Important Vocabulary for the SAT Reading

These flashcards cover important vocabulary that may be encountered in the SAT Reading section.

Abject (a)

Describes the highest level of negativity such as loneliness, poverty, or sadness.

Abode (n)

A place where people live; can vary from a house to a cave.

Abstract (a)

Something that is not concrete or tangible; it may exist as an idea or represent concepts.

Acknowledge (v)

To notice someone or something and ensure it knows it has been noticed.

Adapt (v)

To change to fit a situation.

Admonition (n)

A scolding or reprimand received for doing something wrong.

Affluent (a)

Being very well off financially.

Agitate (v)

To disturb or annoy someone.

Aggrandize (v)

To make something grander, often through mental exaggeration.

Aggregate (v)

The whole, not the individual parts; can also refer to the act of building up parts to create a whole.

Alternation (n)

Taking turns

Amicable (a)

Friendly and get along with others

Analogous (a)

Two things that can be compared to clarify something about one of them.

Analogy (n)

A comparison between two items using 'like' or 'as'.

Anomaly (a)

Something strange or out of the usual pattern.

Antipathy (n)

A very negative feeling toward another person or thing.

Apparition (n)

Something that suddenly appears, often used to describe ghosts.

Arbitrary

Random; lacking a purposeful decision.

Ascertain

To find something out or confirm it.

Aspire

To dream big or work toward lofty goals.

Autocratic

Describing someone who has complete power, akin to an autocrat.

Automated

Changed to be automatic.

Beget

To bring something into existence or lead to something.

Benevolent

To be kind and charitable.

Bestow

To give something, often in terms of honors or awards.

Biological

Relating to the study of life or living organisms.

Calibrate

To adjust something so that it runs correctly.

Calisthenics

Exercises based on body weight, such as pushups and jumping jacks.

Capacity

The measure of ability or how much can be contained.

Celestial

Relating to outer space.

Censure

To give a formal reprimand.

Circulation

The movement back and forth or around in a predictable pattern.

Coerce

To compel someone to do something through threats.

Cognition

The ability to understand something.

Colloquial

Describing everyday language.

Commercial

Related to the buying and selling of goods.

Complementary

Something that goes well with another thing.

Complimentary

Provided free of charge; also relates to a compliment.

Conflate

To combine or confuse two different things.

Conjure

To bring something to mind or create an image.

Consensus

Agreement among a group.

Consequence

The result or effect of an action.

Conservator

A person responsible for safeguarding or preserving something.

Constitution

A governing document or the physical health of a being.

Contingent

Dependent upon certain conditions.

Conventional

Following traditional rules or norms.

Convey

To communicate or get an idea across.

Convoke

To call a meeting or gathering.

Convulsion

A sudden, often violent motion.

Cooperatively

Working together with others.

Cultivate

To nurture or promote growth.

Dawdle

To waste time or move slowly.

Decipher

To figure something out or interpret it.

Deficient

Lacking something essential.

Degrade

To break down something over time.

Demur

To politely decline or object.

Desolation

Total abandonment or emptiness.

Despoil

To loot or take away valuable things.

Deter

To stop someone from doing something.

Disenfranchise

To take away someone's right to vote.

Disparity

An inequality or difference.

Disseminate

To spread information or ideas.

Dissimilar

Not the same; different.

Diverge

To separate or go in different directions.

Doctrine

A firmly held belief or set of beliefs.

Doldrums

A state of stagnation or inactivity.

Domestic

Relating to the home or household.

Dominion

Control or authority over something.

Dubious

Doubtful or uncertain.

Earnest

Showing sincere and intense conviction.

Eddy

A circular movement of water or air.

Effectual

Achieving the desired result.

Efficacy

The ability to produce a desired effect.

Efficient

Achieving maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort.

Embellish

To add detail or flair to something.

Emit

To give off something.

Empathize

To understand and share the feelings of another.

Endearing

Causing warm feelings; charming.

Endeavor

To attempt or strive to achieve something.

Endow

To give or provide a quality or asset.

Enhance

To improve or make better.

Enterprise

An ambitious project or venture.

Entice

To attract or lure someone by promising rewards.

Entrenched

Firmly established and difficult to change.

Ephemeral

Short-lived; fleeting.

Evince

To show or reveal clearly.

Expenditure

An expense or spending of resources.

Explanatory

Intended to explain something.

Extensive

Widespread or far-reaching.

Feature

A distinctive attribute or aspect of something.

Feeble

Weak or lacking strength.

Fetter

To restrain or limit someone.

Finite

Having limits; not infinite.

Fiscal

Related to financial matters.

Florid

Red or flushed in appearance.

Former

Describing the first of two things mentioned.

Forum

A place or medium for discussion.

Frantic

Desperate or wild with excitement.

Frequent

Happening often.

Fundamental

Basic or foundational principles.