obstreperous
Adjective
Hard difficulty
What does “obstreperous” mean?
adjective.noisy and difficult to control.
SAT Usage
this term often appears in contexts involving conflicts, unruly behavior, or chaotic situations, particularly in discussions of authority or social dynamics. It emphasizes a level of defiance and disruption that goes beyond mere loudness, distinguishing itself from similar words like "boisterous," which suggests noisy exuberance without the connotation of difficulty in control.
Common Confusions
Obstreperous implies a noisy and unruly defiance that is hard to control, while boisterous usually suggests a rowdy enthusiasm that is spirited but not necessarily disruptive or difficult to manage.
Example Sentences
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The obstreperous audience members were asked to leave the theater.
Word Parts: How to Remember “obstreperous”
Break “obstreperous” into its parts: ob- (against, toward). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.
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Prefix:
ob-against, toward (Latin)