The police arrested several individuals involved in an illicit drug trade that was operating in the city.
synonyms
illegalunlawfulprohibited
word origin — from Latin 'illicitus', meaning 'not allowed, forbidden' (in- 'not' + licitus 'permitted')
SAT Vocabulary Level 2 — Set 137
Set 137 of SAT Vocabulary Level 2 covers 5 words: illicit, arduous, drab, restrictive, selfish. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.
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')
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'
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.
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'
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.