exhaustive

/ɛɡˈzɔː.stɪv/

Group 13Difficulty 1/3

Definition

(adjective)
Examining, including, or considering all elements or aspects; thorough
GRE

Example in Context

The commission conducted an exhaustive review of the safety protocols, interviewing over three hundred employees across twelve facilities.

Synonyms

completethoroughtotal

Etymology

From Latin roots meaning to draw out completely—covering every aspect.

  • ex- (Latin) — out of
  • haurire (Latin) — to draw out

Memory Aid

🥚Sounds like “egg zaws tive

An EXHAUSTED chicken lays an EGG so thoroughly detailed it's the most exhaustive instruction manual!

Visual Association

🔍A detective searching every nook and cranny with a magnifying glass, leaving no stone unturned.

Semantic Clusters

Synonym Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “exhaustive” mean on the GRE?

exhaustive (adjective) means “Examining, including, or considering all elements or aspects; thorough”. The commission conducted an exhaustive review of the safety protocols, interviewing over three hundred employees across twelve facilities.

How to remember “exhaustive” for the GRE?

Mnemonic: “exhaustive” sounds like “egg zaws tive”. An EXHAUSTED chicken lays an EGG so thoroughly detailed it's the most exhaustive instruction manual!

What are synonyms for “exhaustive”?

Common synonyms: complete, thorough, total.