volatile
Noun
Medium difficulty
What does “volatile” mean?
noun.liable to change rapidly and unpredictably.
SAT Usage
this term is often used in contexts related to economics, science, or emotional states, emphasizing unpredictability and potential danger. It implies a tendency for rapid change that can lead to instability, distinguishing it from words like "fickle," which suggests inconsistency but lacks the inherent risk associated with volatility.
Common Confusions
Volatile implies a tendency for rapid and potentially dangerous change, while fickle usually suggests a whimsical inconsistency without the associated risk of instability.
Do not choose volatile if the context emphasizes stability or predictability rather than the liability to change rapidly and unpredictably.
Example Sentences
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Gasoline is volatile and must be stored carefully away from heat.