Stagnate
mediumNegative toneSTAG-nayt
verb
Definition
To cease developing; to become inactive or dull
Memory hook
STAG-NATE: Like a STAGNANT pond -- no flow, no growth, just sitting still and going nowhere.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“Without innovation, the company will stagnate.”
“The economy stagnated during the recession.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“Without innovation, the company will ______.”
Show answer
stagnate
Categories
GRE Tip
Stagnate is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "languish" or "stall" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "progress".
Related GRE Words
flag
(verb) To become tired or less enthusiastic; to decline in vigor
slothful
Lazy; unwilling to work or exert effort
indolent
Wanting to avoid activity or exertion; lazy
arrest
(verb) To stop or check the progress of something; to seize by legal authority
degenerate
To decline or deteriorate physically, mentally, or morally
deteriorate
To become progressively worse
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