parasite
an organism that lives on or in a host and benefits at the host's expense, or a person who habitually exploits others
Word origin: From Greek parasitos, one who eats at another's table.
Parasite in a sentence
Here are example sentences showing parasite in a sentence.
He was regarded as a parasite who borrowed money from friends with no intention of repaying it.
The essay argues that absentee landlords functioned as economic parasites, drawing wealth from tenants while contributing nothing.
Using “parasite” well
Beyond biology, parasite is a sharp insult for someone who lives off others' efforts. Note that host is its biological opposite, the organism the parasite exploits.
More GRE words starting with P
to calm or soothe someone who is angry or agitated
a song or expression of joyful praise or triumph
done with careful and thorough effort
agreeable to the taste or acceptable to the mind
resembling a palace in size or grandeur
rebirth, regeneration, or renewal into a new existence
to ease the severity of something without curing it
pale or lacking vitality and color
Questions about “parasite”
Learn words the way the GRE tests them.
Vocabulary sticks when you meet it in real sentences. Practise these words inside text completion and sentence equivalence questions.