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fop

noun/fɑp/

definition

a man who is excessively concerned with his clothes and appearance

example

At the gala, the fop spent more time admiring his reflection than engaging in conversation with other guests.

synonyms
dandyfopdoodledandyism
word origin — The word 'fop' originates from the early 17th century, possibly derived from 'foppe' meaning 'fool' or 'simpleton' in the 16th-century Dutch.

GRE Vocabulary — Set 61

Set 61 of GRE Vocabulary covers 5 words: fop, gall, hinterland, eponym, gossamer. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

  1. fop · noun/fɑp/

    a man who is excessively concerned with his clothes and appearance

    At the gala, the fop spent more time admiring his reflection than engaging in conversation with other guests.

    Synonyms: dandy, fopdoodle, dandyism

    Origin: The word 'fop' originates from the early 17th century, possibly derived from 'foppe' meaning 'fool' or 'simpleton' in the 16th-century Dutch.

  2. gall · noun/ɡɔl/

    bold or impertinent behavior

    I can't believe he had the gall to ask for a promotion after missing so many deadlines.

    Synonyms: audacity, nerve, impudence

    Origin: Middle English 'galle', from Old Norse 'gǫll', meaning 'to be bold or daring'.

  3. hinterland · noun/ˈhɪntərˌlænd/

    the land or region lying behind a coastal area or the area served by a town or city

    The bustling port city relied heavily on its hinterland for agricultural supplies and natural resources.

    Synonyms: backcountry, outback, interior

    Origin: From the German word 'Hinterland', which means 'the land behind'.

  4. eponym · noun/ˈɛpəˌnɪm/

    a person after whom a particular place, tribe, or other things is named

    The town was named after its eponym, a local hero who fought bravely in the war.

    Synonyms: namesake, titular, identifier

    Origin: The word 'eponym' comes from the Greek 'epōnymos', meaning 'giving one's name to something.'

  5. gossamer · noun/ˈɡɑː.sə.mɚ/

    a light, delicate, and thin material or substance

    The bride's gown was made of gossamer fabric that floated around her like a dream.

    Synonyms: sheer, diaphanous, filmy

    Origin: Middle English 'gossomer', of uncertain origin, possibly from 'gossamer', referring to the fine threads spun by spiders, possibly related to 'goose' and 'summer', referring to the time of year when they are most commonly found.