Erode
mediumNegative toneih-RODE
verb
Definition
To gradually wear away or diminish
Memory hook
E-RODE: Water RODE over the rocks for centuries -- slowly wearing them away.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“Wind and water slowly erode the coastal cliffs.”
“Public trust in the institution has eroded over time.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“Wind and water slowly ______ the coastal cliffs.”
Show answer
erode
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Erode is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "corrode" or "deteriorate" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "build".
Related GRE Words
degenerate
To decline or deteriorate physically, mentally, or morally
curtail
To reduce in extent or quantity; impose a restriction on
dwindle
To diminish gradually in size, amount, or strength
mitigate
To make less severe, serious, or painful
truncate
To shorten by cutting off the top or the end
diminish
To make or become less
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