skirt

/skɜːt/

Group 11Difficulty 1/3

Definition

(verb)
To go around or past the edge of; to avoid dealing with
GRE

Example in Context

The candidate adeptly skirted the controversial topic, redirecting the conversation to safer ground whenever reporters pressed.

Synonyms

avoidevadedodge

Etymology

To cut around or avoid something.

  • skyrta (Old Norse) — to cut off

Memory Aid

👗Sounds like “skirt

When you SKIRT around a problem, you’re wearing a fancy SKIRT to avoid getting dirty!

Visual Association

🚧A person in a fancy skirt elegantly walking around a construction site, avoiding the muddy puddles.

Semantic Clusters

Synonym Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “skirt” mean on the GRE?

skirt (verb) means “To go around or past the edge of; to avoid dealing with”. The candidate adeptly skirted the controversial topic, redirecting the conversation to safer ground whenever reporters pressed.

How to remember “skirt” for the GRE?

Mnemonic: “skirt” sounds like “skirt”. When you SKIRT around a problem, you’re wearing a fancy SKIRT to avoid getting dirty!

What are synonyms for “skirt”?

Common synonyms: avoid, evade, dodge.