Protean
hardPositive tonePROH-tee-un
adjective
Definition
readily able to change form or character; versatile
Memory hook
PROTEAN: think of PROTEUS, the shape-shifting sea-god — a protean person morphs and adapts into any form, endlessly versatile.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The protean actor could vanish into any role, from villain to saint.”
“Software must be protean enough to adapt to needs no one has yet imagined.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The ______ actor could vanish into any role, from villain to saint.”
Show answer
protean
Categories
GRE Tip
Protean is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "versatile" or "adaptable" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "fixed".
Related GRE Words
mutable
Liable or subject to change or alteration
ameliorate
To make something bad or unsatisfactory better
coalesce
to come together to form one unified whole
dissolution
the breaking up or dissolving of an assembly, bond, or organization
malleable
Easily influenced or changed; adaptable
metamorphose
To change or cause to change completely in form or nature
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