retiring
/ɹəˈtaɪ(ə)ɹɪŋ/
Group 28Difficulty 1/3
Definition
- (adjective)
- Shy and fond of being on one's own; tending to avoid attention GRE
Example in Context
The retiring scholar, who published groundbreaking work while shunning interviews and public appearances, was something of an enigma to her peers.
Synonyms
shymodestwithdrawn
Etymology
Derived from a Latin word meaning to withdraw from society.
- retire (Latin) — to withdraw
Memory Aid
🌅Sounds like “retire early”
A turtle wearing glasses retires EARLY to his shell, saying 'I prefer my own company!' RETIRING from the party!
Visual Association
🐢A turtle peeking out from its shell at a wild party, clearly preferring the quiet of its own space.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “retiring” mean on the GRE?
retiring (adjective) means “Shy and fond of being on one's own; tending to avoid attention”. The retiring scholar, who published groundbreaking work while shunning interviews and public appearances, was something of an enigma to her peers.
How to remember “retiring” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “retiring” sounds like “retire early”. A turtle wearing glasses retires EARLY to his shell, saying 'I prefer my own company!' RETIRING from the party!
What are synonyms for “retiring”?
Common synonyms: shy, modest, withdrawn.