gawky
/ˈɡɔːki/
Group 19Difficulty 1/3
Definition
- (adjective)
- Nervously awkward and ungainly GRE
Example in Context
The gawky teenager, all elbows and knees, would within a few years transform into a poised and confident public speaker.
Synonyms
clumsyawkwardungainly
Etymology
Derived from the idea of being awkward and clumsy, often while staring.
- gawk (Scottish) — to stare
Memory Aid
🔑Sounds like “gawk key”
Picture someone trying to unlock a door while gawking at a squirrel — they’re GAWKY!
Visual Association
🙈An awkward teenager stumbling over their own feet while staring at their crush across the room.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “gawky” mean on the GRE?
gawky (adjective) means “Nervously awkward and ungainly”. The gawky teenager, all elbows and knees, would within a few years transform into a poised and confident public speaker.
How to remember “gawky” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “gawky” sounds like “gawk key”. Picture someone trying to unlock a door while gawking at a squirrel — they’re GAWKY!
What are synonyms for “gawky”?
Common synonyms: clumsy, awkward, ungainly.