licentious
Adjective
Hard difficulty
What does “licentious” mean?
adjective.promiscuous and unprincipled in sexual matters.
SAT Usage
this term often appears in passages discussing morality, societal norms, or critiques of behavior, particularly in historical or literary contexts. It emphasizes a lack of restraint or ethical considerations, distinguishing itself from similar words like "promiscuous," which may not inherently imply a disregard for principles.
Common Confusions
Licentious implies a blatant disregard for moral principles in sexual conduct, while promiscuous usually suggests a lack of restraint in sexual activity without necessarily indicating ethical implications.
Do not choose licentious if the context emphasizes restraint or moral behavior rather than being promiscuous and unprincipled in sexual matters.
Example Sentences
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His licentious lifestyle became the subject of public gossip.