SAT words 9/25

bias- noun or verb depending on context

prejudice in favor of or against one thing, person, or group compared with another, usually in a way considered to be unfair;

philanthropist; noun

a person who seeks to promote the welfare of others, especially by the generous donation of money to good causes

infiltrate; verb

enter or gain access to (an organization, place, etc.) surreptitiously and gradually, especially in order to acquire secret information

articulate- adjective

having or showing the ability to speak fluently and coherently

vigor- noun

physical strength and good health; effort, energy, and enthusiasm

diligence- noun

careful and persistent work or effort

morose- adjective

sullen and ill tempered

astute- adjective

having or showing an ability to accurately assess situations or people and turn this to one's advantage

contention- noun

heated disagreement; an assertation, especially one maintained in argument

sallow- adjective

of an unhealthy yellow or pale brown color

regale- verb

entertain or amuse (someone) with talk; lavishly supply (someone) with food or drink

aggrandize- verb

increase the power, status, or wealth of

mereticious- adjective

apparently attractive but having in reality no value or integrity

parlay- (1)verb- (2)noun

turn an initial stake or winnings from a previous bet into (a greater amount) by gambling; a cumulative series of bets in which winnings accruing from each transaction are used as a stake for a further bet

collateral- noun (1)

something pledged as security for repayment of a loan, to be forfeited in the event of a default

laconic- adjective

(of a person, speech, or style of writing) using very few words

hone- verb

smooth and sharpen (a blade); refine or perfect (something) over a period of time

befuddle- adjective

unable to think clearly; confused

bombastic- adjective

high sounding but with little meaning; inflated. sentence: The anthems were typically bombastic and brilliant.

debacle- noun

a sudden and ignominious failure; a fiasco