Effrontery
hardNegative toneih-FRUN-tuh-ree
noun
Definition
shameless or insolent boldness
Memory hook
EFFRONTERY sounds like 'EFF the FRONT desk': picture someone marching past the FRONT desk, ignoring every rule with shameless nerve.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“He had the effrontery to demand a raise after missing half his deadlines.”
“Audiences were stunned by the speaker's effrontery in insulting his own hosts.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“He had the ______ to demand a raise after missing half his deadlines.”
Show answer
effrontery
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Effrontery is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "audacity" or "impudence" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "timidity".
Related GRE Words
frivolous
Lacking seriousness or importance; trivial or unworthy of consideration
aberrant
Deviating from what is normal or expected
alacrity
Brisk and cheerful readiness
artless
free of guile or pretense; naturally simple and sincere
capricious
Given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior
chafe
To make sore by rubbing; to feel irritation or impatience
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