subsume

/səbˈsuːm/

Group 24Difficulty 2/3

Definition

(verb)
To include or absorb something in something else
GRE

Example in Context

The larger corporation subsumed the startup, integrating its technology into its existing product line and disbanding the original team.

Synonyms

absorbincludeencompass

Etymology

To take in or absorb something under a larger category.

  • sub- (Latin) — under
  • sumere (Latin) — to take

Memory Aid

🛌Sounds like “sub-soom

A giant vacuum cleaner named Sub-SOOM that sucks up everything, ready to SUBSUME all the mess!

Visual Association

📚A massive library where countless books are being absorbed into one gigantic tome, illustrating the idea of SUBSUMING knowledge.

Semantic Clusters

Synonym Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “subsume” mean on the GRE?

subsume (verb) means “To include or absorb something in something else”. The larger corporation subsumed the startup, integrating its technology into its existing product line and disbanding the original team.

How to remember “subsume” for the GRE?

Mnemonic: “subsume” sounds like “sub-soom”. A giant vacuum cleaner named Sub-SOOM that sucks up everything, ready to SUBSUME all the mess!

What are synonyms for “subsume”?

Common synonyms: absorb, include, encompass.