What does being saturnine signify about a person's temperament?

Boost your GRE vocabulary skills with engaging flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question offers hints and explanations to improve understanding and confidence for the exam!

The term "saturnine" is derived from the characteristics historically associated with the planet Saturn, which were thought to represent melancholy and gloominess in traditional astrological beliefs. When describing a person's temperament as saturnine, it indicates that they have a somber, moody, or pessimistic disposition. This adjective often conveys a sense of seriousness and a lack of cheerfulness, aligning well with a gloomy demeanor.

In contrast, options reflecting cheerful, carefree, or obedient dispositions do not capture the essence of saturnine, which specifically denotes a darker, more melancholic temperament. Thus, identifying a person as saturnine effectively communicates a sense of gloom.

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