SAT Vocabulary List #5: Advanced Words for Critical Reading and Writing

What does 'sage' mean?

A wise person or a plant used for seasoning.

What is a 'bounty'?

A generous gift or reward.

What does it mean to 'eschew'?

To deliberately avoid or abstain from something.

What is a 'gorge'?

A narrow valley between hills or mountains, often with a stream running through it.

What does 'verdant' refer to?

Green with grass or other rich vegetation.

What does 'rail' mean in a critical context?

To complain or protest strongly.

What does 'heed' mean?

To pay attention to or take notice of.

What does 'laudatory' mean?

Expressing praise or admiration.

What does 'expiate' mean?

To make amends or atone for guilt or wrongdoing.

What is the meaning of 'choleric'?

Easily angered or irritable.

What does 'whimsical' mean?

Playfully quaint or fanciful, especially in an appealing and amusing way.

What does 'crass' mean?

Lacking sensitivity, refinement, or intelligence.

What does 'mendacious' mean?

Not telling the truth; lying.

What does 'arcane' mean?

Understood by few; mysterious or secret.

What is a 'bugaboo'?

A source of fear or anxiety.

What does 'nondescript' mean?

Lacking distinctive or interesting features.

What does 'baleful' mean?

Threatening harm; menacing.

What does 'verve' refer to?

Vigor and spirit or enthusiasm.

What is a 'fiasco'?

A complete failure, especially in a ludicrous or humiliating way.

What is a 'bard'?

A poet, often one who recites epic and heroic poems.

What does 'imbibe' mean?

To drink, especially alcohol.

What is a 'spire'?

A tapering conical or pyramidal structure on the top of a building.

What does 'dilettante' mean?

A person who cultivates an area of interest, such as the arts, without real commitment or knowledge.

What is a 'curator'?

A keeper or custodian of a museum or other collection.

What does 'endeavor' mean?

To try hard to do or achieve something.

What does 'goad' mean?

To provoke or annoy someone so as to stimulate some action or reaction.

What does 'vigilant' mean?

Keeping careful watch for possible danger or difficulties.

What is a 'cabal'?

A secret political faction or conspiracy.

What does 'diatribe' mean?

A forceful and bitter verbal attack.

What does 'heinous' mean?

Utterly odious or wicked.

What does 'convoluted' mean?

Extremely complex and difficult to follow.

What is a 'prototype'?

A first or preliminary version of a device or vehicle from which other forms are developed.

What does 'vacillate' mean?

To waver between different opinions or actions.

What is a 'chimera'?

A mythical creature composed of parts from different animals; also refers to a hope or dream that is illusory.

What does 'prolific' mean?

Producing many works, results, or offspring.

What does 'amorphous' mean?

Without a clearly defined shape or form.

What is a 'venue'?

The place where something happens, especially an organized event.

What does 'plaudit' mean?

An expression of praise or approval.

What does 'encumber' mean?

To restrict or burden someone or something.

What does 'acrimony' mean?

Bitterness or ill feeling.

What does 'officious' mean?

Assertive of authority in an annoyingly domineering way.

What does 'morose' mean?

Sullen and ill-tempered.

What does 'obfuscate' mean?

To deliberately make something unclear or difficult to understand.

What does 'concoct' mean?

To create or devise, often by combining various elements.

What does 'flippant' mean?

Not showing a serious or respectful attitude.

What does 'fathom' mean?

To understand after much thought.

What does 'callow' mean?

Inexperienced and immature.

What does 'fatuous' mean?

Silly and pointless.

What is a 'pariah'?

An outcast.

What does 'manifestation' mean?

An event, action, or object that clearly shows or embodies something.