SSAT

Congenial

Friendly, pleasant, and easy to get along with; also describes an environment suited to someone's preferences. Example: The new student found his classmates congenial and quickly made friends.

Cordial

Warm, polite, and friendly, especially when interacting with others. Example: Despite their disagreement, the two politicians remained cordial during the meeting.

Tact

The ability to handle sensitive situations or communicate difficult things without upsetting or offending others. Example: She showed tact when explaining why her friend's behavior was inappropriate.

Fickle

Frequently changing one's opinions, feelings, or loyalties, making one difficult to rely on. Example: The fickle fans abandoned the team after a few losses.

Obstinate

Stubbornly refusing to change one's mind or behavior, even when given good reasons to do so. Example: The obstinate child refused to apologize.

Indignant

Feeling or expressing anger because something seems unfair, insulting, or morally wrong. Example: Students were indignant when the entire class was punished for one person's mistake.

Admonish

To firmly warn or scold someone, usually for bad behavior or a mistake. Example: The coach admonished the players for arriving late.

Vivacious

Full of life, energy, and enthusiasm, especially in personality or manner. Example: Her vivacious personality made every gathering more lively.

Meek

Quiet, gentle, and unlikely to argue or stand up for oneself; sometimes overly submissive. Example: Though he seemed meek, he defended his friend.

Docile

Easily controlled, taught, or led because of a calm and obedient nature. Example: The energetic puppy became docile after training.

Pragmatic

Focused on practical solutions that work in real life rather than theories or ideals. Example: Repairing her old computer was the pragmatic choice.

Plight

A difficult, unfortunate, or distressing situation, especially involving suffering or struggle. Example: The documentary highlighted the plight of families displaced by flooding.

Strenuous

Requiring considerable physical effort, energy, or determination. Example: The hikers were exhausted after the strenuous climb.

Toil

To work extremely hard, often for a long time under difficult conditions; also means exhausting labor. Example: Farmers toiled in the fields from sunrise to sunset.

Adept

Highly skilled or capable at a particular activity, usually through practice or experience. Example: After years of practice, she became adept at playing piano.

Adorn

To decorate or make something more attractive by adding beautiful details. Example: Colorful paintings adorned the museum walls.

Affront

An action or remark that insults someone or shows disrespect; also means to offend someone's dignity. Example: He considered the rude comment an affront to his family.

Aghast

Filled with shock, horror, or extreme surprise, usually at something disturbing. Example: The audience was aghast when the dangerous trick went wrong.

Ailment

A physical illness or health problem, often relatively minor. Example: The doctor treated her persistent stomach ailment.

Ample

More than enough to meet a particular need; plentiful or sufficient. Example: We had ample time to finish our homework.

Anomalous

Different from what is normal, usual, or expected; inconsistent with an established pattern. Example: The scientist investigated the anomalous temperature reading.

Appease

To calm an angry or dissatisfied person by meeting demands or making concessions. Example: The manager offered a refund to appease the customer.

Arid

Extremely dry, especially describing land or climates with very little rainfall. Example: Few plants survive in the arid desert.

Boisterous

Noisy, energetic, and sometimes difficult to control. Example: The boisterous children shouted throughout the party.

Callous

Showing little concern or sympathy for other people's feelings or suffering. Example: His callous response to her injury shocked everyone.

Candid

Honest and direct about thoughts or opinions, even when the truth is uncomfortable. Example: The athlete gave a candid account of his failures.

Cater

To provide for someone's needs or preferences, often by adapting goods or services. Example: The restaurant caters to vegetarians with many meat-free dishes.

Contrite

Feeling genuinely sorry, guilty, or remorseful for wrongdoing. Example: He offered a contrite apology after hurting his friend.

Chronology

The arrangement of events in the order they occurred, from earliest to latest. Example: The historian created a chronology of the war.

Clinch

To successfully secure, settle, or guarantee something, especially a victory or agreement. Example: Her final goal helped clinch the championship.

Copious

Existing or produced in very large quantities, often more than usual. Example: The student took copious notes during the lecture.

Culpable

Deserving blame or responsibility for something wrong, harmful, or illegal. Example: The company was culpable for ignoring safety regulations.

Dearth

A serious shortage or lack of something needed or desirable. Example: A dearth of qualified teachers forced the school to cancel classes.

Eclectic

Made up of styles, ideas, or influences drawn from many different sources. Example: Her eclectic music taste ranged from classical to hip-hop.

Elation

A feeling of intense happiness, excitement, or joy, usually caused by success or good news. Example: She felt elation when accepted into her dream school.

Eloquent

Able to express ideas clearly, beautifully, and persuasively in speech or writing. Example: The speaker delivered an eloquent speech that inspired the audience.

Embargo

An official ban or restriction on trade, exchanging goods, or releasing information. Example: The government imposed an embargo on exports.

Enmity

A strong feeling of hatred, hostility, or deep resentment between people or groups. Example: Years of rivalry created lasting enmity between the families.

Esoteric

Understood or appreciated by only a small group with specialized knowledge or interests. Example: The professor's esoteric theories confused most students.