depravity

What does “depravity” mean?

noun.moral corruption; wickedness.

SAT Usage

the term is often found in passages discussing moral philosophy, societal issues, or character analysis, highlighting themes of ethical decline or societal decay. It emphasizes a profound level of moral failure, distinguishing it from terms like "immorality," which may not convey the same depth of corruption or the implications of a pervasive, systemic nature of wickedness.

Common Confusions

Depravity implies a profound level of moral corruption, while immorality usually suggests a lesser degree of unethical behavior without the same pervasive or systemic connotations.

Example Sentences

• The trial revealed the full depravity of his crimes.

• The novel explored the depths of human depravity, showcasing characters who succumbed to their darkest desires without remorse.

Word Parts: How to Remember “depravity”

Break “depravity” into its parts: de- (down, away, un-). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.

• Prefix: de- down, away, un- (Latin)