ploy
/plɔɪ/
Group 25Difficulty 1/3
Definition
- (noun)
- A cunning plan or action designed to turn a situation to one's own advantage GRE
Example in Context
The hostile takeover bid was seen as a ploy to force the company's board into concessions rather than a genuine attempt to acquire the firm.
Synonyms
trickschemetactic
Etymology
A clever twist or fold in strategy.
- ploy (Old French) — to fold
Memory Aid
🎭Sounds like “play”
Picture a sneaky cat playing a PLOY by folding itself into a box and waiting to ambush its unsuspecting toy!
Visual Association
🃏A crafty fox setting up an elaborate trap to catch its dinner, showcasing its cunning plan.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “ploy” mean on the GRE?
ploy (noun) means “A cunning plan or action designed to turn a situation to one's own advantage”. The hostile takeover bid was seen as a ploy to force the company's board into concessions rather than a genuine attempt to acquire the firm.
How to remember “ploy” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “ploy” sounds like “play”. Picture a sneaky cat playing a PLOY by folding itself into a box and waiting to ambush its unsuspecting toy!
What are synonyms for “ploy”?
Common synonyms: trick, scheme, tactic.