Inadvertent
mediumNeutral tonein-ad-VUR-tent
adjective
Definition
Not resulting from or achieved through deliberate planning
Memory hook
IN-AD-VERT-ent: NOT TURNING your attention toward it - an accidental slip because you weren't looking.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The leak of information was inadvertent, not malicious.”
“She made an inadvertent error in the calculation.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The leak of information was ______, not malicious.”
Show answer
inadvertent
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Inadvertent is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "unintentional" or "accidental" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "deliberate".
Related GRE Words
unwitting
Not aware of the full facts; unintentional
fortuitous
Happening by chance; lucky or fortunate
spontaneous
Performed or occurring as a result of a sudden inner impulse without premeditation
unconscious
Not conscious; unaware; done without awareness
abate
To reduce in amount, degree, or intensity
abiding
Lasting for a long time; enduring and unchanging
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