distill

[dɪˈstɪɫ]

Group 19Difficulty 1/3

Definition

(verb)
To extract the essential meaning or most important aspects of
GRE

Example in Context

The editor distilled the sprawling manuscript into a tight, coherent narrative that captured the essence of the research.

Synonyms

extractpurifycondense

Etymology

To extract the essence by filtering or concentrating.

  • destillare (Latin) — to drip down

Memory Aid

🥃Sounds like “this still

When I said 'THIS STILL tastes like water,' I was really trying to DISTILL the essence of flavor!

Visual Association

💧A scientist in a lab, carefully pouring liquid through a funnel, revealing the pure essence of a fruit.

Semantic Clusters

Synonym Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “distill” mean on the GRE?

distill (verb) means “To extract the essential meaning or most important aspects of”. The editor distilled the sprawling manuscript into a tight, coherent narrative that captured the essence of the research.

How to remember “distill” for the GRE?

Mnemonic: “distill” sounds like “this still”. When I said 'THIS STILL tastes like water,' I was really trying to DISTILL the essence of flavor!

What are synonyms for “distill”?

Common synonyms: extract, purify, condense.