impediment
/ɪmˈpɛdɪmənt/
Group 34Difficulty 1/3
Definition
- (noun)
- A hindrance or obstruction in doing something GRE
Example in Context
The lack of reliable transportation was the single greatest impediment to economic development in the rural communities surveyed by the study.
Etymology
Something that stops progress — NOT letting you move forward.
- im- (Latin) — not
- pausare (Latin) — to stop
Memory Aid
🍬Sounds like “impede a mint”
If you IMPEDIMENT a mint, it just won’t roll — it’s a major obstacle!
Visual Association
🚧A giant roadblock made of candy obstructing a path, preventing cars from driving through.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “impediment” mean on the GRE?
impediment (noun) means “A hindrance or obstruction in doing something”. The lack of reliable transportation was the single greatest impediment to economic development in the rural communities surveyed by the study.
How to remember “impediment” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “impediment” sounds like “impede a mint”. If you IMPEDIMENT a mint, it just won’t roll — it’s a major obstacle!