irascible

What does “irascible” mean?

adjective.having or showing a tendency to be easily angered.

SAT Usage

this term often appears in contexts related to character analysis, particularly in literature or psychology passages. It emphasizes a volatile temperament that can lead to conflict, distinguishing it from similar words like "irritated," which suggests annoyance without the same intensity of anger.

Common Confusions

Irascible implies a quick and intense anger that can lead to explosive outbursts, while annoyed usually suggests a milder, more passive feeling of displeasure without the same level of intensity.

Example Sentences

• The irascible old man yelled at anyone who stepped on his lawn.

• The irascible chef bellowed at the sous-chef for the slightest mistake, turning the kitchen into a tense battlefield of culinary perfection.

Word Parts: How to Remember “irascible”

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

• Prefix: ir- not (Latin)