byzantine
Group 13Difficulty 2/3
Definition
- (adjective)
- Excessively complicated and typically involving a great deal of administrative detail GRE
Example in Context
The byzantine procurement process, involving dozens of forms and multiple levels of approval, discouraged all but the most determined vendors.
Synonyms
complexconvolutedintricate
Etymology
Describes the complex and intricate nature of Byzantine bureaucracy.
- Byzantium (Greek) — the ancient city that became Constantinople
Memory Aid
🧘♂️Sounds like “by Zen teen”
Picture a Zen teenager trying to solve an overly complicated video game — it's so BYZANTINE he gives up and meditates!
Visual Association
🌀A labyrinth of confusing paths and paperwork, where a person is hopelessly lost in the details.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “byzantine” mean on the GRE?
byzantine (adjective) means “Excessively complicated and typically involving a great deal of administrative detail”. The byzantine procurement process, involving dozens of forms and multiple levels of approval, discouraged all but the most determined vendors.
How to remember “byzantine” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “byzantine” sounds like “by Zen teen”. Picture a Zen teenager trying to solve an overly complicated video game — it's so BYZANTINE he gives up and meditates!
What are synonyms for “byzantine”?
Common synonyms: complex, convoluted, intricate.