Apparent
easyNeutral toneuh-PAIR-unt
adjective
Definition
Clearly visible or understood; seeming real or true but not necessarily so
Memory hook
APPARENT: it APPEARS to be true (but might not be) — seemingly obvious or clear.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The apparent simplicity of the solution masked its elegance.”
“Her apparent calm concealed deep anxiety.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The ______ simplicity of the solution masked its elegance.”
Show answer
apparent
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Apparent is a easy-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "evident" or "manifest" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "hidden".
Related GRE Words
evident
Plain or obvious; clearly seen or understood
manifest
Clear or obvious; to display or show
palpable
so intense as to seem almost touchable; readily perceived
patent
(adjective) Easily recognizable; obvious; blatant
overt
Done or shown openly; not hidden or secret
ambiguous
Open to more than one interpretation; unclear
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