invasive

/ɪnˈveɪsɪv/

Group 5Difficulty 1/3

Definitions

(adjective)
Tending to intrude on a person's thoughts or privacy
GRE
(adjective)
Tending to spread prolifically and harmfully
GRE

Example in Context

Critics argued that the surveillance program was excessively invasive, capturing personal communications far beyond its stated scope.

Synonyms

intrusivepryingmeddling

Etymology

Latin roots meaning 'to go in', referring to intrusive behavior.

  • in- (Latin) — in
  • vadere (Latin) — to go

Memory Aid

🌵Sounds like “in-vase-ive

Imagine a cactus squeezing itself into a vase — it’s IN-VASE-IVE!

Visual Association

🔍A giant plant breaking through a wall, invading a peaceful room.

Semantic Clusters

Synonym Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “invasive” mean on the GRE?

invasive (adjective) means “Tending to intrude on a person's thoughts or privacy”. Critics argued that the surveillance program was excessively invasive, capturing personal communications far beyond its stated scope.

How to remember “invasive” for the GRE?

Mnemonic: “invasive” sounds like “in-vase-ive”. Imagine a cactus squeezing itself into a vase — it’s IN-VASE-IVE!

What are synonyms for “invasive”?

Common synonyms: intrusive, prying, meddling.