Quintessential
hardPositive tonekwin-tuh-SEN-shul
adjective
Definition
Representing the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class
Memory hook
QUINT-ESSENTIAL: the FIFTH ESSENCE (ancient perfect element beyond earth/water/air/fire) - the purest example possible.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“He was the quintessential English gentleman.”
“This building is quintessential Art Deco architecture.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“He was the ______ English gentleman.”
Show answer
quintessential
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Quintessential is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "archetypal" or "definitive" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "atypical".
Related GRE Words
archetypal
Very typical of a certain kind of person or thing
accomplished
Highly trained or skilled; completed successfully
conclusive
Serving to prove a case; decisive or convincing
epitome
A person or thing that is a perfect example of a particular quality or type
aberrant
Deviating from what is normal or expected
aberration
A departure from what is normal, usual, or expected
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