ISEE/SSAT Class Set 2

Adept

highly skilled or proficient in something

Adversary

an opponent or enemy in a conflict or competition

Aloof

emotionally distant or detached

Ambiguous

open to multiple interpretations; unclear or vague

Ambivalence

the state of having mixed or contradictory feelings about something

Ameliorate

to improve or make better

Amenable

willing to agree or open to suggestions

Astute

having sharp judgment; perceptive or clever

Benevolent

kind and generous; desiring to help others

Benign

gentle, harmless, or not threatening

Callous

emotionally hardened; insensitive or unfeeling

Capricious

unpredictable or given to sudden changes in mood or behavior

Clandestine

done secretly or kept hidden

Clever

quick-witted and intelligent; resourceful

Complacent

overly satisfied with oneself, often without awareness of potential danger

Congenial

pleasant, friendly, and compatible

Connoisseur

an expert judge in matters of taste, such as food, art, or music

Deft

skillful and quick in movement or action

Didactic

intended to teach, often in a moralizing way

Eccentric

unconventional or slightly strange in behavior or appearance

Egotist

a person who is excessively self-centered or boastful

Empathy

the ability to understand and share another person's feelings

Emulate

to imitate or strive to equal or surpass someone

Frank

open, honest, and direct in speech or expression

Gaudy

overly flashy, bright, or showy

Gaunt

extremely thin or bony, often due to suffering or hunger

Gracious

courteous, kind, and pleasant

Gregarious

sociable and enjoying the company of others

Irk

to annoy or irritate

Lucid

clear and easy to understand; mentally sound

Virtuous

having or showing high moral standards

Whimsical

playful, unpredictable, or fanciful