Ingenious
mediumPositive tonein-JEEN-yus
adjective
Definition
Clever, original, and inventive
Memory hook
IN-GENIUS: having inner GENIUS — cleverly inventive and resourceful (not ingenuous = naive).
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The engineer devised an ingenious solution to the problem.”
“Her ingenious marketing strategy doubled sales.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The engineer devised an ______ solution to the problem.”
Show answer
ingenious
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Ingenious is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "inventive" or "resourceful" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "unimaginative".
Related GRE Words
innovative
Featuring new methods; advanced and original
pioneering
Involving new ideas or methods
versatile
Able to adapt or be adapted to many different functions or activities
novel
New or unusual in an interesting way
shrewd
Having or showing sharp powers of judgment; astute
astute
Having or showing an ability to accurately assess situations or people and turn this to one's advantage
Master ingenious and 1,000+ GRE words
Learn through stories, practice with real GRE questions, and never forget with spaced repetition.