Fugitive
mediumNegative toneFYOO-jih-tiv
adjective
Definition
Quick to disappear; fleeting; a person who has escaped
Memory hook
FUG-ITIVE: one who FLEES — a person who has escaped, or something fleeting and hard to grasp.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“She tried to capture the fugitive beauty of the sunset.”
“His fugitive thoughts were difficult to pin down.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“She tried to capture the ______ beauty of the sunset.”
Show answer
fugitive
Categories
GRE Tip
Fugitive is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "fleeting" or "ephemeral" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "permanent".
Related GRE Words
evanescent
Soon passing out of sight, memory, or existence; quickly fading or disappearing
ephemeral
Lasting for a very short time; transitory
transient
Lasting only for a short time; temporary
transitory
Not permanent; lasting only for a short time
fleeting
Lasting for a very short time; passing quickly
momentary
Lasting for a very short time; brief
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