sparse
/spɑːs/
Group 25Difficulty 1/3
Definition
- (adjective)
- Thinly dispersed or scattered GRE
Example in Context
Data on the topic remains sparse, making it difficult for researchers to draw the kinds of confident conclusions that policymakers demand.
Synonyms
scarcethinmeager
Etymology
From Latin, meaning scattered or thinly dispersed, like a sparse forest.
- sparsus (Latin) — scattered
Memory Aid
✨Sounds like “spark's”
Imagine a SPARK's party with only TWO guests — it’s so SPARSE, they can hear the crickets!
Visual Association
🌵A desert landscape with a single cactus, emphasizing the vast emptiness and sparse vegetation.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “sparse” mean on the GRE?
sparse (adjective) means “Thinly dispersed or scattered”. Data on the topic remains sparse, making it difficult for researchers to draw the kinds of confident conclusions that policymakers demand.
How to remember “sparse” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “sparse” sounds like “spark's”. Imagine a SPARK's party with only TWO guests — it’s so SPARSE, they can hear the crickets!
What are synonyms for “sparse”?
Common synonyms: scarce, thin, meager.