disaffected

What does “disaffected” mean?

adjective.dissatisfied with the people in authority and no longer willing to support them.

SAT Usage

the term often appears in contexts related to social unrest, political dissatisfaction, or generational conflict. It emphasizes a deep sense of disappointment and alienation from authority figures, highlighting a loss of trust that goes beyond mere dissatisfaction, distinguishing it from words like "discontent," which may not carry the same connotation of active disengagement or rebellion.

Common Confusions

Disaffected implies a profound disconnection and active disengagement from authority, while discontent usually suggests a general sense of dissatisfaction without the same level of rebellion or alienation.

Example Sentences

• Disaffected youth turned away from mainstream institutions.

Word Parts: How to Remember “disaffected”

Break “disaffected” into its parts: di- (apart, away). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.

• Prefix: di- apart, away (Latin)