Study for the SAT Vocabulary 2025 Test. Master vocabulary with flashcards and questions, each with detailed explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The word "dire" implies a sense of extreme seriousness or urgency, often in dire situations that require immediate attention or action. It conveys a feeling of gravity regarding the circumstances described, suggesting that there may be severe consequences if the situation is not addressed decisively. For example, you might use "dire" to describe a critical health emergency or a disastrous event that demands swift and serious intervention. This urgency and seriousness encapsulated in "dire" is central to understanding the term's connotation in various contexts.