The Outcast: Understanding the Power of the Word ‘Pariah’
Explore the meaning, origin, and usage of the impactful word ‘pariah’ – a person who is rejected and ostracized by society. Learn how to effectively incorporate this sophisticated vocabulary term into your writing and speech to enhance your GRE performance.
Imagine being completely shunned by your community, treated as an outcast, and avoided by everyone around you.
This is the essence of being a pariah, a powerful word that can elevate your vocabulary and your GRE score.
Let’s explore this impactful term and learn how to use it effectively.
Word type: Pariah is a noun. It is pronounced as puh-RYE-uh.
Meaning: A pariah is a person who is rejected, ostracized, or shunned by society or a particular group.
It refers to someone who is treated as an outcast or considered unacceptable due to their actions, beliefs, or circumstances.
Word history: The term pariah has an interesting origin. It comes from the Tamil word paraiyar, which referred to a low-status social group in southern India.
The word was adopted into English in the early seventeen hundreds and has since evolved to describe any person who is ostracized or rejected by society.
Antonyms: Some antonyms for pariah include insider, favorite, and accepted individual.
Synonyms: Synonyms for pariah include outcast, exile, leper in a figurative sense, and social reject.
Examples use in sentences: Here are a few examples to help you understand how to use pariah in context.
After the scandal, the once-respected politician became a pariah in Washington, shunned by former allies and constituents alike.
The whistleblower found himself a pariah within the company, isolated by coworkers who feared associating with him.
Despite her groundbreaking research, the scientist was treated as a pariah by her peers who were threatened by her unconventional methods.
Common errors in use: One common mistake is confusing pariah with paragon. While a pariah is someone shunned or rejected, a paragon is a model of excellence or perfection.
Another error is using pariah as an adjective. Remember, it’s a noun, so instead of saying pariah behavior, you should say behavior that would make someone a pariah.
Understanding and correctly using words like pariah can significantly enhance your vocabulary and improve your performance on the GRE verbal section.
Practice using this word in your own sentences to fully grasp its meaning and usage. With consistent effort, you’ll find yourself using sophisticated vocabulary with confidence and precision.
