anoint
/əˈnɔɪnt/
Group 19Difficulty 1/3
Definition
- (verb)
- To nominate or choose someone as successor to or for a position; to smear or rub with oil GRE
Example in Context
The media anointed the young governor as the party's frontrunner long before any votes had been cast.
Synonyms
appointblesschoose
Etymology
To smear or rub with oil, often in a ceremonial context.
- ad- (Latin) — to
- nigere (Latin) — to smear
Memory Aid
⚔️Sounds like “a knight”
When the KING was crowned, they ANOINTED him while he stumbled around like a clumsy KNIGHT!
Visual Association
👑A royal figure being dramatically smeared with oil, looking both regal and slightly ridiculous.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “anoint” mean on the GRE?
anoint (verb) means “To nominate or choose someone as successor to or for a position; to smear or rub with oil”. The media anointed the young governor as the party's frontrunner long before any votes had been cast.
How to remember “anoint” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “anoint” sounds like “a knight”. When the KING was crowned, they ANOINTED him while he stumbled around like a clumsy KNIGHT!
What are synonyms for “anoint”?
Common synonyms: appoint, bless, choose.