prurient
Adjective
Hard difficulty
What does “prurient” mean?
adjective.having or encouraging an excessive interest in sexual matters.
SAT Usage
this term often appears in passages discussing morality, literature, or societal norms, emphasizing a voyeuristic or unhealthy preoccupation with sexual themes. It implies not just interest but an excessive or inappropriate focus, distinguishing it from more neutral terms like "curious" or "interested," which lack the negative connotation of moral impropriety.
Common Confusions
Prurient implies an excessive or inappropriate interest in sexual matters, while salacious usually suggests a strong but less morally charged fascination with sexual content.
Do not choose prurient if the context emphasizes innocence or purity rather than having or encouraging an excessive interest in sexual matters.
Example Sentences
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The tabloid was criticized for its prurient coverage of celebrities.