Ossify
hardNegative toneOS-ih-fy
verb
Definition
To become rigid or fixed in attitude, opinion, or habit
Memory hook
OSSI-FY: Turn to BONE (os) -- become rigid and inflexible like a skeleton.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“Over time, bureaucratic procedures ossified into inflexible rules.”
“His views on politics ossified as he aged.”
Categories
GRE Tip
Ossify is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "harden" or "solidify" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "soften".
Related GRE Words
dogmatic
Inclined to lay down principles as incontrovertibly true
petrify
To make someone so frightened that they are unable to move or think; to become hardened or rigid
intransigent
Unwilling or refusing to change one's views or agree; uncompromising
obdurate
Stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or course of action
aberrant
Deviating from what is normal or expected
aberration
A departure from what is normal, usual, or expected
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