GRE Vocabulary Builder

Answer: Choice (A) is correct.

A dirge is a mournful song that is played at a funeral. Dirges, then, by definition, are lugubrious, or excessively sad and melanchology. A journey is - most times - not perilous, or dangerous, so eliminate choice (B). Likewise, in choice (C), a relapse is not always predictable, so eliminate that choice. In choice (D), most gemstones are polished to a shine, and are not lackluster or dull. In choice (A), a burden is, by definition, onerous - arduous and difficult. Therefore, choice (A) is correct.