Patent
mediumNeutral tonePAY-tunt
adjective
Definition
(adjective) Easily recognizable; obvious; blatant
Memory hook
A PATENT makes an invention OPEN and obvious to all — patent (adj.) means clearly evident.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“His patent dishonesty was apparent to everyone.”
“The report contained patent falsehoods.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“His ______ dishonesty was apparent to everyone.”
Show answer
patent
Categories
GRE Tip
Patent is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "obvious" or "manifest" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "hidden".
Related GRE Words
apparent
Clearly visible or understood; seeming real or true but not necessarily so
manifest
Clear or obvious; to display or show
palpable
so intense as to seem almost touchable; readily perceived
evident
Plain or obvious; clearly seen or understood
transparent
Easy to perceive or detect; open and frank
conspicuous
Standing out so as to be clearly visible; attracting notice
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