reluctance
Noun
Medium difficulty
What does “reluctance” mean?
noun.unwillingness or disinclination to do something.
SAT Usage
it often appears in contexts related to decision-making, personal conflicts, or emotional struggles. It emphasizes a psychological barrier or hesitation to take action, suggesting a deeper internal conflict rather than mere disinterest, which distinguishes it from synonyms like "indifference," which lacks the connotation of inner conflict.
Common Confusions
Reluctance implies a psychological barrier or hesitation to take action, while indifference usually suggests a lack of interest or concern altogether.
Do not choose reluctance if the context emphasizes eagerness or willingness rather than unwillingness or disinclination to do something.
Example Sentences
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She accepted the promotion with visible reluctance.
Word Parts: How to Remember “reluctance”
Break “reluctance” into its parts: re- (again, back). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.
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Prefix:
re-again, back (Latin)