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ossified

verb/ˈɑːsəˌfaɪd/

definition

become rigid or fixed in attitude or behavior

example

Over the years, his once open-minded approach to new ideas had ossified into a rigid set of beliefs that he refused to reconsider.

synonyms
hardenedinflexibleentrenched
word origin — from the Latin 'ossificare', meaning 'to turn into bone'

GRE Vocabulary — Set 179

Set 179 of GRE Vocabulary covers 5 words: ossified, ostentatious, overt, overweening, peremptory. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

  1. ossified · verb/ˈɑːsəˌfaɪd/

    become rigid or fixed in attitude or behavior

    Over the years, his once open-minded approach to new ideas had ossified into a rigid set of beliefs that he refused to reconsider.

    Synonyms: hardened, inflexible, entrenched

    Origin: from the Latin 'ossificare', meaning 'to turn into bone'

  2. ostentatious · adjective/ˌɑːstənˈteɪʃəs/

    characterized by vulgar or pretentious display designed to impress or attract notice

    Her ostentatious display of wealth at the party made everyone feel uncomfortable, as the extravagant decorations were clearly meant to impress.

    Synonyms: showy, pretentious, flamboyant

    Origin: from Latin 'ostentare' meaning 'to show off', related to 'ostensio' meaning 'a showing'

  3. overt · adjective/oʊˈvɜrt/

    done or shown openly, without concealment or disguise

    The company's overt support for environmental initiatives has impressed many of its customers.

    Synonyms: open, explicit, clear

    Origin: Middle English 'overt' from Old French 'ouvert', from Latin 'apertus', meaning 'open'

  4. overweening · adjective/oʊ.vɚˈwiː.nɪŋ/

    excessively proud or confident

    His overweening ambition ultimately led to his downfall, as he underestimated the challenges ahead.

    Synonyms: conceited, arrogant, haughty

    Origin: The word 'overweening' comes from the Middle English 'overwening', which is derived from the Old English 'oferwenan' meaning 'to exceed' or 'to overreach'.

  5. peremptory · adjective/pəˈrɛmpɾəri/

    leaving no opportunity for denial or refusal

    The manager issued a peremptory order for the team to complete the project by the end of the week, leaving no room for discussion.

    Synonyms: dictatorial, imperative, authoritative

    Origin: from Latin 'perimere', meaning 'to take away, to remove'