philistine
/ˈfɪlɪstaɪn/
Group 27Difficulty 2/3
Definition
- (noun)
- A person who is hostile or indifferent to culture and the arts; one with undiscriminating tastes GRE
Example in Context
The developer was branded a philistine by preservationists for proposing to demolish the historic theater and replace it with a parking structure.
Synonyms
unculturedignorantlowbrow
Etymology
An invader of culture; someone indifferent to the arts.
- philishtim (Hebrew) — invader
Memory Aid
🎨Sounds like “philistine”
A PHILISTINE throws paint on a masterpiece, saying, 'ART IS BORING!' with a yawn!
Visual Association
🙄A person rolling their eyes at a beautiful painting while holding a can of spray paint.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “philistine” mean on the GRE?
philistine (noun) means “A person who is hostile or indifferent to culture and the arts; one with undiscriminating tastes”. The developer was branded a philistine by preservationists for proposing to demolish the historic theater and replace it with a parking structure.
How to remember “philistine” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “philistine” sounds like “philistine”. A PHILISTINE throws paint on a masterpiece, saying, 'ART IS BORING!' with a yawn!
What are synonyms for “philistine”?
Common synonyms: uncultured, ignorant, lowbrow.