinting

generous

untenable

indefensible

untoward

unfavorable

upbraid

find fault with (someone); scold.

urbane

(of a person, especially a man) courteous and refined in manner.

usury

lending money at high rates

utopia

ideal place

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