Spartan
mediumNeutral toneSPAR-tun
adjective
Definition
Marked by simplicity, frugality, or avoidance of luxury and comfort
Memory hook
SPARTAN: Like the warriors of SPARTA -- no luxuries, just the bare essentials for survival.
Examples
“The soldier's living quarters were spartan and functional.”
“She preferred a spartan lifestyle free from material excess.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The soldier's living quarters were ______ and functional.”
Show answer
spartan
Categories
GRE Tip
Spartan is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "austere" or "ascetic" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "luxurious".
Related GRE Words
austere
Severe or strict in manner, attitude, or appearance; having no comforts or luxuries
recluse
A person who lives a solitary life and avoids other people
abstemious
Moderate in eating and drinking; self-restrained
ascetic
Characterized by severe self-discipline and abstention from indulgence
hermit
A person living in solitude, especially for religious reasons
parsimonious
Unwilling to spend money or use resources; stingy
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