Exploring the Meaning of Susceptible: How External Factors Influence Us
This video explores the important GRE vocabulary word ‘susceptible’, which describes our tendencies to be easily affected or influenced by external factors. Learn the definition, word history, antonyms, synonyms, and proper usage of this versatile adjective through engaging examples.
Have you ever felt particularly vulnerable to a cold during flu season? Or noticed how easily influenced you are by certain advertising techniques?
If so, you’ve experienced what it means to be susceptible. Today, we’re exploring this important GRE vocabulary word that describes our tendencies to be affected by external factors.
Word type: Susceptible is an adjective. It’s used to describe people, animals, or things that are easily influenced, affected, or harmed by something.
Meaning: The word susceptible has two primary meanings. First, it refers to being likely or liable to be influenced or harmed by a particular thing.
Second, it can mean being very sensitive to the effects of something, especially in a medical context.
Word history: Susceptible comes from the Latin word susceptibilis, which means capable of submitting to an action.
It’s derived from the verb suscipere, meaning to undertake or support, which itself comes from sub, meaning under, and capere, meaning to take.
Antonyms: Some antonyms of susceptible include resistant, immune, and invulnerable. These words describe the opposite state of being unaffected or uninfluenced by external factors.
Synonyms: Synonyms for susceptible include vulnerable, prone, sensitive, and impressionable. These words all convey the idea of being easily affected or influenced.
Examples use in sentences: Let’s look at some examples of how to use susceptible in sentences. Children are often more susceptible to peer pressure than adults.
The old computer system was susceptible to viruses and needed to be updated. People with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to infections.
She found herself susceptible to flattery, often believing compliments too readily. Common errors in use:
One common error when using susceptible is confusing it with suspicious. While susceptible means easily influenced or affected, suspicious means having or showing distrust.
Another mistake is using susceptible without the preposition to. Remember, we say susceptible to something, not just susceptible something.
Understanding and correctly using the word susceptible can greatly enhance your vocabulary for the GRE.
It’s a versatile word that applies to many situations, from discussing medical conditions to describing personality traits.
By mastering words like susceptible, you’re not just preparing for a test, but also enriching your ability to express complex ideas in English.
