arrogate

What does “arrogate” mean?

verb.to take or claim something without justification.

SAT Usage

This term often appears in contexts related to authority, governance, or ethical dilemmas, emphasizing the unjust or presumptuous nature of claiming rights or privileges. It implies a violation of moral or legal boundaries, distinguishing it from similar words like "claim," which lacks the negative connotation of illegitimacy.

Common Confusions

Arrogate implies taking something without justification, while claim usually suggests asserting a right or ownership that may be legitimate.

Example Sentences

• He tried to arrogate powers that did not belong to him.

• Many students arrogate to attend prestigious universities after graduation.

Word Parts: How to Remember “arrogate”

Break “arrogate” into its parts: ad- (to, toward). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.

• Prefix: ad- to, toward (Latin)