innocuous
/ɪˈnɒkjuəs/
Group 8Difficulty 2/3
Definition
- (adjective)
- Not harmful or offensive GRE
Example in Context
What seemed like an innocuous comment at the time later proved to be a calculated opening move in a complex negotiation strategy.
Synonyms
harmlesssafeinoffensive
Etymology
Not causing harm; harmless.
- in- (Latin) — not
- nocere (Latin) — to harm
Memory Aid
🐇Sounds like “in no queue”
Picture a bunny IN NO QUEUE at the vet because it’s so INNOCUOUS, it poses no threat!
Visual Association
🌱A smiling plant that gives hugs instead of prickles, radiating peace everywhere!
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “innocuous” mean on the GRE?
innocuous (adjective) means “Not harmful or offensive”. What seemed like an innocuous comment at the time later proved to be a calculated opening move in a complex negotiation strategy.
How to remember “innocuous” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “innocuous” sounds like “in no queue”. Picture a bunny IN NO QUEUE at the vet because it’s so INNOCUOUS, it poses no threat!
What are synonyms for “innocuous”?
Common synonyms: harmless, safe, inoffensive.