English Vocabulary & Language
50 flashcards
~25 min
SAT Vocabulary Words List 1
Master the 50 most frequently tested SAT vocabulary words. Each card presents a word with its definition, part of speech, and usage context to help you recognize it in reading passages.
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Master the 50 most frequently tested SAT vocabulary words. Each card presents a word with its definition, part of speech, and usage context to help you recognize it in reading passages.
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Departing from the normal or expected; abnormal. The scientist noted aberrant behavior in the test subjects.
To leave secretly and hide, especially to avoid legal consequences. The thief absconded with the stolen jewels.
Bitterness or ill feeling, especially in speech or manner. The divorce was filled with acrimony.
To make something impure by adding inferior or harmful substances. The milk was adulterated with water.
Relating to beauty or the appreciation of beauty. The architect had a refined aesthetic sense.
Brisk and cheerful readiness. She accepted the invitation with alacrity.
Open to more than one interpretation; unclear. The contract contained an ambiguous clause.
To make something bad or unsatisfactory better. Aid organizations worked to ameliorate suffering.
Something or someone out of place in a particular time period. A knight with a smartphone would be an anachronism.
A deep-seated feeling of dislike or aversion. She felt antipathy toward dishonesty.
Lack of interest or concern. Voter apathy led to low turnout at the election.
Very old or old-fashioned; no longer in common use. The archaic law had not been enforced in decades.
Involving or requiring strenuous effort; difficult. The mountain climb was arduous but rewarding.
Having or showing the ability to speak fluently and coherently. She was an articulate speaker who convinced the jury.
Showing great care and perseverance. The assiduous student reviewed her notes every evening.
Having an ability to accurately assess situations; shrewd. The astute investor recognized the opportunity early.
To reduce the force, effect, or value of something. The medication attenuated the severity of the symptoms.
Showing a willingness to take bold risks. His audacious plan surprised the entire board.
Severe or strict in manner; without luxuries. The monks led an austere life of prayer and fasting.
Lacking originality; predictable and dull. The speech was banal and put the audience to sleep.
Well-meaning and kindly; charitable. The benevolent donor funded an entire library.
A thing that spoils or damages something; a disease of plants. Urban blight spread through the abandoned neighborhood.
Concise and exact use of words; shortness of time. The speaker was praised for his brevity and clarity.
A harsh, discordant mixture of sounds. The construction site produced a cacophony of noise.
Truthful and straightforward; frank. She gave a candid assessment of the situation.
To cease to resist; to surrender or give in. The general capitulated after days of siege.
Sarcastic in a biting way; able to burn or corrode. His caustic remarks hurt her deeply.
The use of trickery or deception to achieve goals. The lawyer's chicanery was exposed during the trial.
Wary and unwilling to take risks; cautious. She was circumspect in her financial decisions.
A loud and confused noise; a strong demand or protest. There was a clamor for justice after the verdict.
To come together to form one mass or whole. The small parties coalesced into one powerful alliance.
Clear, logical, and convincing. She made a cogent argument for reform.
Showing uncritical satisfaction with oneself; smug. His complacent attitude cost him the championship.
Intended or likely to make conflict less severe. The president made a conciliatory speech after the dispute.
Extremely complex and difficult to follow. The instructions were so convoluted that no one understood them.
To confirm or give support to a statement or theory. The witness corroborated the defendant's alibi.
Deserving blame or censure; at fault. The manager was culpable for the safety violations.
Hasty and therefore not thorough; superficial. A cursory glance at the report revealed several errors.
Believing that people are motivated purely by self-interest. Years of disappointment made her cynical about politics.
To make someone feel intimidated or apprehensive. The long hike did not daunt the experienced climbers.
To make someone weak and infirm. The illness debilitated him for weeks.
Behavior in keeping with good taste and propriety. The students maintained decorum during the ceremony.
Polite submission and respect toward another. She acted in deference to her elder's wishes.
A political leader who seeks support by making false claims. The demagogue exploited the public's fears.
To criticize unfairly; to disparage. He denigrated his rival's achievements in public.
Modest or shy due to a lack of self-confidence. The diffident student rarely raised her hand.
To leave the main subject temporarily in speech or writing. The professor digressed into an amusing anecdote.
Essentially different in kind; not allowing comparison. The team had disparate views on the strategy.
Inclined to lay down principles as undeniably true. His dogmatic attitude made him resistant to new ideas.
Hesitating or doubting; not to be relied upon; suspect. She gave a dubious look at the questionable claim.