arduous
Medium difficulty
What does “arduous” mean?
involving or requiring strenuous effort; difficult and tiring.
SAT Usage
This term often appears in passages discussing challenges, perseverance, or the nature of work in various contexts, such as literature or history. It emphasizes not just difficulty but also the sustained effort required to overcome obstacles, distinguishing it from similar words like "challenging," which may not convey the same level of exhaustion or intensity.
Common Confusions
Arduous implies a demanding and exhausting effort over time, while challenging usually suggests difficulty that may not require sustained exertion or intense struggle.
Do not choose arduous if the context emphasizes ease or simplicity rather than involving or requiring strenuous effort; difficult and tiring.
Example Sentences
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The climb was arduous, but the summit view was worth it.