surmount

/səˈmaʊnt/

Group 24Difficulty 1/3

Definition

(verb)
To overcome a difficulty or obstacle
GRE

Example in Context

Through determination and ingenuity, the team surmounted every technical challenge that stood between them and the successful launch of the satellite.

Synonyms

overcomeconquerbeat

Etymology

To mount over or overcome obstacles.

  • sur- (Latin) — over
  • montare (Latin) — to mount

Memory Aid

👨‍✈️Sounds like “sir-mount

A knight in shining armor, SIR MOUNT, bravely SURMOUNTING every obstacle like a dragon on a pogo stick!

Visual Association

🏔️A mountaineer triumphantly standing on top of a peak, arms raised high after successfully SURMOUNTING the challenging climb.

Semantic Clusters

Synonym Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “surmount” mean on the GRE?

surmount (verb) means “To overcome a difficulty or obstacle”. Through determination and ingenuity, the team surmounted every technical challenge that stood between them and the successful launch of the satellite.

How to remember “surmount” for the GRE?

Mnemonic: “surmount” sounds like “sir-mount”. A knight in shining armor, SIR MOUNT, bravely SURMOUNTING every obstacle like a dragon on a pogo stick!

What are synonyms for “surmount”?

Common synonyms: overcome, conquer, beat.