depravity
/dəˈpɹævɪti/
Group 32Difficulty 2/3
Definition
- (noun)
- Moral corruption; wickedness GRE
Example in Context
The trial exposed a depth of depravity that shocked even seasoned investigators who thought they had seen every form of human cruelty.
Synonyms
wickednesscorruptionevil
Etymology
From Latin 'depravare', meaning to turn away from right, highlighting moral corruption.
- de- (Latin) — down from
- pravus (Latin) — crooked
Memory Aid
🌪️Sounds like “the gravity”
Imagine GRAVITY pulling a saint down into a swirling vortex of DEPRAVITY!
Visual Association
☠️A once-pure angel now wearing a devil costume, dancing in a wild party filled with chaos.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “depravity” mean on the GRE?
depravity (noun) means “Moral corruption; wickedness”. The trial exposed a depth of depravity that shocked even seasoned investigators who thought they had seen every form of human cruelty.
How to remember “depravity” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “depravity” sounds like “the gravity”. Imagine GRAVITY pulling a saint down into a swirling vortex of DEPRAVITY!
What are synonyms for “depravity”?
Common synonyms: wickedness, corruption, evil.