gauche
/ɡəʊʃ/
Group 28Difficulty 2/3
Definition
- (adjective)
- Lacking ease or grace; unsophisticated and socially awkward GRE
Example in Context
The diplomat's gauche remark about the host country's cuisine, made within earshot of the press, became the leading story of the evening news.
Synonyms
awkwardtactlessclumsy
Etymology
Left-handedness — lacking social grace or sophistication.
- gauche (French) — left
Memory Aid
😳Sounds like “gosh”
When someone trips at a fancy party, you can’t help but gasp, 'Oh GOSH, how GAUCHE!'
Visual Association
🤦♂️A person awkwardly knocking over a punch bowl while trying to dance at a gala.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “gauche” mean on the GRE?
gauche (adjective) means “Lacking ease or grace; unsophisticated and socially awkward”. The diplomat's gauche remark about the host country's cuisine, made within earshot of the press, became the leading story of the evening news.
How to remember “gauche” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “gauche” sounds like “gosh”. When someone trips at a fancy party, you can’t help but gasp, 'Oh GOSH, how GAUCHE!'
What are synonyms for “gauche”?
Common synonyms: awkward, tactless, clumsy.