whimsical
/ˈwɪmzɪkəl/
Group 25Difficulty 1/3
Definition
- (adjective)
- Playfully quaint or fanciful, especially in an appealing and amusing way; acting unpredictably GRE
Example in Context
The architect's whimsical design for the children's library, featuring rooms shaped like storybook characters, delighted young visitors.
Synonyms
playfulquirkyfanciful
Etymology
From English, meaning playful and fanciful, often with unpredictable elements.
- whimsy (English) — fanciful
Memory Aid
🤡Sounds like “whim's sick all”
Imagine a WHIM'S SICK ALL clown juggling rubber chickens — it’s so WHIMSICAL it’s absurd!
Visual Association
🎠A colorful carousel spinning with funny animals, each doing silly dances that make you laugh.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “whimsical” mean on the GRE?
whimsical (adjective) means “Playfully quaint or fanciful, especially in an appealing and amusing way; acting unpredictably”. The architect's whimsical design for the children's library, featuring rooms shaped like storybook characters, delighted young visitors.
How to remember “whimsical” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “whimsical” sounds like “whim's sick all”. Imagine a WHIM'S SICK ALL clown juggling rubber chickens — it’s so WHIMSICAL it’s absurd!
What are synonyms for “whimsical”?
Common synonyms: playful, quirky, fanciful.