SAT Vocabulary Week 10
Accord (n.) an agreement
Aftermuch negotiating, England and Iceland finally came to a mutually
beneficial accord about fishing rights off the cost of Greenland.
Maxim (n.) a common saying expressing a principle of conduct
Miss Manners’s etiquette maxims are both entertaining and instructional.
Medley (n.) a mixture of differing things
Susannah’s wardrobe contained an astonishing medley of colors, from olive green to
fluorescent pink.
}mendacious
(adj.)
having a lying, false character
The
mendacious
content coming
from Charlie Sheen’s mouth is at
least entertaining.
}nominal
(adj.)
trifling, insignificant
Because
he
was moving the following week and
needed to
get rid of his furniture more than he needed money, Jordan sold
everything for
a nominal fee.
}panacea
(n.)
a remedy for all ills or difficulties
Doctors
wish
there was a single panacea
for every
disease, but sadly there is not.
}paradigm
(n.)
an example that is a perfect pattern or model
Because
the
new SUV was
so popular,
it became the paradigm upon which all others were modeled.
}reciprocate
(v.)
to give in return
When
Steve
gave Samantha a sweater for Christmas,
shereciprocated
by giving him a kiss.
}retract
(v.)
withdraw
As
the
media worked itself into a frenzy, the publicist hurriedly
retracted his
client’s racist
statement.
}somnolent
(adj.)
sleepy, drowsy
The
somnolent
student kept falling asleep and waking
up with
a jerk.
}ruminate
(v.)
to contemplate, reflect
Terry
liked
to ruminate while sitting on the banks
of the
river, staring pensively into the water.
}debunk
(v.)
to expose the falseness of something
He
debunked
her claim to be the
world’s greatest
chess player by defeating her in 18 consecutive matches.
Aftermuch negotiating, England and Iceland finally came to a mutually
beneficial accord about fishing rights off the cost of Greenland.
Maxim (n.) a common saying expressing a principle of conduct
Miss Manners’s etiquette maxims are both entertaining and instructional.
Medley (n.) a mixture of differing things
Susannah’s wardrobe contained an astonishing medley of colors, from olive green to
fluorescent pink.
}mendacious
(adj.)
having a lying, false character
The
mendacious
content coming
from Charlie Sheen’s mouth is at
least entertaining.
}nominal
(adj.)
trifling, insignificant
Because
he
was moving the following week and
needed to
get rid of his furniture more than he needed money, Jordan sold
everything for
a nominal fee.
}panacea
(n.)
a remedy for all ills or difficulties
Doctors
wish
there was a single panacea
for every
disease, but sadly there is not.
}paradigm
(n.)
an example that is a perfect pattern or model
Because
the
new SUV was
so popular,
it became the paradigm upon which all others were modeled.
}reciprocate
(v.)
to give in return
When
Steve
gave Samantha a sweater for Christmas,
shereciprocated
by giving him a kiss.
}retract
(v.)
withdraw
As
the
media worked itself into a frenzy, the publicist hurriedly
retracted his
client’s racist
statement.
}somnolent
(adj.)
sleepy, drowsy
The
somnolent
student kept falling asleep and waking
up with
a jerk.
}ruminate
(v.)
to contemplate, reflect
Terry
liked
to ruminate while sitting on the banks
of the
river, staring pensively into the water.
}debunk
(v.)
to expose the falseness of something
He
debunked
her claim to be the
world’s greatest
chess player by defeating her in 18 consecutive matches.
SAT Vocabulary Week 9
1. auspiciously (adv.) in a way that suggests a positive outcome; favorably
Our vacation began auspiciously when we found $100 on the ground.
2. discomfiture (n.) frustration or disappointment; embarrassment
Tess tripped Sophia and laughed at her discomfiture.
3. insular (adj.) detached; standing alone; isolated
The Justin and Selena went to the insular island on vacation so they could escape the paparazzi.
4. latent (adj.) hidden; present but not visible
The football coach believes Tyler has a latent ability to throw a football even though it certainly has not revealed itself.
5. divers (adj.) several; various
The newspaper contains divers articles, which consist of world, national and local news.
6. malignant (adj.) causing or intending harm
Ashwin’s prank on the 6th grader was considered malignant, and he was given ISS.
7. unwonted (adj.) unusual; out of the ordinary
We did not recognize the unwonted aircraft in the sky.
8. callowness (n.) immaturity
His callowness was unbelievably annoying so we banned him from our Monday night football games.
9. inexorable (adj.) relentless; not to be persuaded
The inexorable lawyer would not stop until his client was found innocent.
10. manifest (v.) make evident or obvious
The truth manifested and revealed that Maggie in fact could read faster than a 2nd grader.
11. obdurate (adj.) resistant to persuasion; inflexible
The obdurate dog would not stop climbing all over the furniture.
*obdurate and inexorable are synonyms
12. perambulate (v.) traveling on foot
The botanists thought it would be fun to perambulate through the forest and look for new kinds of flowers.
Our vacation began auspiciously when we found $100 on the ground.
2. discomfiture (n.) frustration or disappointment; embarrassment
Tess tripped Sophia and laughed at her discomfiture.
3. insular (adj.) detached; standing alone; isolated
The Justin and Selena went to the insular island on vacation so they could escape the paparazzi.
4. latent (adj.) hidden; present but not visible
The football coach believes Tyler has a latent ability to throw a football even though it certainly has not revealed itself.
5. divers (adj.) several; various
The newspaper contains divers articles, which consist of world, national and local news.
6. malignant (adj.) causing or intending harm
Ashwin’s prank on the 6th grader was considered malignant, and he was given ISS.
7. unwonted (adj.) unusual; out of the ordinary
We did not recognize the unwonted aircraft in the sky.
8. callowness (n.) immaturity
His callowness was unbelievably annoying so we banned him from our Monday night football games.
9. inexorable (adj.) relentless; not to be persuaded
The inexorable lawyer would not stop until his client was found innocent.
10. manifest (v.) make evident or obvious
The truth manifested and revealed that Maggie in fact could read faster than a 2nd grader.
11. obdurate (adj.) resistant to persuasion; inflexible
The obdurate dog would not stop climbing all over the furniture.
*obdurate and inexorable are synonyms
12. perambulate (v.) traveling on foot
The botanists thought it would be fun to perambulate through the forest and look for new kinds of flowers.
SAT Vocabulary Week 8
1. sanctimonious (adj.) giving a hypocritical appearance of piety; pretending to be righteous
The sanctimonious Bertrand delivered stern lectures on the Ten Commandments to anyone who would listen, but thought nothing of stealing cars to make some cash on the side.
2. sanguine (adj.) optimistic, cheery
Polly reacted to any bad news with a sanguine smile and the chirpy cry, “When life hands you lemons, make lemonade!”
3. hackneyed (adj.) unoriginal, trite
A girl can only hear “I love you” so many times before it begins to sound hackneyed and meaningless.
4. hegemony (n.) domination over others
Britain’s hegemony over its colonies was threatened once nationalist sentiment began to spread around the world.
5. acclaim (n.) high praise
Greg’s excellent poem won the acclaim of his friends.
6. jubilant (adj.) extremely joyful, happy
The crowd was jubilant when the firefighter carried the woman from the flaming building.
7. harangue (n.) a ranting speech
Everyone had heard the teacher’s harangue about gum chewing in class before.
8. inundate (v.) to flood with abundance
Because I am the star of a new sitcom, my fans are sure to inundate me with fan mail and praise.
9. lithe (adj.) graceful, flexible, supple
Although the dancers were all outstanding, Jae Sun’s control of her lithe body was particularly impressive.
10. meticulous (adj.) extremely careful with details
The ornate needlework in the bride’s gown was a product of meticulous handiwork.
11. mutable (adj.) able to change
Because fashion is so mutable, what is trendy today will look outdated in five years.
12. nebulous (adj.) vaguely defined, cloudy
The transition between governments meant that who was actually in charge was a nebulous matter.
The sanctimonious Bertrand delivered stern lectures on the Ten Commandments to anyone who would listen, but thought nothing of stealing cars to make some cash on the side.
2. sanguine (adj.) optimistic, cheery
Polly reacted to any bad news with a sanguine smile and the chirpy cry, “When life hands you lemons, make lemonade!”
3. hackneyed (adj.) unoriginal, trite
A girl can only hear “I love you” so many times before it begins to sound hackneyed and meaningless.
4. hegemony (n.) domination over others
Britain’s hegemony over its colonies was threatened once nationalist sentiment began to spread around the world.
5. acclaim (n.) high praise
Greg’s excellent poem won the acclaim of his friends.
6. jubilant (adj.) extremely joyful, happy
The crowd was jubilant when the firefighter carried the woman from the flaming building.
7. harangue (n.) a ranting speech
Everyone had heard the teacher’s harangue about gum chewing in class before.
8. inundate (v.) to flood with abundance
Because I am the star of a new sitcom, my fans are sure to inundate me with fan mail and praise.
9. lithe (adj.) graceful, flexible, supple
Although the dancers were all outstanding, Jae Sun’s control of her lithe body was particularly impressive.
10. meticulous (adj.) extremely careful with details
The ornate needlework in the bride’s gown was a product of meticulous handiwork.
11. mutable (adj.) able to change
Because fashion is so mutable, what is trendy today will look outdated in five years.
12. nebulous (adj.) vaguely defined, cloudy
The transition between governments meant that who was actually in charge was a nebulous matter.
SAT Vocabulary Week Five
exigent (adj.) urgent, critical
The patient has an exigent need for medication, or else he will lose his sight.
expunge (v.) to erase, obliterate, or destroy
Fearful of an IRS investigation, Paul tried to expunge all incriminating evidence from his tax files.
fathom (v.) to understand, comprehend
I cannot fathom why you like that crabby and mean-spirited neighbor of ours.
prepossessing (adj.) occupying the mind to the exclusion of other thoughts or feelings
His prepossessing appearance made it impossible for me to think of anything else.
pulchritude (n.) physical beauty
Because of Julia’s pulchritude, Jake could not focus on his work and failed the test.
putrid (adj.) rotten, foul
Those rotten eggs smell putrid.
rail (v.) to scold, protest
The professor railed against the group of students for cheating on their research paper.
rapport (n.) mutual understanding and harmony
From the moment that Hope and Michael met, they felt an instant rapport.
recalcitrant (adj.) defiant, unapologetic
Even when scolded, the recalcitrant young girl simply stomped her foot and refused to finish her lima beans.
resilient (adj.) able to recover from misfortune; able to withstand adversity
The resilient ballplayer quickly recovered from his wrist injury.
resolute (adj.) firm, determined
With a resolute glint in her eye, Catherine announced that she was set on going to college in New York City even though she was a little frightened of tall buildings.
sedentary (adj.) sitting, settled
The sedentary cat did little but loll in the sun.
The patient has an exigent need for medication, or else he will lose his sight.
expunge (v.) to erase, obliterate, or destroy
Fearful of an IRS investigation, Paul tried to expunge all incriminating evidence from his tax files.
fathom (v.) to understand, comprehend
I cannot fathom why you like that crabby and mean-spirited neighbor of ours.
prepossessing (adj.) occupying the mind to the exclusion of other thoughts or feelings
His prepossessing appearance made it impossible for me to think of anything else.
pulchritude (n.) physical beauty
Because of Julia’s pulchritude, Jake could not focus on his work and failed the test.
putrid (adj.) rotten, foul
Those rotten eggs smell putrid.
rail (v.) to scold, protest
The professor railed against the group of students for cheating on their research paper.
rapport (n.) mutual understanding and harmony
From the moment that Hope and Michael met, they felt an instant rapport.
recalcitrant (adj.) defiant, unapologetic
Even when scolded, the recalcitrant young girl simply stomped her foot and refused to finish her lima beans.
resilient (adj.) able to recover from misfortune; able to withstand adversity
The resilient ballplayer quickly recovered from his wrist injury.
resolute (adj.) firm, determined
With a resolute glint in her eye, Catherine announced that she was set on going to college in New York City even though she was a little frightened of tall buildings.
sedentary (adj.) sitting, settled
The sedentary cat did little but loll in the sun.
SAT Vocabulary week four
No Vocabulary!
SAT Vocabulary Week Three
•covet (v.) to desire enviously; coveted
Adam’s house, boat , and car.
•covert (adj.) secretly engaged in
Castro waged a covert campaign against his enemies, while outwardly appearing to remain friendly.
•dissever (v.) to separate
In order to save the man’s life, the doctor had to dissever his leg from his body.
•amicable (adj.) friendly
Claudia and Jimmy got divorced but amicably and without hard feelings.
•anarchist (n.) one who wants to eliminate all government
An anarchist, Lucy wanted to dissolve every government everywhere.
•irreverence (n.) disrespect
The irreverence displayed by the band that marched through the chapel disturbed many churchgoers.
•irrevocable (adj.) incapable of being taken back
The Bill of Rights is an irrevocable part of American law.
•tacit (adj.) expressed without words
I interpreted my parents’ refusal to talk as a tacit acceptance of my request.
•litigant (n.) someone engaged in a lawsuit
When the litigants began screaming at each other, Judge Andrew ordered them to be silent.
•linchpin (n.) something that holds separate parts together
The linchpin in the prosecution’s case was the hair from the defendant’s head, which was found at the scene of the crime.
•maelstrom (n.) a destructive whirlpool which rapidly sucks in objects
Little did the explorers know that as they turned the next bend of the calm river a vicious maelstrom would catch their boat.
•truncate (v.) to shorten by cutting off
After winning the derby, the jockey truncated the long speech he had planned and thanked only his mom and his horse.
Adam’s house, boat , and car.
•covert (adj.) secretly engaged in
Castro waged a covert campaign against his enemies, while outwardly appearing to remain friendly.
•dissever (v.) to separate
In order to save the man’s life, the doctor had to dissever his leg from his body.
•amicable (adj.) friendly
Claudia and Jimmy got divorced but amicably and without hard feelings.
•anarchist (n.) one who wants to eliminate all government
An anarchist, Lucy wanted to dissolve every government everywhere.
•irreverence (n.) disrespect
The irreverence displayed by the band that marched through the chapel disturbed many churchgoers.
•irrevocable (adj.) incapable of being taken back
The Bill of Rights is an irrevocable part of American law.
•tacit (adj.) expressed without words
I interpreted my parents’ refusal to talk as a tacit acceptance of my request.
•litigant (n.) someone engaged in a lawsuit
When the litigants began screaming at each other, Judge Andrew ordered them to be silent.
•linchpin (n.) something that holds separate parts together
The linchpin in the prosecution’s case was the hair from the defendant’s head, which was found at the scene of the crime.
•maelstrom (n.) a destructive whirlpool which rapidly sucks in objects
Little did the explorers know that as they turned the next bend of the calm river a vicious maelstrom would catch their boat.
•truncate (v.) to shorten by cutting off
After winning the derby, the jockey truncated the long speech he had planned and thanked only his mom and his horse.
SAT Vocabulary Week Two
integral (adj.) necessary for completeness
Without the integral ingredient of flour, you wouldn’t be able to make bread.
apocryphal (adj.) fictitious, false, wrong
Because I am standing before you, it seems obvious that the stories circulating about my demise were apocryphal.
strident (adj.) harsh, loud
A strident man, Captain Von Trapp yelled at his daughter and made her cry.
unctuous (adj.) smooth or greasy in texture, appearance, manner
The unctuous receptionist seemed untrustworthy, as if she was only being helpful because she thought we might give her a big tip.
bereft (adj.) devoid of, without
His family was bereft of food and shelter following the tornado.
convene (v.) to call together
Jason convened his entire extended family for a discussion.
nadir (n.) the lowest point of something
My day was boring, but the nadir came when I accidentally spilled a bowl of spaghetti on my head.
noisome (adj.) unpleasant, offensive, especially to the sense of smell
Nobody would enter the stalls until the horse’s noisome leavings were taken away.
pernicious (adj.) extremely destructive or harmful
The new government feared that The Communist sympathizers would have a pernicious influence on the nation’s stability.
laceration (n.) a cut, tear
Because he fell off his bike into a rosebush, the paperboy’s skin was covered with lacerations.
iridescent (adj.) showing rainbow colors
The bride’s large diamond ring was iridescent in the afternoon sun.
insurgent (n.) one who rebels
The insurgent snuck into and defaced a different classroom each night until the administration agreed to meet his demands.
Without the integral ingredient of flour, you wouldn’t be able to make bread.
apocryphal (adj.) fictitious, false, wrong
Because I am standing before you, it seems obvious that the stories circulating about my demise were apocryphal.
strident (adj.) harsh, loud
A strident man, Captain Von Trapp yelled at his daughter and made her cry.
unctuous (adj.) smooth or greasy in texture, appearance, manner
The unctuous receptionist seemed untrustworthy, as if she was only being helpful because she thought we might give her a big tip.
bereft (adj.) devoid of, without
His family was bereft of food and shelter following the tornado.
convene (v.) to call together
Jason convened his entire extended family for a discussion.
nadir (n.) the lowest point of something
My day was boring, but the nadir came when I accidentally spilled a bowl of spaghetti on my head.
noisome (adj.) unpleasant, offensive, especially to the sense of smell
Nobody would enter the stalls until the horse’s noisome leavings were taken away.
pernicious (adj.) extremely destructive or harmful
The new government feared that The Communist sympathizers would have a pernicious influence on the nation’s stability.
laceration (n.) a cut, tear
Because he fell off his bike into a rosebush, the paperboy’s skin was covered with lacerations.
iridescent (adj.) showing rainbow colors
The bride’s large diamond ring was iridescent in the afternoon sun.
insurgent (n.) one who rebels
The insurgent snuck into and defaced a different classroom each night until the administration agreed to meet his demands.
SAT Vocabulary Week One- Second Semester
abridge (v.) to cut down, shorten
The publisher thought the dictionary was too long and abridged it.
convoluted (adj.) intricate, complicated
Grace’s story was so convoluted that I couldn’t follow it.
copious (adj.) profuse, abundant, a lot of something.
Copious amounts of Snapple were imbibed in the cafeteria.
tangential (adj.) only indirectly related to something being considered or discussed.
I tried to discuss my salary, but the boss kept veering off into tangential topics.
taciturn (adj.) not inclined to talk
Though Jane never seems to stop talking, her brother is quite taciturn.
abjure (v.) to reject, renounce
To prove his honesty, the President abjured the evil policies of his wicked predecessor.
succinct (adj.) marked by compact precision ;expressed in few words
The governor’s succinct speech energized the crowd while the mayor’s rambled on and on.
superfluous (adj.) exceeding what is necessary
Tracy had already won the campaign so her constant flattery of others was superfluous.
ruse (n.) a trick
Oliver concocted an elaborate ruse for sneaking out of the house to meet his girlfriend while simultaneously giving his mother the impression that he was asleep in bed.
revel (v.) to enjoy intensely
Theodore reveled in his new status as Big Man on Campus.
prowess (n.) extraordinary ability
The musician had never taken a guitar lesson in his life, making his prowess with the instrument even more incredible.
predilection (n.) a preference or inclination for something
Francois has a predilection for eating scrambled eggs with ketchup, though I prefer to eat eggs without any condiments.
The publisher thought the dictionary was too long and abridged it.
convoluted (adj.) intricate, complicated
Grace’s story was so convoluted that I couldn’t follow it.
copious (adj.) profuse, abundant, a lot of something.
Copious amounts of Snapple were imbibed in the cafeteria.
tangential (adj.) only indirectly related to something being considered or discussed.
I tried to discuss my salary, but the boss kept veering off into tangential topics.
taciturn (adj.) not inclined to talk
Though Jane never seems to stop talking, her brother is quite taciturn.
abjure (v.) to reject, renounce
To prove his honesty, the President abjured the evil policies of his wicked predecessor.
succinct (adj.) marked by compact precision ;expressed in few words
The governor’s succinct speech energized the crowd while the mayor’s rambled on and on.
superfluous (adj.) exceeding what is necessary
Tracy had already won the campaign so her constant flattery of others was superfluous.
ruse (n.) a trick
Oliver concocted an elaborate ruse for sneaking out of the house to meet his girlfriend while simultaneously giving his mother the impression that he was asleep in bed.
revel (v.) to enjoy intensely
Theodore reveled in his new status as Big Man on Campus.
prowess (n.) extraordinary ability
The musician had never taken a guitar lesson in his life, making his prowess with the instrument even more incredible.
predilection (n.) a preference or inclination for something
Francois has a predilection for eating scrambled eggs with ketchup, though I prefer to eat eggs without any condiments.
SAT Vocabulary Week of November 26th-30th 2012
1. bilk (v.) cheat, defraud
The lawyer discovered that this firm had bilked several clients out of thousands of dollars.
2. blandish (v.) to coax by using flattery
Rachel’s assistant tried to blandish her into accepting the deal.
3. decry (v.) to criticize openly
The kind video rental clerk decried the policy of charging customers late fees.
4. deface (v.) to ruin or injure something’s appearance
The brothers used eggs and shaving cream to deface their neighbor’s mailbox.
5. depravity (n.) wickedness
Rumors of the ogre’s depravity made the children afraid to enter the forest.
6. edict (n.) an order, decree
The ruler issued an edict requiring all of his subjects to bow down before him.
7. effulgent (adj.) radiant, splendorous
The golden palace was effulgent.
8. paucity (adj.) small in quantity
Gilbert lamented the paucity of twentieth century literature courses available at the college.
9. penchant (n.) a tendency, partiality, preference
Jill’s dinner parties quickly became monotonous on account of her penchant for Mexican dishes.
10. penultimate (adj.) next to last
Having smoked the penultimate cigarette remaining in the pack, Cybil discarded the last cigarette and resolved to quit smoking.
11. pretense (n.) an appearance or action intended to deceive
Though he actually wanted to use his parents’ car to go on a date, Nick borrowed his parents’ car under the pretense of attending a group study session.
12. quotidian (adj.) daily
Maria’s quotidian routines include drinking two cups of coffee in the morning.
The lawyer discovered that this firm had bilked several clients out of thousands of dollars.
2. blandish (v.) to coax by using flattery
Rachel’s assistant tried to blandish her into accepting the deal.
3. decry (v.) to criticize openly
The kind video rental clerk decried the policy of charging customers late fees.
4. deface (v.) to ruin or injure something’s appearance
The brothers used eggs and shaving cream to deface their neighbor’s mailbox.
5. depravity (n.) wickedness
Rumors of the ogre’s depravity made the children afraid to enter the forest.
6. edict (n.) an order, decree
The ruler issued an edict requiring all of his subjects to bow down before him.
7. effulgent (adj.) radiant, splendorous
The golden palace was effulgent.
8. paucity (adj.) small in quantity
Gilbert lamented the paucity of twentieth century literature courses available at the college.
9. penchant (n.) a tendency, partiality, preference
Jill’s dinner parties quickly became monotonous on account of her penchant for Mexican dishes.
10. penultimate (adj.) next to last
Having smoked the penultimate cigarette remaining in the pack, Cybil discarded the last cigarette and resolved to quit smoking.
11. pretense (n.) an appearance or action intended to deceive
Though he actually wanted to use his parents’ car to go on a date, Nick borrowed his parents’ car under the pretense of attending a group study session.
12. quotidian (adj.) daily
Maria’s quotidian routines include drinking two cups of coffee in the morning.
SAT Vocabulary Week 2-2
1. imperative(adj.) necessary, pressing
It is imperative that you have these folders organized by midday.
2. impecunious (adj.) poor
“I fear he’s too impecunious to take me out tonight,” the bratty girl whined.
3. precipice (n.) the face of a cliff, a steep or overhanging place
The mountain climber hung from a precipice before finding a handhold and pulling himself up.
4. preclude (v.) to prevent
My grandfather’s large and vicious guard dog precluded anyone from entering the yard.
5. remiss (adj.) negligent, failing to take careThe burglar gained entrance because the security guard, remiss in his duties, forgot to lock the door.
6. relish (v.) to enjoy
Pete always relished his bedtime snack.
7. requisition (n.) a demand for goods, usually made by an authority
During the war, the government made a requisition of supplies.
8. semaphore (n.) a visual signal
Anne and Diana communicated with a semaphore involving candles and window shades.
9. surreptitious (adj.) stealthy; sly; done in secret
The surreptitious CIA agents were able to get in and out of the house without anyone noticing.
10. surrogate (n.) one acting in place of another
The surrogate carried the child to term for its biological parents.
11. transmute (v.) to change or alter in form
Ancient alchemists believed that it was possible to transmute lead into gold.
12. travesty (n.) a grossly inferior imitation
According to the school newspaper’s merciless theater critic, Pacific Coast High’s rendition of the musical Oklahoma was a travesty of the original.
It is imperative that you have these folders organized by midday.
2. impecunious (adj.) poor
“I fear he’s too impecunious to take me out tonight,” the bratty girl whined.
3. precipice (n.) the face of a cliff, a steep or overhanging place
The mountain climber hung from a precipice before finding a handhold and pulling himself up.
4. preclude (v.) to prevent
My grandfather’s large and vicious guard dog precluded anyone from entering the yard.
5. remiss (adj.) negligent, failing to take careThe burglar gained entrance because the security guard, remiss in his duties, forgot to lock the door.
6. relish (v.) to enjoy
Pete always relished his bedtime snack.
7. requisition (n.) a demand for goods, usually made by an authority
During the war, the government made a requisition of supplies.
8. semaphore (n.) a visual signal
Anne and Diana communicated with a semaphore involving candles and window shades.
9. surreptitious (adj.) stealthy; sly; done in secret
The surreptitious CIA agents were able to get in and out of the house without anyone noticing.
10. surrogate (n.) one acting in place of another
The surrogate carried the child to term for its biological parents.
11. transmute (v.) to change or alter in form
Ancient alchemists believed that it was possible to transmute lead into gold.
12. travesty (n.) a grossly inferior imitation
According to the school newspaper’s merciless theater critic, Pacific Coast High’s rendition of the musical Oklahoma was a travesty of the original.
SAT Vocabulary Week 2-1
1. primeval (adj.) – of or about the first age or ages, especially of the world.
In its primeval state, the Earth was without any forms of life.
2. apparition (n) – a supernatural appearance of a person or thing, such as a ghost.
The apparition, clothed in white, glided through the wall.
3. affront (n.) an insult; a personally offensive act or word.
Bernardo was very touchy, and took any slight as an affront to his honor.
4. aggrandize (v.) to increase or make greater
Joseph always dropped the names of the famous people his father knew as a way to aggrandize his personal stature.
5. emollient (adj.) having the power of softening or relaxing.
This emollient cream makes my skin very smooth.
6. procure (v.) to obtain, acquire
The FBI was unable to procure sufficient evidence to charge the gangster with racketeering.
7. propensity (n.) a natural inclination or tendency
Alexa has a propensity for dangerous activities such as bungee jumping.
8. quagmire (n.) a difficult situation
We’d all like to avoid the kind of military quagmire characterized by the Vietnam War.
9. rancid (adj.) having a terrible taste or smell
Rob was double-dog-dared to eat the rancid egg salad sandwich.
10. rancor (n.) deep, bitter resentment
When Eileen challenged me to a fight, I could see the rancor in her eyes.
11. punitive (adj.) involving punishment
If caught smoking in the boys’ room, the punitive result is immediate expulsion from school.
12. pugnacious (adj.) inclined to quarrel or fight readily
Aaron’s pugnacious nature led him to start several barroom brawls each month.
In its primeval state, the Earth was without any forms of life.
2. apparition (n) – a supernatural appearance of a person or thing, such as a ghost.
The apparition, clothed in white, glided through the wall.
3. affront (n.) an insult; a personally offensive act or word.
Bernardo was very touchy, and took any slight as an affront to his honor.
4. aggrandize (v.) to increase or make greater
Joseph always dropped the names of the famous people his father knew as a way to aggrandize his personal stature.
5. emollient (adj.) having the power of softening or relaxing.
This emollient cream makes my skin very smooth.
6. procure (v.) to obtain, acquire
The FBI was unable to procure sufficient evidence to charge the gangster with racketeering.
7. propensity (n.) a natural inclination or tendency
Alexa has a propensity for dangerous activities such as bungee jumping.
8. quagmire (n.) a difficult situation
We’d all like to avoid the kind of military quagmire characterized by the Vietnam War.
9. rancid (adj.) having a terrible taste or smell
Rob was double-dog-dared to eat the rancid egg salad sandwich.
10. rancor (n.) deep, bitter resentment
When Eileen challenged me to a fight, I could see the rancor in her eyes.
11. punitive (adj.) involving punishment
If caught smoking in the boys’ room, the punitive result is immediate expulsion from school.
12. pugnacious (adj.) inclined to quarrel or fight readily
Aaron’s pugnacious nature led him to start several barroom brawls each month.
SAT Vocabulary Week Nine
bane (n.) a burden
Advanced physics is the bane of many students’ academic lives.
beguile (v.) to trick, deceive
The thief beguiled his partners into surrendering all of their money to him.
behemoth (n.) something of tremendous power or size
The new aircraft carrier is among several behemoths that the Air Force has added to its fleet.
juxtaposition (n.) the act of placing two things next to each other for implicit comparison
The interior designer admired my juxtaposition of the yellow couch and green table.
knell (n.) the solemn sound of a bell, often indicating a death
Echoing throughout our village, the funeral knell made the stormy day even more grim.
largess (n.) the generous giving of lavish gifts
My boss demonstrated great largess by giving me a new car.
laudatory (adj.) expressing admiration or praise
Such laudatory comments are unusual from someone who is usually so reserved in his opinions.
zephyr (n.) a gentle breeze
If not for the zephyrs that were blowing and cooling us, our room would’ve been unbearably hot.
wizened (adj.) dry, shrunken, wrinkled
Agatha’s grandmother, Stephanie, had the most wizened countenance, full of leathery wrinkles.
vociferous (adj.) loud, boisterous
Ellie is tired of his vociferous whining so she is breaking up with him.
vituperate (v.) to berate; to address with harsh abusive language
Jack ran away as soon as his father found out, knowing he would be vituperated for his unseemly behavior.
vilify (v.) to lower in importance, defame
After the third stint in rehab, almost any story written about Lindsay Lohan sought to vilify her and criticize her behavior.
Advanced physics is the bane of many students’ academic lives.
beguile (v.) to trick, deceive
The thief beguiled his partners into surrendering all of their money to him.
behemoth (n.) something of tremendous power or size
The new aircraft carrier is among several behemoths that the Air Force has added to its fleet.
juxtaposition (n.) the act of placing two things next to each other for implicit comparison
The interior designer admired my juxtaposition of the yellow couch and green table.
knell (n.) the solemn sound of a bell, often indicating a death
Echoing throughout our village, the funeral knell made the stormy day even more grim.
largess (n.) the generous giving of lavish gifts
My boss demonstrated great largess by giving me a new car.
laudatory (adj.) expressing admiration or praise
Such laudatory comments are unusual from someone who is usually so reserved in his opinions.
zephyr (n.) a gentle breeze
If not for the zephyrs that were blowing and cooling us, our room would’ve been unbearably hot.
wizened (adj.) dry, shrunken, wrinkled
Agatha’s grandmother, Stephanie, had the most wizened countenance, full of leathery wrinkles.
vociferous (adj.) loud, boisterous
Ellie is tired of his vociferous whining so she is breaking up with him.
vituperate (v.) to berate; to address with harsh abusive language
Jack ran away as soon as his father found out, knowing he would be vituperated for his unseemly behavior.
vilify (v.) to lower in importance, defame
After the third stint in rehab, almost any story written about Lindsay Lohan sought to vilify her and criticize her behavior.
SAT Vocabulary Week Eight
•phosphorescent (adj.) – glowing
We wondered towards the phosphorescent light hoping it would lead us out of the cave.
•solitude (n) – the state of being or living alone; seclusion.
In order to concentrate, the novelist insists on being in complete solitude when writing.
•derisive (adj.) – scornful and ridiculing
He gave a derisive laugh after he pushed her into the mud.
•reconnaissance (n.) – exploratory survey or examination
The military completed a reconnaissance to determine the amount of casualties in the war.
•accede (v.) to agree
When the class asked the teacher whether they could play baseball instead of learn grammar they expected him to refuse, but instead he acceded to their request.
•acumen (n.) keen insight
Because of his mathematical acumen, Larry was able to figure out in minutes problems that took other students hours.
•palette (adj.) a range of colors or qualities
The palette of colors utilized in the painting was equaled only by the range of intense emotions the piece evoked.
•palliate (v.) to reduce the severity of
The doctor trusted that the new medication would palliate her patient’s discomfort.
•nondescript (adj.) lacking a distinctive character
I was surprised when I saw the movie star in person because she looked nondescript.`
•neophyte (n.) someone who is young or inexperienced
As a neophyte in the literary world, Malik had trouble finding a publisher for his first novel.
•lurid (adj.) ghastly, sensational
Gideon’s story, in which he described a character torturing his sister’s dolls, was judged too lurid to be printed in the school’s literary magazine.
•licentious (adj.) displaying a lack of moral or legal restraints
Marilee has always been fascinated by the licentious private lives of politicians.
We wondered towards the phosphorescent light hoping it would lead us out of the cave.
•solitude (n) – the state of being or living alone; seclusion.
In order to concentrate, the novelist insists on being in complete solitude when writing.
•derisive (adj.) – scornful and ridiculing
He gave a derisive laugh after he pushed her into the mud.
•reconnaissance (n.) – exploratory survey or examination
The military completed a reconnaissance to determine the amount of casualties in the war.
•accede (v.) to agree
When the class asked the teacher whether they could play baseball instead of learn grammar they expected him to refuse, but instead he acceded to their request.
•acumen (n.) keen insight
Because of his mathematical acumen, Larry was able to figure out in minutes problems that took other students hours.
•palette (adj.) a range of colors or qualities
The palette of colors utilized in the painting was equaled only by the range of intense emotions the piece evoked.
•palliate (v.) to reduce the severity of
The doctor trusted that the new medication would palliate her patient’s discomfort.
•nondescript (adj.) lacking a distinctive character
I was surprised when I saw the movie star in person because she looked nondescript.`
•neophyte (n.) someone who is young or inexperienced
As a neophyte in the literary world, Malik had trouble finding a publisher for his first novel.
•lurid (adj.) ghastly, sensational
Gideon’s story, in which he described a character torturing his sister’s dolls, was judged too lurid to be printed in the school’s literary magazine.
•licentious (adj.) displaying a lack of moral or legal restraints
Marilee has always been fascinated by the licentious private lives of politicians.
SAT Vocabulary Week Seven
•inept (adj.) not suitable or capable, unqualified
She proved how inept she was when she forgot three orders and spilled a beer in a customer’s lap.
•inquisitor (n.) one who asks questions or seeks information, especially in a hostile manner
The inquisitor was instructed to knock on every door in town in order to find the fugitive.
•insatiable (adj.) incapable of being satisfied
My insatiable appetite for melons can be a real problem in the winter.
•kudos (n.) praise for an achievement
After the performance, the reviewers gave the opera singer kudos for a job well done.
•legerdemain (n.) deception, slight-of-hand, trickery
Smuggling the French plants through customs by claiming that they were fake was a remarkable bit of legerdemain.
•replete (adj.) full, abundant
The unedited version was replete with naughty words.
•repose (v.) to rest, lie down
The cat, after eating an entire can of tuna fish, reposed in the sun and took a long nap.
•ribald (adj.) coarsely, crudely humorous
While some giggled at the ribald joke involving a parson’s daughter, most sighed and rolled their eyes.
•solicitous (adj.) concerned, attentive
Jim, laid up in bed with a nasty virus, enjoyed the solicitous attentions of his mother, who brought him soup and extra blankets.
•solipsistic (adj.) believing that oneself is all that exists, self centered.
Carl’s solipsistic attitude completely ignored the plight of the homeless people on the street.
•swarthy (adj.) of dark color or complexion
When he got drunk, Anderson’s white skin became rather swarthy.
•trite (adj.) not original, overused
Keith thought of himself as being very learned, but everyone else thought he was trite because his observations about the world were always the same as David Letterman’s.
She proved how inept she was when she forgot three orders and spilled a beer in a customer’s lap.
•inquisitor (n.) one who asks questions or seeks information, especially in a hostile manner
The inquisitor was instructed to knock on every door in town in order to find the fugitive.
•insatiable (adj.) incapable of being satisfied
My insatiable appetite for melons can be a real problem in the winter.
•kudos (n.) praise for an achievement
After the performance, the reviewers gave the opera singer kudos for a job well done.
•legerdemain (n.) deception, slight-of-hand, trickery
Smuggling the French plants through customs by claiming that they were fake was a remarkable bit of legerdemain.
•replete (adj.) full, abundant
The unedited version was replete with naughty words.
•repose (v.) to rest, lie down
The cat, after eating an entire can of tuna fish, reposed in the sun and took a long nap.
•ribald (adj.) coarsely, crudely humorous
While some giggled at the ribald joke involving a parson’s daughter, most sighed and rolled their eyes.
•solicitous (adj.) concerned, attentive
Jim, laid up in bed with a nasty virus, enjoyed the solicitous attentions of his mother, who brought him soup and extra blankets.
•solipsistic (adj.) believing that oneself is all that exists, self centered.
Carl’s solipsistic attitude completely ignored the plight of the homeless people on the street.
•swarthy (adj.) of dark color or complexion
When he got drunk, Anderson’s white skin became rather swarthy.
•trite (adj.) not original, overused
Keith thought of himself as being very learned, but everyone else thought he was trite because his observations about the world were always the same as David Letterman’s.
SAT Vocabulary Week Six
•pariah (n.) an outcast
Following the discovery of his plagiarism, Professor Hurley was made a pariah in all academic circles.
•parody (n.) a satirical imitation
A hush fell over the classroom when the teacher returned to find Deborah acting out a parody of his teaching style.
•pathology (n.) any deviation from a healthy, normal , or efficient condition.
Dr. Hastings had difficulty identifying the precise nature of Brian’s pathology.
•querulous (adj.) whiny, complaining
If deprived of his pacifier, young Brendan becomes querulous.
•raze (v.) to demolish, level
The old tenement house was razed to make room for the large chain store.
•refract (v.) to distort, change
The light was refracted as it passed through the prism.
•restitution (n.) the returning of property or rights previously taken away.
Many people feel that descendants of slaves should receive restitution for the sufferings of their ancestors.
•scurrilous (adj.) vulgar, coarse
When Bruno heard the scurrilous accusation being made about him, he could not believe it because he always tried to be nice to everyone.
•subjugate (v.) to bring under control, subdue
The invading force captured and subjugated the natives of that place.
•astute (adj.) very clever, crafty
Much of Roger’s success in politics results from his ability to provide astute answers to reporters’ questions.
•estuary (n.) where the river meets the sea
Because of their locations, estuaries contain marine influences from rivers and oceans.
•curtly (adv.) rudely brief in speech
Due to his withdrawal from nicotine, Joe acted very curtly to people that he interacted with.
Following the discovery of his plagiarism, Professor Hurley was made a pariah in all academic circles.
•parody (n.) a satirical imitation
A hush fell over the classroom when the teacher returned to find Deborah acting out a parody of his teaching style.
•pathology (n.) any deviation from a healthy, normal , or efficient condition.
Dr. Hastings had difficulty identifying the precise nature of Brian’s pathology.
•querulous (adj.) whiny, complaining
If deprived of his pacifier, young Brendan becomes querulous.
•raze (v.) to demolish, level
The old tenement house was razed to make room for the large chain store.
•refract (v.) to distort, change
The light was refracted as it passed through the prism.
•restitution (n.) the returning of property or rights previously taken away.
Many people feel that descendants of slaves should receive restitution for the sufferings of their ancestors.
•scurrilous (adj.) vulgar, coarse
When Bruno heard the scurrilous accusation being made about him, he could not believe it because he always tried to be nice to everyone.
•subjugate (v.) to bring under control, subdue
The invading force captured and subjugated the natives of that place.
•astute (adj.) very clever, crafty
Much of Roger’s success in politics results from his ability to provide astute answers to reporters’ questions.
•estuary (n.) where the river meets the sea
Because of their locations, estuaries contain marine influences from rivers and oceans.
•curtly (adv.) rudely brief in speech
Due to his withdrawal from nicotine, Joe acted very curtly to people that he interacted with.
Vocabulary Week Five
•finicky (adj.) – fussy and extremely careful.
My nephew is a finicky eater; he won’t eat any vegetables.
•ambled (v) – to go slow without hurrying.
Thomas was late to class again because he ambled down the hall.
•delve (v) – intensive and thorough research
The student delved deeper into the issue of healthcare reform for her research paper.
•indignation (n.) anger sparked by something unjust or unfair
I resigned from the sorority because of my indignation at its hazing of new members.
•derelict (adj.) – abandoned especially by the owner or occupant.
We searched the derelict ship for gold and other treasures.
•abet (v.) to aid, help, encourage
The spy succeeded only because he had a friend on the inside to abet him.
•suffice (v.) – be enough or adequate; to have enough.
These food rations will suffice until next week.
•abhor (v.) to hate, detest
Because he always wound up kicking himself in the head when he tried to play soccer, Oswald began to abhor the sport.
•infusion (n.) - an injection of one substance into another; the permeation of one substance by another. The infusion of Eastern religion into Western philosophy created interesting new schools of thought.
•ingenuous (adj.) - not devious; innocent and candid
He must have writers, but his speeches seem so ingenuous it’s hard to believe he’s not speaking from his own heart.
•winsome (adj.) - charming, pleasing
After such a long, frustrating day, I was grateful for Chris’s winsome attitude and childish naïveté.
•concise (adj.) brief and direct in expression
Gordon did not like to waste time, and his instructions to Brenda were nothing if not concise.
My nephew is a finicky eater; he won’t eat any vegetables.
•ambled (v) – to go slow without hurrying.
Thomas was late to class again because he ambled down the hall.
•delve (v) – intensive and thorough research
The student delved deeper into the issue of healthcare reform for her research paper.
•indignation (n.) anger sparked by something unjust or unfair
I resigned from the sorority because of my indignation at its hazing of new members.
•derelict (adj.) – abandoned especially by the owner or occupant.
We searched the derelict ship for gold and other treasures.
•abet (v.) to aid, help, encourage
The spy succeeded only because he had a friend on the inside to abet him.
•suffice (v.) – be enough or adequate; to have enough.
These food rations will suffice until next week.
•abhor (v.) to hate, detest
Because he always wound up kicking himself in the head when he tried to play soccer, Oswald began to abhor the sport.
•infusion (n.) - an injection of one substance into another; the permeation of one substance by another. The infusion of Eastern religion into Western philosophy created interesting new schools of thought.
•ingenuous (adj.) - not devious; innocent and candid
He must have writers, but his speeches seem so ingenuous it’s hard to believe he’s not speaking from his own heart.
•winsome (adj.) - charming, pleasing
After such a long, frustrating day, I was grateful for Chris’s winsome attitude and childish naïveté.
•concise (adj.) brief and direct in expression
Gordon did not like to waste time, and his instructions to Brenda were nothing if not concise.
Vocabulary Week Four
•adorn (v.) to decorate
We adorned the tree with ornaments.
•adroit (adj.) skillful, dexterous
The adroit thief could pick someone’s pocket without attracting notice.
•adulation (n.) extreme praise
Though the book was pretty good, Marcy did not believe it deserved the adulation it received.
•entail (v.) to include as a necessary step
Building a new fence entails tearing down the old one.
•languid (adj.) sluggish from fatigue or weakness
In the summer months, the great heat makes people languid and lazy.
•larceny (n.) obtaining another’s property by theft or trickery
When my car was not where I had left it, I realized that I was a victim of larceny.
•manifold (adj.) having numerous different parts, elements, features, or forms.
The popularity of Dante’s Inferno is partly due to the fact that the work allows for manifold interpretations.
•opulent (adj.) having wealth; rich
The opulent furnishings of the dictator’s private compound contrasted harshly with the meager accommodations of her subjects.
•poignant (adj.) deeply affecting, moving
My teacher actually cried after reading to us the poignant final chapter of the novel.
•polemic (n.) an aggressive argument against a specific opinion
My brother launched into a polemic against my arguments that capitalism was an unjust economic system.
•timorous (adj.) timid, fearful
When dealing with the unknown, timorous Tallulah almost always broke into tears.
•vicissitude (n.) event that occurs by chance
The vicissitudes of daily life prevent me from predicting what might happen from one day to the next.
We adorned the tree with ornaments.
•adroit (adj.) skillful, dexterous
The adroit thief could pick someone’s pocket without attracting notice.
•adulation (n.) extreme praise
Though the book was pretty good, Marcy did not believe it deserved the adulation it received.
•entail (v.) to include as a necessary step
Building a new fence entails tearing down the old one.
•languid (adj.) sluggish from fatigue or weakness
In the summer months, the great heat makes people languid and lazy.
•larceny (n.) obtaining another’s property by theft or trickery
When my car was not where I had left it, I realized that I was a victim of larceny.
•manifold (adj.) having numerous different parts, elements, features, or forms.
The popularity of Dante’s Inferno is partly due to the fact that the work allows for manifold interpretations.
•opulent (adj.) having wealth; rich
The opulent furnishings of the dictator’s private compound contrasted harshly with the meager accommodations of her subjects.
•poignant (adj.) deeply affecting, moving
My teacher actually cried after reading to us the poignant final chapter of the novel.
•polemic (n.) an aggressive argument against a specific opinion
My brother launched into a polemic against my arguments that capitalism was an unjust economic system.
•timorous (adj.) timid, fearful
When dealing with the unknown, timorous Tallulah almost always broke into tears.
•vicissitude (n.) event that occurs by chance
The vicissitudes of daily life prevent me from predicting what might happen from one day to the next.
Vocabulary Week Two
abase (v.) to humiliate, degrade
(After being overthrown and abased, the deposed leader offered to bow down to his conqueror.)
quaff (v) to drink a beverage copiously and with lots of enjoyment.
(After quickly quaffing down the milkshake, Shane became sick and vomited on his brother’s shoes.)
abstain (v.) to freely choose not to commit an action
(Everyone demanded that Angus put on the kilt, but he did not want to do it and abstained.)
embezzle (v.) to steal money by falsifying records
(The accountant was fired for embezzling $10,000 of the company’s funds.)
elicit (v.) to bring forth, draw out, evoke
(Although I asked several times where the exit was, I elicited no response from the sleeping policeman.)
eloquent (adj.) expressive, articulate, moving; one who speaks well.
(The priest gave such an eloquent sermon that most churchgoers were crying.)
morose (adj.) gloomy or sullen
(Jason’s morose nature made him very unpleasant to talk to.)
multifarious (adj.) having great diversity or variety
(This Swiss Army knife has multifarious functions and capabilities. Among other things, it can act as a knife, a saw, a toothpick, and a slingshot)
stupefy (v.) to overwhelm with shock or amazement; astound.
(Veronica’s audacity and ungratefulness stupefied her best friend, Heather.)
sycophant (n.) one who flatters for self-gain
(Some see the people in the cabinet as the president’s closest advisors, but others see them as sycophants.)
tenuous (adj.) having little substance or strength
(Your argument is very tenuous, since it relies so much on speculation and hearsay.)
terrestrial (adj.) relating to the land
(Elephants are terrestrial animals.)
.
abase (v.) to humiliate, degrade
(After being overthrown and abased, the deposed leader offered to bow down to his conqueror.)
quaff (v) to drink a beverage copiously and with lots of enjoyment.
(After quickly quaffing down the milkshake, Shane became sick and vomited on his brother’s shoes.)
abstain (v.) to freely choose not to commit an action
(Everyone demanded that Angus put on the kilt, but he did not want to do it and abstained.)
embezzle (v.) to steal money by falsifying records
(The accountant was fired for embezzling $10,000 of the company’s funds.)
elicit (v.) to bring forth, draw out, evoke
(Although I asked several times where the exit was, I elicited no response from the sleeping policeman.)
eloquent (adj.) expressive, articulate, moving; one who speaks well.
(The priest gave such an eloquent sermon that most churchgoers were crying.)
morose (adj.) gloomy or sullen
(Jason’s morose nature made him very unpleasant to talk to.)
multifarious (adj.) having great diversity or variety
(This Swiss Army knife has multifarious functions and capabilities. Among other things, it can act as a knife, a saw, a toothpick, and a slingshot)
stupefy (v.) to overwhelm with shock or amazement; astound.
(Veronica’s audacity and ungratefulness stupefied her best friend, Heather.)
sycophant (n.) one who flatters for self-gain
(Some see the people in the cabinet as the president’s closest advisors, but others see them as sycophants.)
tenuous (adj.) having little substance or strength
(Your argument is very tenuous, since it relies so much on speculation and hearsay.)
terrestrial (adj.) relating to the land
(Elephants are terrestrial animals.)
.