Plummet
mediumNegative tonePLUM-it
verb
Definition
to fall or drop sharply
Memory hook
PLUMMET: think 'PLUMB' (a heavy lead weight) — drop a chunk of lead off a cliff and it PLUMMETS straight down like a stone.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“Stock prices plummeted the moment the scandal broke.”
“The temperature plummeted overnight, coating the field in frost.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“Stock prices ______ the moment the scandal broke.”
Show answer
plummeted
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Plummet is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "plunge" or "tumble" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "soar".
Related GRE Words
oscillate
to swing back and forth; waver between positions or states
abate
To reduce in amount, degree, or intensity
affect
To have an influence on; to produce a change in (verb); emotional expression (noun in psychology)
catalyst
A person or thing that precipitates an event or change
ebb
To gradually decrease or decline; the movement of tide out to sea
emergent
In the process of coming into being or becoming prominent
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