illicit, arduous, drab, restrictive, selfish: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 2 set 137. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. illicit · adjective/ɪˈlɪsɪt/

   forbidden by law, rules, or customs

   The police arrested several individuals involved in an illicit drug trade that was operating in the city.

   Synonyms: illegal, unlawful, prohibited

   Origin: from Latin 'illicitus', meaning 'not allowed, forbidden' (in- 'not' + licitus 'permitted')

2. arduous · adjective/ˈɑrdʒ.u.əs/

   involving or requiring strenuous effort; difficult and tiring

   Climbing the mountain was an arduous journey that tested our physical limits.

   Synonyms: difficult, tiring, strenuous

   Origin: from Middle English 'arduous', from Latin 'arduus' meaning 'high, steep, difficult'

3. drab · adjective/dræb/

   lacking brightness or interest; drearily dull

   The drab colors of the walls made the entire room feel cold and uninviting.

   Synonyms: dull, dreary, bland

   Origin: Originated in the early 19th century, possibly from the dialectal term 'drab,' meaning 'a dull brown color,' which is related to the Old English 'drabe' referring to a dull color.

4. restrictive · adjective/rɪˈstrɪktɪv/

   imposing limitations or constraints

   The school implemented restrictive policies on student behavior, which limited their freedom to express themselves.

   Synonyms: limiting, constraining, inhibitive

   Origin: from Latin 'restrictus', meaning 'to restrain or limit'

5. selfish · adjective/ˈsɛl.fɪʃ/

   concerned excessively or exclusively with oneself and one's own advantages or welfare

   His selfish behavior during the group project made it difficult for anyone else to contribute their ideas.

   Synonyms: self-centered, self-serving, egotistical

   Origin: The word 'selfish' originated in the early 17th century, derived from 'self' + '-ish', meaning 'having the nature of self.'