characterized by attacking or rejecting established beliefs or institutions
example
Her iconoclastic views on traditional education challenged the status quo and sparked intense debate.
synonyms
hereticalrevolutionarynonconformist
word origin — From the late Latin 'iconoclasticus', from Byzantine Greek 'ikonoklastēs', meaning 'image breaker', from 'ikon' (image) + 'klan' (to break).
GRE Vocabulary — Set 83
Set 83 of GRE Vocabulary covers 5 words: iconoclastic, maudlin, malevolent, meddlesome, morose. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.
iconoclastic · adjective/ˌaɪkəˈnɑːklæstɪk/
characterized by attacking or rejecting established beliefs or institutions
Her iconoclastic views on traditional education challenged the status quo and sparked intense debate.
Synonyms: heretical, revolutionary, nonconformist
Origin: From the late Latin 'iconoclasticus', from Byzantine Greek 'ikonoklastēs', meaning 'image breaker', from 'ikon' (image) + 'klan' (to break).
maudlin · adjective/ˈmɔdln/
overly sentimental or emotional in a self-pitying manner
After the breakup, he wrote a maudlin poem that made everyone uncomfortable with its excessive sentimentality.
Synonyms: sentimental, soppy, mushy
Origin: The word 'maudlin' originates from the name Mary Magdalene, often depicted in art as weeping and vulnerable, ultimately derived from Middle English 'Madaleine' or 'Magdalen', referring to Mary Magdalene's emotional state.
malevolent · adjective/məˈlɛvələnt/
having or showing a wish to do evil to others
The malevolent glare of the villain sent shivers down the spines of all who encountered him.
Synonyms: malicious, hostile, evil
Origin: The word 'malevolent' comes from the Latin 'malevolens', which means 'ill-wishing', from 'male' meaning 'badly' and 'velle' meaning 'to wish'.
meddlesome · adjective/ˈmɛdəlˌsəm/
involving oneself in the affairs of others without being asked
Her meddlesome nature often led her to intrude on her neighbors' personal matters.
Synonyms: intrusive, interfering, nosy
Origin: The word 'meddlesome' comes from the verb 'meddle,' which originated from the Middle English 'meddlen,' from Old French 'medler,' which stems from the Latin 'misculare,' meaning 'to mix.'
morose · adjective/məˈroʊs/
sullen and ill-tempered
After the argument with his friend, Jake sat in a morose silence, unwilling to engage with anyone around him.
Synonyms: sullen, moody, gloomy
Origin: from Latin 'morosus', meaning 'mood, manner', related to 'mora', meaning 'delay, slowness'