perfunctory
Adjective
Hard difficulty
What does “perfunctory” mean?
adjective.(of an action or gesture) carried out with a minimum of effort or reflection.
SAT Usage
this term is often found in contexts related to routine tasks, relationships, or professional duties, emphasizing a lack of enthusiasm or genuine engagement. It suggests a mechanical or superficial approach, contrasting with words like "ardent" or "enthusiastic," which indicate a deeper level of commitment or passion.
Common Confusions
Perfunctory implies a lack of effort or genuine engagement, while diligent usually suggests careful and persistent effort in completing a task with commitment and enthusiasm.
Example Sentences
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He gave the request only a perfunctory glance before declining.
Word Parts: How to Remember “perfunctory”
Break “perfunctory” into its parts: per- (through, thoroughly) + -fac- (make, do). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.
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Prefix:
per-through, thoroughly (Latin) -
Root:
-fac-make, do (Latin)