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insularity

noun/ɪnˈsʊl.əˌrɛɪ.ti/

definition

the state of being isolated or detached from others

example

The insularity of the island community made it difficult for outsiders to understand their unique traditions and customs.

synonyms
isolationseparatenessdetachment
word origin — from Latin 'insularis', meaning 'of an island', from 'insula' meaning 'island'

GRE Vocabulary — Set 142

Set 142 of GRE Vocabulary covers 5 words: insularity, intrepidness, perniciousness, erudition, contentiousness. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

  1. insularity · noun/ɪnˈsʊl.əˌrɛɪ.ti/

    the state of being isolated or detached from others

    The insularity of the island community made it difficult for outsiders to understand their unique traditions and customs.

    Synonyms: isolation, separateness, detachment

    Origin: from Latin 'insularis', meaning 'of an island', from 'insula' meaning 'island'

  2. intrepidness · noun/ɪnˈtrɛp.ɪd.nəs/

    fearlessness and bravery in the face of danger or challenges

    Her intrepidness in exploring uncharted territories earned her the respect of her peers.

    Synonyms: fearlessness, bravery, courage

    Origin: From Latin 'intrepidus' meaning 'undaunted, fearless', comprised of 'in-' (not) and 'trepidus' (alarmed, fearful).

  3. perniciousness · noun/pərˈnɪʃ.əs.nəs/

    the quality of having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way

    The perniciousness of misinformation can gradually erode public trust in institutions.

    Synonyms: harmfulness, insidiousness, deleteriousness

    Origin: The word 'perniciousness' comes from the Latin 'perniciosus', meaning 'destructive', which is derived from 'pernicies', meaning 'ruin' or 'destruction'.

  4. erudition · noun/ˌɛr.jʊˈdɪʃ.ən/

    deep knowledge or scholarship acquired through education and learning

    Her erudition in classical literature allowed her to teach university students with great confidence and depth.

    Synonyms: knowledge, scholarship, learning

    Origin: from Latin 'eruditio', meaning 'a teaching, instruction', derived from 'erudire' meaning 'to instruct, educate'

  5. contentiousness · noun/kənˈtɛn.ʃəs.nəs/

    the quality of being likely to cause disagreement or controversy

    The contentiousness of the debate over climate change policies has left many citizens feeling polarized about the issue.

    Synonyms: controversiality, disputatiousness, argumentativeness

    Origin: The word 'contentiousness' originates from the Latin 'contentiosus', meaning 'controversial, argumentative', from 'contentio' which means 'a striving, contest, or dispute'.