rampant
/ˈɹæm.pənt/
Group 32Difficulty 1/3
Definition
- (adjective)
- Flourishing or spreading unchecked; unrestrained GRE
Example in Context
Corruption was rampant throughout the procurement system, with payoffs expected at every stage of the process from bid submission to final approval.
Synonyms
out of controlwidespreadunchecked
Etymology
From Latin meaning 'to climb,' RAM-PANT suggests something flourishing wildly and unchecked.
- rampare (Latin) — to climb
Memory Aid
🐏Sounds like “ram pants”
Picture a RAM wearing PANTS running wild through a field, everything growing RAM-PANT!
Visual Association
🌿A garden overrun with plants growing uncontrollably, reaching high into the sky.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “rampant” mean on the GRE?
rampant (adjective) means “Flourishing or spreading unchecked; unrestrained”. Corruption was rampant throughout the procurement system, with payoffs expected at every stage of the process from bid submission to final approval.
How to remember “rampant” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “rampant” sounds like “ram pants”. Picture a RAM wearing PANTS running wild through a field, everything growing RAM-PANT!
What are synonyms for “rampant”?
Common synonyms: out of control, widespread, unchecked.