Idyllic: meaning and SAT practice

Idyllic (adjective) means: Extremely happy, peaceful, and perfect in every way.

Idyllic in a sentence

They spent an idyllic summer vacation in the countryside.

Similar: perfect, blissful, peaceful, serene, picturesque. Opposite: chaotic, turbulent, miserable.

SAT-style practice: what does “idyllic” most nearly mean?

They spent an idyllic summer vacation in the countryside.

As used in the sentence, “idyllic” most nearly means

  1. flawless
  2. formidable
  3. controversial
  4. perfect
Show the answer

Answer: D. “idyllic” means: Extremely happy, peaceful, and perfect in every way. “perfect” is the closest match in this sentence. The other choices are real SAT-level words, but none of them carries that meaning here.

On the digital SAT this is the “Words in Context” skill, about 7 of the 54 Reading and Writing questions. The test asks what a word means as used in the passage, so a word’s most common meaning is not always the answer. More of these, with full explanations, are on SAT Words in Context practice questions.

  • equanimous: Calm and even-tempered, not easily disturbed or angered.
  • imperturbable: Remaining calm and composed even in difficult or stressful situations.
  • placid: Calm, peaceful, and not easily disturbed or excited.
  • phlegmatic: Calm and not easily excited or bothered by things.
  • scintillating: Brilliantly clever, witty, or sparkling with light and energy.
  • punctilious: Very careful about details and proper behavior or conduct.

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