suspect
/ˈsʌs.pɛkt/
Group 25Difficulty 1/3
Definition
- (adjective)
- Not to be relied on or trusted; possibly dangerous or false GRE
Example in Context
The provenance of the painting was suspect, with several gaps in its ownership history that raised questions about its authenticity.
Synonyms
doubtfulquestionablefishy
Etymology
From Latin, meaning to look up at someone with doubt or distrust.
- suspectus (Latin) — look up at
Memory Aid
🐦Sounds like “sue's pecked”
Imagine SUE'S PET PIGEON pecking at your wallet — you can’t help but SUSPECT it’s stealing!
Visual Association
🔍A shadowy figure lurking in the corner, prompting a feeling of unease and suspicion.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “suspect” mean on the GRE?
suspect (adjective) means “Not to be relied on or trusted; possibly dangerous or false”. The provenance of the painting was suspect, with several gaps in its ownership history that raised questions about its authenticity.
How to remember “suspect” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “suspect” sounds like “sue's pecked”. Imagine SUE'S PET PIGEON pecking at your wallet — you can’t help but SUSPECT it’s stealing!
What are synonyms for “suspect”?
Common synonyms: doubtful, questionable, fishy.