Navigating the Complexities of Invidious Comparisons
Explore the meaning and usage of the word ‘invidious’, which describes situations that are likely to arouse resentment or animosity through unfair discrimination. Learn how to properly apply this sophisticated vocabulary in various contexts, from workplace performance reviews to political debates.
Imagine you’re at a company party, and your boss asks you to compare your coworkers’ performances. Sounds like an uncomfortable situation, right?
Well, that’s exactly what the word invidious describes.
Word type: Invidious is an adjective. It’s pronounced in-VID-ee-us.
Meaning: Invidious means likely to arouse or incur resentment, animosity, or ill will, especially by being unfairly discriminatory.
It can also describe something that’s unpleasant or difficult because it involves making a choice between equally undesirable alternatives.
Word history: The word invidious comes from the Latin word invidiosus, meaning full of envy or hatred.
It’s derived from the Latin word invidia, which means envy or jealousy. This root is also the source of our English word envy.
Antonyms: Some antonyms of invidious include fair, just, unbiased, and equitable.
Synonyms: Synonyms for invidious include offensive, unjust, discriminatory, and odious.
Examples use in sentences: Here are a few examples to help you understand how to use invidious in context.
The professor faced an invidious task of choosing only three students for the prestigious internship program.
The journalist’s invidious comparison between the two political candidates sparked controversy and accusations of bias.
Making invidious distinctions between employees based on their personal backgrounds rather than their performance is not only unethical but often illegal.
Common errors in use: One common mistake is confusing invidious with envious. While they share a Latin root, their meanings are quite different.
Envious means feeling or showing envy, while invidious describes something that causes negative feelings in others.
Another error is using invidious to simply mean unpleasant or disagreeable, without the element of unfairness or resentment.
Understanding and correctly using words like invidious can significantly boost your performance on the GRE verbal section.
It’s not just about expanding your vocabulary, but also about grasping the nuances and contexts of these words.
Remember, invidious situations are those that unfairly create ill will or resentment, often involving difficult choices or comparisons.
By mastering such precise and sophisticated vocabulary, you’ll be better equipped to tackle the challenging verbal questions on the GRE.
