The teacher struggled to maintain order in the classroom due to the unruly behavior of some students.
synonyms
disorderlyuntamedrebellious
word origin — Middle English, from 'un-' meaning 'not' + 'ruly' from 'rule' (from Old French 'reule', from Latin 'regula')
unruly, forthright, apprehensive, grandiloquent, droll: meanings and examples
Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 3 set 124. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.
unruly · adjective/ʌnˈruli/
not submissive to discipline or control
The teacher struggled to maintain order in the classroom due to the unruly behavior of some students.
Synonyms: disorderly, untamed, rebellious
Origin: Middle English, from 'un-' meaning 'not' + 'ruly' from 'rule' (from Old French 'reule', from Latin 'regula')
forthright · adjective/ˈfɔrθraɪt/
direct and outspoken in manner or speech
Her forthright manner made it easy for everyone in the meeting to understand her position on the issues at hand.
Synonyms: frank, candid, honest
Origin: Middle English 'forthright', from Old English 'forðan' (forward) + 'riht' (right).
apprehensive · adjective/ˌæp.rɪˈhɛn.sɪv/
anxious or fearful that something bad or unpleasant will happen
Despite her excitement about the upcoming trip, she felt apprehensive about flying for the first time.
Synonyms: anxious, eager, uneasy
Origin: from Latin 'apprehensivus', meaning 'capable of seizing or apprehending', from 'apprehendere' meaning 'to seize, grasp, or take hold of'.
grandiloquent · adjective/ɡrænˈdɪləkwənt/
using lofty or pompous language
The politician's grandiloquent speeches often left the audience in awe, though few could decipher the actual message behind the lofty rhetoric.
Synonyms: pompous, verbose, pretentious
Origin: The word 'grandiloquent' comes from the Latin 'grandiloquens', which means 'speaking grandly', from 'grandis' meaning 'great' and 'loqui' meaning 'to speak'.
droll · adjective/droʊl/
curiously unusual or amusing
The comedian's droll humor kept the audience laughing throughout the entire show.
Synonyms: quirky, whimsical, funny
Origin: From the French word 'drôle', meaning 'odd', 'funny'.