sordid
/ˈsɔː.dɪd/
Group 31Difficulty 1/3
Definition
- (adjective)
- Involving ignoble actions and motives; arousing moral distaste and contempt; dirty or squalid GRE
Example in Context
The investigation uncovered the sordid details of the scheme, which involved bribery, intimidation, and the betrayal of public trust.
Synonyms
dirtyshamefulsleazy
Etymology
Originally meant filthy or dirty, now also implies ignoble actions.
- sordidus (Latin) — dirty, filthy
Memory Aid
🤢Sounds like “sore did”
After finding a SORDID mess, I said, 'My stomach is sore from what I just DID!'
Visual Association
💩A dark alley littered with trash and graffiti, evoking feelings of disgust and neglect.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “sordid” mean on the GRE?
sordid (adjective) means “Involving ignoble actions and motives; arousing moral distaste and contempt; dirty or squalid”. The investigation uncovered the sordid details of the scheme, which involved bribery, intimidation, and the betrayal of public trust.
How to remember “sordid” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “sordid” sounds like “sore did”. After finding a SORDID mess, I said, 'My stomach is sore from what I just DID!'
What are synonyms for “sordid”?
Common synonyms: dirty, shameful, sleazy.