SAT Writing & Language

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A B C D E H I L O P R S T

A

aberrantdeviating from what is normal or expectedGRE · SAT abeyancea state of suspension or temporary inactivityGRE · SAT abhorto regard with disgust or hatred; to loatheSAT abideto accept or follow a rule; to remain or continue; to tolerateSAT abilitythe power or capacity to do something; skill or talentSAT · IELTS abjureTo formally renounce or reject a belief, cause, or claim.GRE · SAT ablateto remove by evaporation or erosionSAT ablutionthe act of washing or cleansing, especially for religious purposesSAT abnegationthe denial or rejection of something; self-denialSAT abolishto formally put an end to something; to eliminate or eradicateSAT · TOEFL · IELTS aboriginalrelating to the earliest inhabitants of a region; indigenousSAT absoluteIn mathematics, the absolute value of a number is its distance from zero on the …GRE · SAT abstemiousmoderate in eating and drinking; restrainedGRE · SAT abstractExisting in thought or as an idea but not having a concrete physical existenceGRE · SAT · TOEFL · IELTS abstruseExtremely difficult to understand; obscure and recondite.GRE · SAT absurdobviously ridiculous or unreasonable; illogical or nonsensicalSAT abundancea very large quantity of something; plenty or profusionSAT abutmentthe part of a structure supporting an arch; something that borders on something …SAT accedeto agree to or accept something, often reluctantlySAT accelerateTo begin to move more quickly; to increase the rate of something.SAT · IELTS accenta particular way of pronouncing words; emphasis or prominenceSAT acceptto receive or agree to something offered; to tolerate or allowSAT accessthe ability to approach, enter, or use something; to obtain informationSAT accessibleAble to be reached or used; friendly and easy to talk to.SAT · TOEFL · IELTS accidentan unexpected and undesirable event; a chance occurrenceSAT acclaimenthusiastic praise or approval; to praise enthusiasticallySAT acclimateto adapt or adjust to a new environment or situationSAT accoladeAn award or expression of praise and admiration.GRE · SAT accommodateTo provide lodging or space for; to adapt to or make room for.SAT · TOEFL · IELTS accomplicea person who helps another commit a crime or wrongdoingSAT accomplishto complete or achieve something; to fulfill a goalSAT · IELTS accomplishmenta successful completion; an achievementSAT accordan agreement or formal arrangement; to agree or harmonizeSAT accordiona musical instrument with reeds and a keyboardSAT accostto approach and address someone boldly or aggressivelySAT accounta record of financial transactions; a report or explanationSAT · TOEFL accoutermentsitems of clothing and equipment; accessories or furnishingsSAT accoutrementsclothing or equipment, typically for a particular activitySAT accreditto officially recognize as meeting certain standards; to attributeSAT accreteto grow by addition; to accumulate graduallySAT accrueTo accumulate or receive over time, especially benefits, profits, or advantages.GRE · SAT accuracythe quality of being correct or exact; precisionSAT · TOEFL accurateFree from error; exact and correctSAT · TOEFL · IELTS accuseto claim that someone has done something wrong; to charge with a crimeSAT accustomto make familiar through repeated experience; to adjust toSAT acerbicSharp, forthright, and harsh in tone or manner, especially of speech or commenta…GRE · SAT acerbitysharpness or harshness of tone or manner; bitternessSAT acetatea salt or ester of acetic acidSAT achea continuous dull pain; to suffer or yearn for somethingSAT achieveTo successfully bring about or reach a desired objective or result.SAT · TOEFL · IELTS achievementA thing done successfully, typically by effort, courage, or skill.SAT · IELTS acida chemical substance with pH less than 7; sharp or biting in tasteSAT · TOEFL acidulousslightly sour; mildly harsh or criticalSAT acknowledgeto admit or recognize something as true; to show appreciationSAT · TOEFL · IELTS acmethe highest point or peak; the pinnacle of achievementSAT acnea skin condition characterized by pimples and lesionsSAT acousticrelating to sound or hearing; designed to absorb soundSAT acquaintto make someone familiar with something; to introduceSAT acquiesceto accept or agree without protest; to comply passivelySAT acquireTo come to possess something through effort or experienceSAT · TOEFL acquisitionsomething newly obtained; the act of acquiringSAT acquitto declare someone not guilty; to conduct oneselfSAT acrea unit of land area equal to 4,840 square yardsSAT acrimonyharshness or bitterness in tone or manner; hostilitySAT acrobata person who performs gymnastic feats or balancing actsSAT acronyma word formed from the initial letters of other wordsSAT acronymsplural of acronym; multiple words formed from initial lettersSAT acropolisa citadel or upper city of an ancient Greek city-stateSAT acrossfrom one side to another; spanning somethingSAT acrylica synthetic fiber or paint made from acrylic resinSAT actto perform an action; a deed or law; a part of a playSAT actingperforming in theatrical or film productions; temporary service in a roleSAT actinideany of a series of radioactive chemical elementsSAT actionthe fact or process of doing something; a movement or gestureSAT activateTo make something active or operative; to set in motion.SAT · IELTS activeengaging in action; involved in activities; energeticSAT activitythe condition of engaging in action; a pursuit or hobbySAT actora person who performs in theatrical or film productionsSAT actualexisting or occurring in reality; factual or genuineSAT actualizeto make something actual or real; to realizeSAT acuitysharpness of perception or thought; keenness of visionSAT acutePresent or experienced to a severe or intense degree; requiring immediate attent…SAT · TOEFL · IELTS adagea short, traditional saying expressing a truth or observationSAT adamantineunyielding or inflexible; hard like adamantSAT adaptTo become adjusted to new conditions; to modify for a new purpose.SAT · TOEFL · IELTS adaptora device for connecting pieces of equipment; one who adaptsSAT addto put together numbers to find the total; to include or appendSAT adhesivesticky or tending to stick; a substance used for stickingSAT adiposerelating to or composed of fat tissueSAT adjournmentthe ending of a meeting or session; a postponementSAT adjudicativerelating to the process of hearing and settling a disputeSAT adrenalrelating to glands above the kidneys that produce hormonesSAT adulthoodthe state of being a fully grown personSAT advancementprogress or improvement; promotion to a higher positionSAT aerateto expose to air or introduce air intoSAT aerialrelating to the air or atmosphere; from or through the airSAT aerodynamicdesigned to move through air with minimal resistanceSAT afforestto plant trees on land that was not previously forestedSAT aftermostfarthest back or behind; the rear partSAT aftershocka smaller earthquake that follows the main quakeSAT afterworda concluding section of a book; remarks at the endSAT againonce more; returning to a previous conditionSAT againstin opposition to; in contact with; as a defenseSAT agatea type of banded mineral used in jewelrySAT agethe length of time something has existed; to grow olderSAT agedadvanced in age; old; made to appear oldSAT agelessnot affected by age; eternal or timelessSAT agencyan organization or firm providing a service; action or meansSAT agendaa list of items to be discussed; a hidden purposeSAT agenta person or thing that takes action; a representativeSAT agglutinateto stick together with glue; to join togetherSAT aggrandizementthe act of making something appear greater; exaggerationSAT aggravateTo make a problem, injury, or offense worse or more serious.SAT · TOEFL · IELTS aggravationthe act of making worse; annoyance or irritationSAT aggrievedfeeling resentment at being treated unfairly; angrySAT aghastfilled with horror or shock; appalledSAT agonisticrelating to struggle or contest; combativeSAT agreeingconsenting or permitting; in harmonySAT agronomista scientist who specializes in crops and soilSAT agronomythe science of crops and soil; the study of agricultureSAT aguea fever with fits of shaking; a chill or fitSAT aheadin front; at or to the front; in advanceSAT aheman exclamation used to attract attention or express doubtSAT ahistoricalignoring historical context; not historically accurateSAT airthe invisible gas surrounding the Earth; to broadcast or exposeSAT alacritybrisk and cheerful readiness; eagernessGRE · SAT alchemya medieval forerunner of chemistry; seemingly magical transformationSAT alibian excuse or defense that proves one was elsewhere at the timeSAT altruismthe practice of selfless concern for the well-being of othersSAT

B

bristleto react with hostility or anger; to show irritationSAT broachTo raise a sensitive or difficult subject for discussion.GRE · SAT brusqueMarkedly short and abrupt in manner or speech; rudely curt.GRE · SAT bulwarka defensive wall; a thing providing protection or defenseSAT bureaucracyA system of government in which most important decisions are made by officials r…SAT · IELTS burgeonto begin to grow or increase rapidly; to flourishGRE · SAT burnishto polish by rubbing; to make shiny or brightGRE · SAT buttressto increase the strength of; to support or reinforceGRE · SAT bylinea line in a newspaper or magazine naming the author of an articleSAT

C

cajoleto persuade someone to do something by flattery; to coaxSAT caldrona large cooking pot; a situation with a mix of volatile elementsSAT callowinexperienced and immature; young and naiveSAT

D

decorumbehavior that is in accordance with accepted standards; proprietyGRE · SAT decoya lure or trap; something used to lead into a trapSAT deferencehumble submission and respect shown toward an authority or elderGRE · SAT defoliateto strip of leaves; to destroy vegetation with chemicalsSAT defunctno longer existing or functioning; deadSAT degradationthe condition of being reduced in quality or worth; humiliationSAT deleteriousCausing harm or damage, especially in a subtle or unexpected way.GRE · SAT deliberateto think carefully about something; done consciously and intentionallySAT · TOEFL delineationthe action of describing or portraying something preciselySAT demurto raise objections; to show reluctance or hesitationGRE · SAT denounceto publicly declare to be wrong, evil, or reprehensibleSAT depleteTo use up or exhaust the supply or resources of something.GRE · SAT deploreto feel or express strong condemnation of; to regret deeplySAT depravitymoral corruption or wickedness; extreme immoralityGRE · SAT

E

errto make a mistake; to be wrong; to go astray morallySAT erraticnot even or regular; unpredictable in behaviorSAT esotericintended for or understood by only a small number of peopleGRE · SAT espouseto adopt or support a cause, belief, or way of lifeSAT etymologyThe study of the origin and historical development of words.GRE · SAT eulogya formal expression of praise for someone who has diedGRE · SAT euphemisma mild or indirect word used in place of one that might seem harshGRE · SAT euphonythe quality of being pleasing to the ear; agreeable soundSAT evacuateto remove people from a dangerous place; to emptySAT exacerbateto make a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worseGRE · SAT exasperatedintensely irritated and frustratedSAT exceptionablecausing disapproval or offense; objectionableSAT exculpateto show someone is not guilty; to clear from blameGRE · SAT

H

hinderto impede or delay the progress of somethingSAT histrionicDeliberately affected or excessively dramatic in behavior or speech.GRE · SAT hoaryold and trite; very old; grey with ageSAT honeto sharpen a blade; to improve or perfect a skillSAT hyperboleexaggerated statements not meant to be taken literallySAT hypochondriaca person who is abnormally anxious about their healthSAT hypocriticalbehaving in a way that contradicts one's stated beliefs; two-facedSAT

I

iconoclastA person who attacks or criticizes cherished beliefs, institutions, or establish…GRE · SAT idiosyncrasya characteristic peculiar to an individual; a quirkSAT ignominiousdeserving or causing public disgrace or shame; humiliatingSAT ignominyPublic shame or disgrace; deep personal humiliation and dishonor.GRE · SAT illuminateto light up; to help make something clear or easier to understandSAT · IELTS illusorybased on an illusion; not realSAT

L

largessgenerosity in bestowing money or gifts on othersSAT laudto praise highly; to extolGRE · SAT lavishsumptuously rich; giving or using in great quantitiesSAT laxnot sufficiently strict, severe, or careful; negligentSAT legenda traditional story of unclear historical basis; a key to a mapSAT legiona large number; a vast body of peopleSAT lethargicaffected by lethargy; sluggish and apatheticGRE · SAT levitythe treatment of a serious matter with humor; lightnessGRE · SAT libertariana person who believes in a high degree of individual freedomSAT linimenta liquid medicine rubbed on the skin to relieve pain or stiffnessSAT lithethin, supple, and graceful in movement; flexibleGRE · SAT lividfuriously angry; of a dark bluish color from bruisingSAT lobbyista person who tries to influence legislators on behalf of a causeSAT

O

obsessiona dominating concern or idea that continually preoccupies the mindSAT obsoleteNo longer produced or used; out of date.SAT · IELTS obstreperousNoisy and difficult to control; stubbornly defiant and unruly.GRE · SAT obtuseIn geometry, an angle measuring greater than 90 degrees but less than 180 degree…GRE · SAT obviateto avoid or prevent; to make unnecessaryGRE · SAT odiousextremely unpleasant; repulsive; detestableSAT officiousAsserting authority or interfering in a domineering way, especially in trivial m…GRE · SAT ogleto stare at in a lecherous manner; to observe rudelySAT olfactoryrelating to the sense of smellSAT ominousgiving the impression that something bad is going to happenSAT omnipotenthaving unlimited or very great power; all-powerfulSAT omniscientknowing everything; having complete knowledgeSAT onerousinvolving a great deal of effort and difficulty; oppressively burdensomeGRE · SAT onusthe burden of doing something; responsibility or dutySAT

P

ponderousSlow and clumsy because of great weight; dull, laborious, or excessively solemn.GRE · SAT pontificateTo express opinions or judgments in a pompous, dogmatic, and self-important mann…GRE · SAT portendto be a sign or warning that something bad is going to happenSAT portenta sign or warning that something, especially something momentous, is likely to o…SAT poseura person who poses or pretends to be something they are notSAT posterityall future generations of people; one's descendantsSAT posthumousoccurring, awarded, or appearing after the death of the originatorSAT postulateTo assume or claim as true, especially as a basis for reasoning or discussion; a…GRE · SAT potablewater or liquid that is suitable for drinking; drinkableSAT potenthaving great power, influence, or effect; strongSAT pragmaticdealing with things sensibly and realistically; practicalGRE · SAT pragmatista person who is practical and results-focused rather than idealisticSAT preamblean introductory statement or preface; preliminary remarksSAT precariousnot securely held; dependent on uncertain circumstancesSAT

R

retentionthe continued possession or maintenance of somethingSAT reticentNot revealing one's thoughts or feelings readily; reserved and uncommunicative.GRE · SAT retractionthe withdrawal of a statement or claimSAT revereto feel deep respect or admiration for something or someone; to venerateGRE · SAT riddledfilled or permeated with something undesirableSAT rifefull of something undesirable; widespreadSAT rigorthe quality of being extremely thorough and careful; strict conditionsSAT robuststrong and healthy; not easily damaged or changed; vigorousSAT rotundplump and round; having a full, rich soundSAT ruminateto think deeply and at length about something; to ponderSAT rusean action intended to deceive someone; a clever trick or stratagemSAT

S

saccharinan artificial sweetener; excessively sentimental or sweetSAT sacrosanctRegarded as too important or valuable to be interfered with; inviolable.GRE · SAT sagaciousHaving or showing keen discernment, sound judgment, and farsightedness.GRE · SAT

T

timorousshowing fear and nervousness; lacking in courageSAT tiradeA long, angry, and vehement speech of censure or denunciation.GRE · SAT titterto laugh quietly in a nervous way; a quiet laughSAT tomea large, heavy book, especially one containing serious scholarshipSAT torpidmentally or physically inactive; lethargic and sluggishSAT torporphysical or mental inactivity; lethargy; numbnessSAT totterto move in a feeble, unsteady way; to be unsteadySAT tractableEasy to control, manage, or deal with; responsive to guidance.GRE · SAT tranquilfree from disturbance; calm and peacefulSAT transcribeto put thoughts, speech, or data into written formSAT transgressto go beyond the limits set by a law or moral principle; to sinSAT transientlasting only for a short time; staying only briefly; temporaryGRE · SAT traverseto travel across or through; to move back and forthSAT trepidationa feeling of fear or agitation about something that may happenGRE · SAT