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scurrilous

adjective/ˈskɜːrələss/

making scandalous claims about someone with the intent to harm their reputation

The politician's career was nearly ruined by a series of scurrilous attacks from his opponents during the campaign.

slanderousdefamatorylibelous
word origin — from Latin 'scurrilis', meaning 'raucous' or 'scurrilous', derived from 'scurrus', meaning ' buffoon' or 'mocker'.

SAT Vocabulary Level 3 — Set 252

Set 252 of SAT Vocabulary Level 3 covers 5 words: scurrilous, mercurial, deferential, ashen, replete. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

  1. scurrilous · adjective/ˈskɜːrələss/

    making scandalous claims about someone with the intent to harm their reputation

    The politician's career was nearly ruined by a series of scurrilous attacks from his opponents during the campaign.

    Synonyms: slanderous, defamatory, libelous

    Origin: from Latin 'scurrilis', meaning 'raucous' or 'scurrilous', derived from 'scurrus', meaning ' buffoon' or 'mocker'.

  2. mercurial · adjective/mɚˈkjʊr.i.əl/

    characterized by rapid and unpredictable changes in mood or temperament

    His mercurial temperament made it difficult for his friends to predict how he would react in any given situation.

    Synonyms: volatile, capricious, fickle

    Origin: from Latin 'mercurialis', from 'Mercurius' (Mercury), the Roman god of messengers, implying swift change

  3. deferential · adjective/ˌdɛf.əˈrɛn.ʃəl/

    showing polite respect or submission to someone else's opinion or wishes

    The young employee was deferential to his manager's suggestions, seeking to earn her trust and approval.

    Synonyms: respectful, submissive, courteous

    Origin: from Latin 'dēfērentialis', from 'dēfērre' meaning to carry away, derived from 'de' (from) + 'ferre' (to carry)

  4. ashen · adjective/ˈæʃən/

    pale or gray in color resembling ash

    After the long illness, her face looked ashen and devoid of life.

    Synonyms: pale, gray, wan

    Origin: from Old English 'æsc', related to ash, in a reference to color resembling ash

  5. replete · adjective/rɪˈpliːt/

    filled or well-supplied with something

    The garden was replete with vibrant flowers and lush greenery, creating a stunning visual spectacle.

    Synonyms: full, overflowing, abundant

    Origin: from Latin 'repletus', past participle of 'replere', meaning 'to fill up again' (re- 'again' + plere 'to fill')