detente
Group 29Difficulty 2/3
Definition
- (noun)
- The easing of hostility or strained relations, especially between countries GRE
Example in Context
The period of détente allowed both nations to redirect resources from military buildup to domestic economic development.
Synonyms
easingrelaxationtruce
Etymology
Stretching from hostility to peace — easing relations.
- de- (French) — from
- tendre (French) — to stretch
Memory Aid
✌️Sounds like “day taunt”
Two countries decide to DAY-TAUNT each other instead of fighting, leading to a peaceful DETENTE!
Visual Association
🤝Two nations exchanging friendly gifts instead of missiles, smiling and shaking hands.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “detente” mean on the GRE?
detente (noun) means “The easing of hostility or strained relations, especially between countries”. The period of détente allowed both nations to redirect resources from military buildup to domestic economic development.
How to remember “detente” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “detente” sounds like “day taunt”. Two countries decide to DAY-TAUNT each other instead of fighting, leading to a peaceful DETENTE!
What are synonyms for “detente”?
Common synonyms: easing, relaxation, truce.