cathartic
Group 21Difficulty 2/3
Definition
- (adjective)
- Providing psychological relief through the open expression of strong emotions GRE
Example in Context
The public hearing served a cathartic purpose for victims who had waited years for the opportunity to share their stories.
Synonyms
releasingcleansinghealing
Etymology
From Greek meaning 'cleansing', referring to emotional release.
- catharsis (Greek) — cleansing
Memory Aid
🐱❤️Sounds like “cat heart tick”
When a CAT'S HEART TICKLES you, it’s so CATHARTIC that you burst into laughter and tears!
Visual Association
😌A person sobbing joyfully while surrounded by balloons, feeling a wave of cathartic relief wash over them.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “cathartic” mean on the GRE?
cathartic (adjective) means “Providing psychological relief through the open expression of strong emotions”. The public hearing served a cathartic purpose for victims who had waited years for the opportunity to share their stories.
How to remember “cathartic” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “cathartic” sounds like “cat heart tick”. When a CAT'S HEART TICKLES you, it’s so CATHARTIC that you burst into laughter and tears!
What are synonyms for “cathartic”?
Common synonyms: releasing, cleansing, healing.