SAT Critical Reading

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Critical Reading Writing & Language Math Terminology Advanced Vocabulary

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A

abasementthe act of humiliating or degrading someone; lowering in rank or esteemSAT abateto become less intense or widespread; to reduceGRE · SAT abrasiverough or coarse in manner; tending to irritate or abradeSAT abrogateTo formally abolish or annul a law, agreement, or custom by authoritative action…GRE · SAT abscondto leave secretly and hurriedly, typically to avoid detectionGRE · SAT absolutionformal release from guilt, obligation, or punishmentSAT abstainTo deliberately choose not to do or have something; to refrain.GRE · SAT · TOEFL acridhaving a bitter, pungent smell or taste; sharp and causticSAT acrimoniousAngry and bitter in tone or disposition, especially in speech or debate.GRE · SAT acrophobiaextreme or irrational fear of heightsSAT adhereto stick fast to something; to follow or support closelySAT adversaryone's opponent in a contest, conflict, or disagreementSAT aestheticconcerned with beauty or appreciation of beauty; artisticGRE · SAT allayto calm or reduce fears, doubts, or anxietySAT alleviateto make easier or less severe; to reduce pain or distressGRE · SAT · TOEFL allureto attract or tempt someone with the promise of something desirableGRE · SAT aloofdistant, unfriendly, or uninvolved; detachedSAT amassto gather or accumulate a large quantity of somethingSAT ambiguousOpen to more than one interpretation; having a double meaning.GRE · SAT · TOEFL · IELTS ameliorateto make something better; to improveGRE · SAT amiablefriendly, good-natured, and agreeableSAT amisswrong or improper; not as expected or desiredSAT amnestyan official pardon for people who have been convicted of crimesSAT anachronismsomething or someone placed in the wrong time period; an error in timingGRE · SAT analogouscomparable in certain respects; having similar featuresGRE · SAT · TOEFL anarchista person who seeks to overthrow government or established orderSAT anatomyThe branch of science concerned with the bodily structure of organisms.SAT · TOEFL · IELTS ancillaryproviding support; subsidiary or subordinateSAT anecdotea short, interesting story about a real person or eventSAT · TOEFL animatedalive with enthusiasm, excitement, or energy; livelySAT animositystrong dislike or hostility; bitter enmitySAT annexto add or attach something; a building added to a main structureSAT annihilateto destroy completely; to eliminate entirelySAT annotateto add notes or comments to a text or documentSAT · TOEFL anomalySomething that deviates from what is standard, normal, or expected.GRE · SAT · TOEFL anonymouswith no name or identity acknowledged; of unknown authorshipSAT antacida substance that neutralizes acid; relieving heartburnSAT antagonismactive opposition or hostility between people or thingsSAT antipathya strong feeling of dislike or opposition; aversionGRE · SAT antiquatedold-fashioned or outdated; no longer in general useSAT antithesisthe direct opposite; a contrast or oppositionSAT apathylack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern; indifferenceGRE · SAT aperturean opening or gap; a hole through which light enters a cameraSAT apexthe top or highest point; the peak or culminationSAT aphorisma concise, memorable statement of a truth or opinionSAT apoliticalnot interested in or concerned with politicsSAT apologya statement expressing regret for an offense; a defense or justificationSAT apostatea person who abandons or renounces their religion or principlesSAT apotheosisThe highest point of development or the perfect example of something; the elevat…GRE · SAT appallto shock or horrify deeply; to cause dismaySAT apparatusa set of equipment designed for a particular purpose; a systemSAT apparelclothing or garments; to dress or clotheSAT apparentclearly visible or understood; seeming or appearing to be trueSAT · TOEFL · IELTS apparitiona ghost or phantom; an unexpected appearanceSAT appealto make an earnest or formal request; to be attractive or interestingSAT · TOEFL appeaseto pacify or calm someone; to satisfy a demand or needGRE · SAT appellaterelating to appeals or the legal process of appealing a decisionSAT appellationa name or title given to someone or somethingSAT appendto add or attach something to the end of a document or listSAT appendagea body part attached to the main trunk; something added as secondarySAT apprehendto arrest or capture someone; to understand or perceiveSAT apprehensionanxiety or fear about a future event; understanding or perceptionSAT apprenticea person learning a trade from a skilled worker; to train as an apprenticeSAT appriseto inform or notify someone; to make awareGRE · SAT approachto come near or closer to something; a method or way of dealingSAT · IELTS approbationapproval or consent; official sanction or agreementGRE · SAT appropriatesuitable or proper for a particular situation; to take or adoptGRE · SAT · TOEFL · IELTS aptitudenatural ability or skill at something; talent or capacitySAT aqueducta channel or pipe for conveying water; a bridge-like structureSAT arbitera person chosen to settle a dispute; one who has control or powerSAT arbitrarybased on random choice or judgment rather than reason; capriciousSAT arbitrationthe settlement of a dispute by an agreed upon third partySAT arborealrelating to or living in trees; tree-dwellingSAT auspiciousfavorable or showing signs of future success; promisingSAT

B

benevolentWell-meaning and kindly; characterized by doing good.GRE · SAT benignharmless or not dangerous; kind and gentleGRE · SAT bifurcateto divide into two branches or partsSAT bigotnarrow-minded person intolerant of others' views or backgroundsSAT bilkto cheat or defraud someone of money or possessionsSAT billowingswelling outward and moving in large waves; rolling and surgingSAT blasphemyspeaking sacrilegiously about God or sacred thingsSAT blatantdone openly and unashamedly; flagrantly obviousSAT blighteddamaged or destroyed by disease, pollution, or misfortuneSAT blitheShowing a casual and cheerful indifference considered to be improper or callous.GRE · SAT blunderbussan old type of gun; a clumsy or unsubtle personSAT bolsterto support or strengthen; to give a boost toGRE · SAT · TOEFL bombastarrogant, pompous language or behavior; inflated speechSAT boorishill-mannered and coarse in behavior or appearanceGRE · SAT bourgeoisBelonging to or characteristic of the middle class, typically with reference to …GRE · SAT braggarta person who boasts about their achievements or possessionsSAT brawnyphysically strong; having well-developed musclesSAT brevityshortness or conciseness, especially in speech or writingSAT · TOEFL

C

cacophonya harsh, discordant mixture of soundsGRE · SAT callousemotionally hardened; unfeeling; indifferent to others' sufferingSAT candidTruthful and straightforward; not hiding what you think.SAT · IELTS capriciousdetermined by chance or impulse rather than by necessityGRE · SAT catalystA substance that increases the rate of a reaction without being consumedGRE · SAT · TOEFL catharticproviding psychological relief or purification; emotionally cleansingSAT causticcapable of destroying or eating away by chemical actionGRE · SAT censureto express severe disapproval or to reprimand formallyGRE · SAT cerebralappealing to the intellect; intellectual rather than emotionalSAT circumlocutionThe use of many words where fewer would do, especially to avoid speaking directl…GRE · SAT circumspectWary and unwilling to take risks; carefully considering all circumstances.GRE · SAT coalesceTo come together to form one whole; to merge or unite.GRE · SAT cogentclear, logical, and convincingGRE · SAT commensuratecorresponding in size, degree, or extent; proportionateSAT commiserateTo express or feel sympathy or pity for someone's misfortune.GRE · SAT commodiousspacious and comfortable; roomySAT concomitantoccurring or existing together; accompanyingSAT condescendingshowing an attitude of superiority; patronizingSAT confuteto prove wrong by argument; to refute conclusivelySAT congenialPleasant and agreeable because suited to one's taste or nature.GRE · SAT conjectureAn opinion or conclusion formed on the basis of incomplete information; in math,…GRE · SAT connoteto imply or suggest in addition to the literal meaningSAT contentionheated disagreement; a point asserted as true in an argumentGRE · SAT contiguousSharing a common border; touching or adjacent without interruption.GRE · SAT contumaciousstubbornly disobedient; rebelliousSAT copiousabundant; existing or available in large quantitiesGRE · SAT corroborateTo confirm or give support to a statement, theory, or finding with additional ev…GRE · SAT corruptdishonest or immoral; to make dishonestSAT counterfeitmade in imitation of something genuine with intent to deceive; fakeSAT covenanta formal agreement or contract; a binding promiseSAT covertnot openly acknowledged or displayed; secret or hiddenSAT cowerto crouch down in fear; to shrink away from something threateningSAT credibleable to be believed; convincingSAT creditabledeserving public acknowledgment and praise; commendableSAT credulousHaving too great a readiness to believe things; gullible.GRE · SAT crepuscularrelating to or resembling twilight; active at dawn or duskSAT cringeto recoil in fear or revulsion; to fawn in an embarrassing waySAT cryptichaving a meaning that is mysterious or obscure; puzzlingSAT curtailto reduce in extent or quantity; to restrictSAT cynicaldistrustful of human sincerity or goodness; mockingSAT

D

debilityphysical weakness or incapacity caused by illness or ageSAT debunkingexposing the falseness or hollowness of a myth or claimSAT decathlonan athletic competition in which competitors take part in ten eventsSAT delugea great flood of water; an overwhelming rush or abundanceGRE · SAT

E

enfranchiseto grant the right to vote or full citizenship rights to a groupSAT engenderto cause or give rise to a feeling, situation, or conditionGRE · SAT enhanceTo intensify, increase, or further improve the quality, value, or extent of some…GRE · SAT · TOEFL · IELTS enigmaa person or thing that is mysterious and difficult to understandSAT ensconceto establish or settle securely in a comfortable positionSAT enshroudto envelop or cover completely; to shroud in mysterySAT enunciationthe action of pronouncing words clearly; a formal statementSAT envenomto cause bitterness and bad feeling; to poisonSAT ephemeralanything short-lived, as an insect that lives only for a dayGRE · SAT epicuresomeone who appreciates fine food and drink; a connoisseurSAT epistlea letter, especially a formal or literary oneSAT epistolaryrelating to or denoting the writing of lettersSAT epitomizedrepresented as a perfect example; typifiedSAT equivocateto use ambiguous language to conceal the truth; to hedgeGRE · SAT

F

fallacyA mistaken belief or a flawed argument based on unsound reasoning.GRE · SAT

G

gregarioustemperamentally seeking and enjoying the company of othersGRE · SAT

H

hamperto hinder or obstruct the movement or progress of somethingSAT hangara large building where aircraft are kept and maintainedSAT haranguea lengthy and aggressive speech; to lecture someone at length in angerGRE · SAT harbingersthings that announce or signal the approach of somethingSAT harborto give shelter or refuge to; to keep or hold in the mindSAT hastento be quick to do something; to cause to happen soonerSAT haughtinessthe quality of being arrogantly superior and disdainfulSAT headstrongenergetically self-willed and difficult to control; stubbornSAT hedonismThe pursuit of pleasure as the highest good and the primary motivation for human…GRE · SAT hedonista person who believes that pleasure is the chief goodGRE · SAT heedto pay careful attention to; to take notice ofSAT heresybelief or opinion contrary to orthodox doctrine; heterodoxyGRE · SAT hiatusa pause or gap in a sequence, series, or processSAT hideboundunwilling to change because of tradition; narrow-mindedSAT hieroglyphicswriting consisting of pictures; writing that is difficult to readSAT

I

inciteto provoke or urge someone to do something, typically something badSAT

J

jovialcheerful and friendly; full of good humorSAT

K

kindleto light or set on fire; to arouse or inspire a feelingSAT knottyextremely difficult to solve; full of complicationsSAT

L

labyrintha complicated irregular network of passages; a mazeSAT labyrinthineresembling a labyrinth in complexity; intricate and confusingSAT lacerationa deep cut or tear in skin or fleshSAT lachrymoseTearful or given to weeping; inducing tears through excessive sentimentality.GRE · SAT lacklusterLacking in vitality, force, or conviction; dull and uninspired.GRE · SAT laconicusing very few words; brief and terse in speech or expressionGRE · SAT lamentationthe expression of grief, regret, or sorrowSAT lampoonto publicly mock or satirize; a satirical attackSAT lancea long weapon with a pointed metal head; to pierce with a lanceSAT languiddisplaying a disinclination for physical exertion; listlessGRE · SAT languishto lose vitality and be weak; to be forced to remain in miserySAT larcenytheft of personal property; stealingSAT lucidclear and easy to understand; thinking clearlyGRE · SAT

M

mundaneordinary and not interesting; dull or everydaySAT

N

negateto nullify or make ineffective; to deny or contradictGRE · SAT noxiousharmful, poisonous, or very unpleasant to healthSAT nuanceA subtle difference in or shade of meaning, expression, or sound.SAT · TOEFL · IELTS nullifyTo make legally null and void; to invalidate or render ineffective.GRE · SAT nuzzleto rub or push gently with the nose and mouth; to snuggleSAT

O

obduratestubbornly refusing to change one's opinion; hardened against persuasionGRE · SAT obfuscateTo render obscure, unclear, or unintelligible; to deliberately make something co…GRE · SAT objectiveNot influenced by personal feelings; based on observable facts.SAT · TOEFL · IELTS obligeto do something as a favor; to be helpful or accommodatingSAT obliqueNot explicit or direct in stating or expressing something; slanting or angled ra…GRE · SAT obliterateto destroy utterly; to leave no trace ofSAT obliviousNot aware of or not concerned about what is happening around one; utterly unmind…GRE · SAT obscurenot discovered or known about; difficult to understand; to concealSAT obscuredmade difficult to perceive clearly; hidden or coveredSAT obsequiousexcessively obedient and eager to please; servileGRE · SAT

P

pallidpale or ashen in appearance; lacking color or vitalitySAT placidCalm, peaceful, and free from disturbance; not easily upset or excited.GRE · SAT plagiarismthe practice of taking someone else's work and passing it off as one's ownSAT · TOEFL plaintiffa person who brings a case against another in a court of lawSAT plauditan expression of praise or approval; enthusiastic applauseSAT plausibleSeeming reasonable or probable; appearing valid or acceptable.SAT · IELTS plethoraan excess or abundance of somethingGRE · SAT pliableflexible and easily bent; easily influencedSAT plumagethe feathers of a bird as a wholeSAT plummetto fall or drop suddenly and quickly; to plungeSAT podiuma small platform on which a person stands to address an audienceSAT poignantevoking a keen sense of sadness or regret; deeply movingSAT poisedhaving a composed, graceful manner; ready and preparedSAT polemicalInvolving or characterized by aggressive, controversial argument or critical att…GRE · SAT

Q

quirka peculiar or unexpected trait or characteristic; an odd mannerismSAT

R

reckonto think or suppose; to calculate or countSAT remunerationpayment made for work or services rendered; compensationSAT renownthe condition of being known by many people; fameSAT repletefilled to the point of being stuffed; thoroughly suppliedSAT reprehensibledeserving of censure or condemnation; morally wrongSAT reprieveA temporary relief or postponement of punishment, suffering, or an unpleasant ob…GRE · SAT repudiateTo refuse to accept, acknowledge, or be associated with; to reject as invalid or…GRE · SAT rescindTo revoke, cancel, or repeal a law, order, or agreement.GRE · SAT resignationthe acceptance of something undesirable but inevitableSAT resolutionA firm decision to do or not do something; the quality of being determined or re…GRE · SAT · TOEFL resonantHaving the quality of resounding or evoking strong images, memories, or emotions…GRE · SAT respitea short period of rest or relief from something difficultSAT resplendentattractive and impressive through being richly colorfulSAT restorativehaving the ability to restore health, strength, or well-beingSAT

S

sanguineOptimistic or positive, especially in a difficult situation.GRE · SAT

T

tacitunderstood or implied without being stated directly; silentGRE · SAT talismanAn object thought to have magic powers and to bring good luck.GRE · SAT tangentA straight line that touches a curve at exactly one point without crossing it; a…GRE · SAT tangibleperceptible by touch; clear and definite; realSAT tardydelaying or delayed beyond the expected time; lateSAT tawdryShowy but cheap and of poor quality; morally low or distasteful.GRE · SAT tediumthe state of being tedious; boredom caused by repetitivenessSAT temperto moderate or soften; to bring to a desired consistencySAT tenaciousHolding firmly to something; persistent and determined.GRE · SAT tentativenot certain or fixed; provisional; done hesitantlySAT tenuousVery weak, slight, or insubstantial; lacking a sound basis.GRE · SAT tersesparing in the use of words; brief and abruptSAT therapeuticrelating to the healing of disease; having a good effect on healthSAT thwartto prevent someone from accomplishing something; to frustrateSAT

U

unkemptuntidy or disheveled in appearance; not well groomedSAT

V

vacateto leave or empty a place; to give up occupancySAT vividproducing powerful, clear images in the mind; bright and strikingSAT

W

waryFeeling or showing caution about possible dangers or problems.GRE · SAT

X

xenophobichaving an irrational fear or hatred of foreigners or foreign thingsSAT

Z

zealgreat energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or objectiveSAT