transgression
/tɹænsˈɡɹɛʃən/
Group 12Difficulty 1/3
Definition
- (noun)
- An act that goes against a law, rule, or code of conduct; an offense GRE
Example in Context
The committee's investigation cataloged a litany of transgressions that violated both the letter and the spirit of the regulations.
Synonyms
wrongdoingoffenseviolation
Etymology
Means 'stepping across', indicating a violation of boundaries.
- trans- (Latin) — across
- gressio (Latin) — step
Memory Aid
🚫Sounds like “transgress shun”
Imagine someone shouting 'SHUN!' as a person TRANSGRESSES the line at a buffet!
Visual Association
⚖️A person tiptoeing over a line drawn in the sand labeled 'No Trespassing', about to face consequences.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “transgression” mean on the GRE?
transgression (noun) means “An act that goes against a law, rule, or code of conduct; an offense”. The committee's investigation cataloged a litany of transgressions that violated both the letter and the spirit of the regulations.
How to remember “transgression” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “transgression” sounds like “transgress shun”. Imagine someone shouting 'SHUN!' as a person TRANSGRESSES the line at a buffet!
What are synonyms for “transgression”?
Common synonyms: wrongdoing, offense, violation.