inviolable

Adjective

Hard difficulty

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What does “inviolable” mean?

adjective.never to be broken, infringed, or dishonored.

SAT Usage

this term often appears in contexts related to ethics, rights, or sacred values, emphasizing the idea of protection against violation or disrespect. It suggests a deep-seated sanctity or importance, distinguishing it from similar words like "sacred," which may not always carry the same connotation of being untouchable or inviolable.

Common Confusions

Inviolable implies an absolute protection against violation, while sacred usually suggests a revered status that may still allow for interpretation or challenge.

Do not choose inviolable if the context emphasizes flexibility or change rather than something that is never to be broken, infringed, or dishonored.

Example Sentences

  • The privacy of the confessional is considered inviolable.

Word Parts: How to Remember “inviolable”

Break “inviolable” into its parts: in- (not). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.

  • Prefix: in- not (Latin)
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