Mastering the Versatile Word ‘Squat’ for the GRE
Explore the various meanings and uses of the word ‘squat’ as a verb, noun, and adjective, and learn how to leverage this versatile vocabulary for the GRE exam.
Picture a burly weightlifter at the gym, bending his knees and lowering his body parallel to the ground, then pushing back up.
This powerful exercise is called a squat, but did you know that squat is more than just a workout move?
It’s a versatile word that can significantly boost your GRE vocabulary. Let’s explore its various meanings and uses.
Word type: Squat can function as a verb, noun, or adjective, making it a triple threat in your vocabulary arsenal.
Meaning: As a verb, squat means to crouch or sit with your knees bent and your heels close to or touching your buttocks.
It can also mean to settle on or occupy property illegally. As a noun, it refers to the act of squatting or the posture of squatting.
As an adjective, squat describes something short and thick or low-built.
Word history: The word squat has an interesting etymology.
It comes from the Middle English squatten, which likely originated from the Old French esquatir, meaning to flatten.
This, in turn, came from the Latin excoactare, formed from ex meaning thoroughly and coactare meaning to press together.
Antonyms: Some antonyms for squat include stand, rise, and tower. When used as an adjective, antonyms might include tall, slender, or elongated.
Synonyms: Synonyms for squat include crouch, hunker, stoop, and huddle. As an adjective, synonyms might be stocky, stubby, or thickset.
Examples use in sentences: As a verb: The hikers had to squat under a rocky overhang to avoid the sudden downpour.
As a noun: The fitness instructor demonstrated the proper form for a squat before the class began their workout.
As an adjective: The squat building seemed out of place among the towering skyscrapers of the city. Common errors in use:
One common mistake is confusing squat with squash. While squat refers to a posture or illegal occupation, squash means to crush or squeeze.
Another error is using squat as a quantifier incorrectly. In informal usage, squat can mean absolutely nothing, as in I know squat about quantum physics.
However, this usage is too casual for formal writing or the GRE. Understanding the word squat in its various forms and contexts can give you an edge in the GRE verbal section.
Remember its multiple functions as a verb, noun, and adjective, and practice using it in different sentences.
By mastering versatile words like squat, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle the vocabulary challenges of the GRE.
