Insularity
hardNegative tonein-suh-LAIR-uh-tee
noun
Definition
narrow-mindedness resulting from isolation
Memory hook
INSULARITY: think 'INSULA' = ISLAND — a tiny islander who never left home and thinks the whole world ends at his beach, sneering at outsiders.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The village's insularity bred a suspicion of anyone born beyond its borders.”
“Critics faulted the academic field for an insularity that ignored work in neighboring disciplines.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The village's ______ bred a suspicion of anyone born beyond its borders.”
Show answer
insularity
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Insularity is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "parochialism" or "narrow-mindedness" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "cosmopolitanism".
Related GRE Words
aberrant
Deviating from what is normal or expected
artless
free of guile or pretense; naturally simple and sincere
capricious
Given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior
circumspect
Wary and unwilling to take risks; cautious
complaisant
Willing to please others; obliging; agreeable
conciliatory
intended to placate or win goodwill; appeasing
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