Gratuitous
hardNegative tonegruh-TOO-i-tuhs
adjective
Definition
uncalled-for; given or done without good reason
Memory hook
GRATUITOUS sounds like 'gratuity' (a free tip)—but here it's something handed out FREELY for no reason at all; uncalled-for and excessive.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The film was criticized for its gratuitous violence, which served no purpose.”
“Her gratuitous insult stung all the more because no one had provoked her.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The film was criticized for its ______ violence, which served no purpose.”
Show answer
gratuitous
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Gratuitous is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "unwarranted" or "unnecessary" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "justified".
Related GRE Words
adulatory
Excessively praising or admiring; fawning
florid
excessively ornate or elaborate in style
inundate
To overwhelm with things or people to be dealt with
profligate
Recklessly extravagant or wasteful in the use of resources
surfeit
An excessive amount of something; overindulgence
unconscionable
Not right or reasonable; excessive; unscrupulous
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