GRE Vocabulary — Set 170

Set 170 of GRE Vocabulary covers 5 words: flamboyant, flimsy, foppish, minuscule, nondescript. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. flamboyant · adjective/flæmˈbɔɪ.ənt/

   marked by or given to strikingly colorful display or behavior

   The flamboyant colors of the festival decorations drew the attention of everyone passing by.

   Synonyms: ostentatious, showy, extravagant

   Origin: from French 'flamboyant', meaning 'flaming', from 'flamber', meaning 'to flame'.

2. flimsy · adjective/ˈflɪm.zi/

   lacking strength or solidity easily damaged or broken

   The flimsy furniture collapsed under the weight of the heavy books.

   Synonyms: weak, fragile, frail

   Origin: The word 'flimsy' originated in the 17th century, likely from a dialectal term 'flimsy' meaning 'soft, weak, or flexible', and is probably related to the word 'flim', which is also connected to the idea of being thin or slight.

3. foppish · adjective/ˈfɑː.pɪʃ/

   excessively concerned with fashion and appearance

   His foppish attire drew attention wherever he went, with his brightly colored suits and flamboyant accessories.

   Synonyms: dandy, stylish, vain

   Origin: The word 'foppish' originates from the late 17th century, derived from 'fop', which refers to a person who is excessively concerned with their appearance, possibly from the Middle English 'foppe' with uncertain origins.

4. minuscule · adjective/ˈmɪnəˌskjul/

   extremely small or tiny

   The scientist discovered a minuscule organism living in the depths of the ocean.

   Synonyms: tiny, minute, small

   Origin: from Latin 'minusculus', meaning 'somewhat smaller'

5. nondescript · adjective/nɑndɪˈskrɪpt/

   lacking distinctive or interesting characteristics

   The building was so nondescript that it blended in with all the other similar structures on the street.

   Synonyms: unremarkable, ordinary, plain

   Origin: from 'non-' meaning 'not' and 'descript' from Latin 'descriptus', the past participle of 'describere', meaning 'to describe'