vacuous
/ˈvækju.əs/
Group 32Difficulty 2/3
Definition
- (adjective)
- Having or showing a lack of thought or intelligence; mindless GRE
Example in Context
The candidate's vacuous responses to substantive policy questions led even sympathetic commentators to question her preparedness for office.
Synonyms
emptymindlessblank
Etymology
Originating from Latin for 'empty,' VACUOUS describes a lack of thought or intelligence.
- vacuus (Latin) — empty
Memory Aid
💋Sounds like “vacuum kiss”
Picture someone giving a VACUUM a KISS, thinking it’s their date — so VACUOUS!
Visual Association
😶A blank-faced person staring into space, completely lost in thought with a vacant expression.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “vacuous” mean on the GRE?
vacuous (adjective) means “Having or showing a lack of thought or intelligence; mindless”. The candidate's vacuous responses to substantive policy questions led even sympathetic commentators to question her preparedness for office.
How to remember “vacuous” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “vacuous” sounds like “vacuum kiss”. Picture someone giving a VACUUM a KISS, thinking it’s their date — so VACUOUS!
What are synonyms for “vacuous”?
Common synonyms: empty, mindless, blank.