detrimental
/ˌdɛtɹɪˈmɛntəl/
Group 33Difficulty 1/3
Definition
- (adjective)
- Tending to cause harm GRE
Example in Context
The study found that excessive screen time was detrimental to young children's cognitive development, confirming what many parents had long suspected.
Synonyms
damagingharmfulnegative
Etymology
To rub down or harm something, reducing its value or well-being.
- de- (Latin) — down
- terere (Latin) — to rub
Memory Aid
😱Sounds like “de tremble”
When you DE-TREMBLE your knees after a scary movie, you realize the DANGERS were Detrimental to your sanity!
Visual Association
⚠️A person standing at a crossroads with warning signs about hazards ahead, indicating harm is near.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “detrimental” mean on the GRE?
detrimental (adjective) means “Tending to cause harm”. The study found that excessive screen time was detrimental to young children's cognitive development, confirming what many parents had long suspected.
How to remember “detrimental” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “detrimental” sounds like “de tremble”. When you DE-TREMBLE your knees after a scary movie, you realize the DANGERS were Detrimental to your sanity!
What are synonyms for “detrimental”?
Common synonyms: damaging, harmful, negative.