antipathy

What does “antipathy” mean?

noun.a deep-seated feeling of dislike; aversion.

SAT Usage

This term often appears in passages discussing interpersonal relationships, social conflicts, or political tensions. It emphasizes a strong, often irrational, dislike that goes beyond mere preference, contrasting with milder terms like "dislike" or "aversion," which do not convey the same intensity or depth of feeling.

Common Confusions

Antipathy implies a strong, deep-seated aversion, while dislike usually suggests a milder, less intense feeling of disapproval or distaste.

Example Sentences

• He felt a deep antipathy toward bureaucratic procedures.

• The antipathy she felt was overwhelming.

Word Parts: How to Remember “antipathy”

Break “antipathy” into its parts: anti- (against) + -path- (feeling, suffering). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.

• Prefix: anti- against (Greek)
• Root: -path- feeling, suffering (Greek)