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GRE vocabulary

inert

adjectiveHigh-frequency wordMore I words

lacking the power to move or act; inactive

Word origin: From Latin iners, without skill or inactive, from ars, skill.

In a sentence

Inert in a sentence

Here are example sentences showing inert in a sentence.

The patient lay inert on the gurney, unresponsive to the doctors' questions.

The catalyst remained inert until the temperature rose, at which point the reaction proceeded rapidly.

Synonyms
inactivemotionlessdormantpassive
Antonyms
activedynamic
Usage & nuance

Using “inert” well

Inert describes a lack of power to move or act, whether physical or figurative, and it contrasts with active and dynamic.

Common questions

Questions about “inert

Inert (adjective) means lacking the power to move or act; inactive
Here is inert used in an example sentence: "The patient lay inert on the gurney, unresponsive to the doctors' questions." Another example: "The catalyst remained inert until the temperature rose, at which point the reaction proceeded rapidly."
Common synonyms for inert include inactive, motionless, dormant, passive.
Antonyms of inert include active, dynamic.
Inert clusters with inactive, motionless, dormant, and passive. Its antonyms active and dynamic mark the contrast.
Yes. Inert is a high-frequency GRE word, so it is worth prioritising as you build your vocabulary.

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