SAT Advanced Vocabulary

Critical Reading Writing & Language Math Terminology Advanced Vocabulary

A

adamantRefusing to be persuaded or to change one's mind; utterly unyielding.GRE · SAT adorableextremely charming or appealing; worthy of loveSAT adorationintense love or respect; the act of worshippingSAT adoreto love deeply; to worship or revereSAT adornto make attractive by adding decorative items; to decorateSAT adornmenta decorative item or embellishment; decorationSAT adriftfloating or without direction; aimless or uncertainSAT adroitclever and skillful, especially with hands; mentally sharpSAT adulationexcessive flattery or praise; excessive admirationSAT adulta fully grown person; mature or developedSAT adulteranta substance added that makes something impure or inferiorSAT adulterateto make something less pure by adding an inferior substanceGRE · SAT adulteryvoluntary sexual intercourse between a married person and someone other than the…SAT adumbrateto show or suggest faintly; to foreshadowSAT advanceto move forward; to promote progress; money given before paymentSAT advancedfurther along in development; complex or sophisticatedSAT advantagea favorable circumstance or benefit; superioritySAT · TOEFL advantageousproviding a favorable condition or benefit; profitableSAT adventthe arrival or coming of an important event; beginningSAT · IELTS adventitioushappening by chance; accidental; added externallySAT adventurean exciting or unusual experience; an undertaking of unknown outcomeSAT adventurouswilling to undertake new and risky ventures; daringSAT adverba word that modifies or describes a verb, adjective, or another adverbSAT adversarialinvolving conflict or opposition; hostileSAT adversePreventing success or development; harmful; unfavourable.SAT · TOEFL · IELTS adversitydifficult or unfortunate circumstances; hardshipSAT advertto mention or refer to something; an advertisementSAT advertenceattention or awareness; heedfulnessSAT advertiseto describe and promote a product in media; to make widely knownSAT advertisementa public notice or promotion of a product or serviceSAT adviceguidance or recommendations offered based on knowledge or experienceSAT advisablerecommended as sensible or prudent; wise to doSAT adviseto offer suggestions about the best course of action; to informSAT advisera person who offers advice or guidance; a consultantSAT advisoryoffering advice or information; related to adviceSAT advocacypublic support for a cause; the act of advocatingSAT advocateTo publicly recommend or support a particular cause or policy.SAT · TOEFL · IELTS aegisprotection or sponsorship; under the auspices ofSAT affabilitythe quality of being friendly and easy to talk toSAT affablefriendly and easy to talk to; approachableSAT affairan event or matter of concern; a romantic or sexual relationshipSAT affectTo have an effect on; to make a difference to.SAT · TOEFL · IELTS affectationan artificial or exaggerated manner; pretenseSAT affectedartificial or pretentious; emotionally movedSAT affectiona gentle feeling of liking or love; fondnessSAT affectionatereadily feeling or showing feelings of love or fondnessSAT affidavita written statement confirmed under oath before a judgeSAT affiliateto connect or associate with; a member organizationSAT affiliationthe state of being affiliated; a connection or associationSAT affinitya natural attraction or feeling of kinship; a similaritySAT affirmto assert or confirm something to be true; to ratifySAT · TOEFL affirmationa statement confirming something is true; assertionSAT affirmativerelating to or expressing agreement or confirmationSAT affixto attach or fasten to something; a prefix or suffixSAT afflatusa creative impulse or divine inspirationSAT afflictto cause pain, suffering, or distress to someoneSAT afflictionpain, suffering, or distress; a source of miserySAT affluenceabundance of money or material possessions; wealthSAT affluenthaving abundant money or possessions; wealthySAT · TOEFL · IELTS affordTo have enough money, time, or means to do or have something.SAT · IELTS affrontan insulting or disrespectful action; to insult or offendSAT afireon fire or burning; aroused or excitedSAT aflameburning with flames; excited or passionateSAT afloatfloating on water; in circulation or operationSAT afootin progress; happening or about to happenSAT aforementionedpreviously mentioned or named; aforesaidSAT afraidfeeling fear or apprehension; regrettablySAT afreshin a new or different way; againSAT afttoward the stern of a ship; at the backSAT aftercoming or following in time; behind in spaceSAT aftermaththe period following an event, especially a traumatic oneSAT afternoonthe time of day between noon and eveningSAT afterthoughtan idea or comment occurring to one after an eventSAT afterwardat a later or future time; subsequentlySAT agglomerateto gather into a mass or cluster; a collection of thingsSAT aggrandizeto increase in power or wealth; to make appear greaterGRE · SAT aggregateA whole formed by combining several separate elements.SAT · TOEFL · IELTS aggressionhostile or violent behavior or attitudes; an unprovoked attackSAT aggressiveReady to attack; showing anger; pursuing goals forcefullySAT · TOEFL agileable to move quickly and easily; mentally sharp and quickSAT agilitythe ability to move quickly and easily; mental sharpnessSAT agitationthe state of being mentally disturbed; rapid movement or shakingSAT agitatora person who stirs up feelings or causes unrest; a device that shakesSAT agonizeto suffer greatly in mind; to worry intenselySAT agonyintense pain or suffering; extreme anguishSAT agrarianrelating to agriculture or land ownershipSAT agreeablepleasant and acceptable; willing to agreeSAT allegationa claim or assertion that someone has done something wrongSAT allegorya story or painting with a hidden meaning; symbolic representationSAT alleviationthe act of making something less severe or burdensomeSAT alleya narrow passageway between buildings; a bowling laneSAT alliancea union or association formed for a common purposeSAT · TOEFL alliedjoined together in an alliance; connected by similar interestsSAT allocationthe distribution or assignment of resources or dutiesSAT allotto distribute or assign something to someoneSAT allotmenta share or portion of something assigned; a small piece of landSAT alloya mixture of two or more metals; to mix metalsSAT · TOEFL allusionan indirect or passing reference to somethingSAT alluvialrelating to or composed of alluvium (fine sediment deposited by water)SAT almightyhaving unlimited power; omnipotentSAT almsmoney or goods given to poor people out of charitySAT alofthigh in the air; up aboveSAT aloudaudibly; spoken so as to be heardSAT alpinerelating to high mountains; growing on mountainsSAT amenablewilling to be responsive; open to; liable toSAT amenitya desirable feature that increases the value of somethingSAT amicablerelating to or characterized by friendliness and agreementSAT amidsurrounded by; in the middle ofSAT ammunitionbullets and bombs; material or information used as a weaponSAT amnesialoss of memory, especially due to trauma or diseaseSAT amokin a wild or uncontrolled manner; running amokSAT amorousshowing or feeling romantic love or desireSAT amorphouswithout a clear shape or form; vague or undefinedSAT amounta quantity or total; to add up toSAT amphibianan animal that lives both in water and on landSAT amphitheateran open building with tiers of seats rising around a central arenaSAT ampleabundant or plentiful; more than enoughSAT · TOEFL amplifyto increase in strength or effect; to make louderSAT ampulea small sealed vial containing a single dose of medicationSAT anaerobicable to live without oxygen; relating to organisms that don't require airSAT · TOEFL anagrama word formed by rearranging the letters of another wordSAT analogyA comparison between two things for the purpose of explanation or clarification.GRE · SAT · TOEFL · IELTS anarchya state of disorder; absence of government or controlGRE · SAT anatomizeto dissect; to examine in detailSAT ancestora person from whom one is descended; a forerunnerSAT antagonisticshowing or feeling active opposition or hostilitySAT antediluvianof or belonging to the time before the biblical flood; extremely oldGRE · SAT anthologyA published collection of literary works, such as poems or stories, chosen by a …GRE · SAT anthropocentrismthe belief that human beings are the central element of the universeSAT apatheticshowing or feeling no interest, enthusiasm, or concernSAT apocryphalOf doubtful authenticity, although widely circulated as being true.GRE · SAT

C

censoriousseverely critical of others; fault-findingSAT certitudeabsolute certainty or convictionSAT charlatana person who falsely claims to have expertise or skillsSAT charycautious or wary; hesitant; sparing in givingSAT chastisesreprimands or punishes someone severelySAT chicanerythe use of trickery to achieve one's purposeGRE · SAT chimericalhighly unrealistic; wildly fantastical; changeableSAT cholericeasily angered; bad-temperedSAT chroniclera person who writes accounts of historical eventsSAT circuitouslonger than the most direct way; indirect and complicatedGRE · SAT

D

dichotomya division or contrast between two things that are opposedGRE · SAT didacticintended to teach, particularly in a pedantic or moralistic wayGRE · SAT diffidentmodest or shy because of a lack of self-confidence; reservedSAT digressto leave the main subject temporarily in speech or writingSAT dikea long wall built to prevent flooding; an embankmentSAT dilatoryslow to act; intended to cause delaySAT dilemmaA situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two courses of ac…SAT · TOEFL · IELTS dilettantea person who dabbles in an area of knowledge without serious studySAT diligenthaving or showing care and effort in one's work; hardworkingSAT dioramaa model representing a scene with three-dimensional figuresSAT dirgea song or hymn of mourning as a memorial to a dead personGRE · SAT disapprobationstrong disapproval, typically on moral groundsSAT discernto perceive or recognize something; to distinguish clearlySAT · TOEFL discorddisagreement between people; lack of harmony in soundSAT

E

extrapolateTo extend the application of a known dataset or method to an unknown situation b…GRE · SAT extrinsicnot part of the essential nature of something; externalSAT

F

fallaciousbased on a mistaken belief; containing a fallacyGRE · SAT falterto lose strength or momentum; to hesitate or waverSAT fanaticalfilled with excessive and single-minded zeal; obsessiveSAT fanaticismextreme and dangerous devotion to a belief or causeSAT fastidiousVery attentive to and concerned about accuracy and detail; excessively particula…GRE · SAT fatuoussilly and pointless; complacently foolishGRE · SAT feasiblePossible and practical to do easily or conveniently.SAT · TOEFL · IELTS fecundproducing many offspring or much growth; fertileSAT felicitouswell chosen or suited to the circumstances; appropriateSAT fervorintense and passionate feeling; ardor or zealSAT ficklechanging frequently, especially loyalty or affection; unpredictableSAT finesseimpressive skill in handling a difficult or delicate situationSAT

I

incongruousnot in harmony with the surroundings; out of placeSAT inconsequentialnot important or significant; trivialGRE · SAT inconspicuousnot clearly visible or attracting attention; unnoticeableSAT indeliblemaking marks that cannot be removed; permanentSAT indifferentHaving no particular interest or sympathy; unconcerned or apathetic.GRE · SAT indigenousOriginating or occurring naturally in a particular place; native.SAT · IELTS indolenceavoidance of activity; lazinessSAT inducteea person who has been inducted into an organization or groupSAT indulgenthaving a tendency to be overly generous; lenient; yielding to desiresSAT inebriationthe state of being drunk; intoxicationSAT ineffableToo great or extreme to be expressed or described in words; indescribable.GRE · SAT inepthaving or showing no skill; lacking competenceSAT inertiatendency to remain unchanged; resistance to change or motionSAT · TOEFL inevitablecertain to happen; unable to be avoided or escapedSAT · TOEFL · IELTS

M

maladya disease or ailment; a problem or issueSAT maledictiona curse or something spoken as a curseSAT malefactora person who commits a crime or wrong; an evildoerSAT malingerto pretend to be ill to avoid duty or workGRE · SAT malingerera person who pretends to be ill to avoid dutySAT malleableable to be shaped; easily influenced; adaptableGRE · SAT malleta hammer with a large head; a stick used in polo or croquetSAT manipulatableable to be influenced or controlled by others; easily swayedSAT marredimpaired or damaged; spoiledSAT marshalto arrange or gather together in order; to lead or guideSAT marsupiala mammal with a pouch in which its young developSAT martinetA strict disciplinarian, especially in the military; someone who demands absolut…GRE · SAT masochista person who derives pleasure from their own pain or humiliationSAT matriarchya social system in which females hold the primary powerSAT

P

palpableSo intense as to be almost able to be touched or felt; easily perceived or obvio…GRE · SAT panaceaa solution or remedy for all difficulties or diseasesSAT paradigmA typical example, model, or pattern of something; a framework of concepts and a…GRE · SAT paradoxa statement that seems self-contradictory but may be true; a dilemmaGRE · SAT paragona person or thing regarded as a perfect example of a qualityGRE · SAT paramountmore important than anything else; supreme in importanceSAT parasiteAn organism that lives in or on a host organism and benefits at the host's expen…SAT · TOEFL · IELTS parcheddried out, especially by the sun; extremely thirstySAT pariaha person or animal that is generally despised or avoidedSAT paritythe state or condition of being equal, especially in status or paySAT parochialnarrow-minded; only concerned with local matters; provincialSAT parodyan imitation of a work for comic effect; a mockerySAT parryto ward off a weapon or blow; to evade a question skillfullySAT parsimoniousExcessively unwilling to spend money or use resources; extremely frugal or sting…GRE · SAT pretentiousattempting to impress by affecting greater importance than is realSAT prevaricateTo speak or act in an evasive, misleading way; to avoid giving a direct or truth…GRE · SAT pristinein its original condition; unspoiled and cleanSAT proclivityA tendency or inclination to do something, especially something objectionable.GRE · SAT procrastinateto delay or postpone action; to put off doing somethingSAT prodigalSpending money or resources freely and recklessly; wastefully extravagant.GRE · SAT prodigiousRemarkably great in extent, size, or degree; impressively large or powerful.GRE · SAT profanenot relating to religious matters; irreverentSAT profanityblasphemous or obscene language; swearingSAT profoundvery great or intense; showing deep understanding; far-reachingGRE · SAT · IELTS profunditydeep insight; great depth of knowledge or thoughtSAT proletarianof or relating to the working class; a member of the working classSAT prolificproducing many works, results, or offspring; highly productiveSAT

S

scrutinizeto examine or inspect someone or something closely and thoroughlySAT scuttleto sink one's own ship deliberately; to run hurriedly; to ruinSAT seminaryan institution for training priests; a place of educationSAT sensuousrelating to or affecting the senses; appealing aestheticallySAT sentinela soldier or guard whose job is to stand and keep watchSAT sequesterto isolate or keep away from others; to remove from circulationSAT serendipitythe occurrence of events by chance in a happy waySAT serenecalm, peaceful, and untroubled; tranquilSAT serratedhaving a jagged edge like a sawSAT servileExcessively willing to serve or please others; showing a lack of independence or…GRE · SAT skepticalnot easily convinced; having doubts or reservations; questioningSAT skirmishan episode of irregular or unpremeditated fighting; a minor confrontationSAT sluggarda habitually lazy person; a slow-moving personSAT

U

unfetterto release from chains or restraint; to set freeSAT unfrockto remove a priest or minister from their position and rightsSAT unprecedentednever having happened or existed beforeSAT unscathedwithout suffering any injury, damage, or harmSAT unwittingnot aware of the full facts; unintentionalSAT upbraidto find fault with or criticize someone sharply; to scoldSAT uproariousprovoking loud laughter; very funny; very noisySAT upshotthe final or eventual outcome of a series of eventsSAT urbanecourteous and refined in manner; sophisticatedSAT usurpTo seize and hold power, position, or rights by force or without legal authority…GRE · SAT utilitariandesigned to be useful or practical rather than attractive; pragmaticSAT utopianmodeled on or aiming for a perfect society; idealisticSAT

V

vacillateto waver between different opinions or actions; to be indecisiveSAT