SAT Vocab: Understanding ‘Indiscriminate’
Learn the meaning, usage, and importance of the word ‘indiscriminate’ for the SAT. This video covers the definition, word type, etymology, synonyms, antonyms, example sentences, and common mistakes to avoid when using this vocabulary term.
Imagine throwing darts at a dartboard while blindfolded. You’d be hitting targets randomly, without any specific aim.
That’s exactly what our word of the day, indiscriminate, is all about. Let’s explore this important SAT vocabulary word and how you can use it to boost your score.
Word type: Indiscriminate is an adjective.
Meaning: Indiscriminate means done at random or without careful judgment.
It describes actions or choices made without discrimination or distinction, often in a careless or thoughtless manner.
Word history: The word indiscriminate comes from the Latin prefix in meaning not, and discriminatus, the past participle of discriminare, which means to distinguish between.
So, indiscriminate literally means not distinguishing or not making careful distinctions.
Antonyms: Some antonyms of indiscriminate include selective, discerning, careful, and judicious.
Synonyms: Synonyms for indiscriminate include random, haphazard, arbitrary, and undiscerning.
Examples use in sentences:
The tornado caused indiscriminate destruction, damaging both old and new buildings in its path. The politician’s indiscriminate promises to every group he met soon made voters doubt his sincerity.
The library’s indiscriminate acceptance of book donations led to an eclectic and sometimes bizarre collection.
Common errors in use: One common mistake is confusing indiscriminate with discriminate. Remember, indiscriminate means without careful choice, while discriminate means to recognize a distinction or to differentiate.
Another error is using indiscriminate when describing a single, specific choice. Indiscriminate typically refers to multiple actions or choices made without careful consideration.
Understanding and using the word indiscriminate correctly can help you in both the reading and writing sections of the SAT.
Remember, it’s about actions or choices made randomly or without careful thought. Whether you’re describing destruction, decision-making, or even dart-throwing, indiscriminate is a powerful word to add to your vocabulary arsenal.
