SAT Words I don't Know

What does the verb 'Abate' mean?

To become less active, less intense, or less in amount.

What is the meaning of 'Adept'?

Having knowledge or skill (usually in a particular area).

Define 'Advent'.

The arrival or creation of something.

What does 'Aggravate' mean?

To worsen or intensify.

How can 'Ameliorate' be defined?

To improve or make better.

What does 'Analogous' mean?

Similar but not identical.

What is an 'Antecedent'?

A preceding event or condition.

Define 'Antipathy'.

A strong feeling of dislike.

What does 'Austere' mean?

Extremely plain; stern and forbidding; relating to self-denial.

What is the meaning of the verb 'Buttress'?

To support or strengthen.

How is 'Candid' described?

Direct, blunt.

What does it mean to 'Circumvent'?

To find a way around.

Define the verb 'Concede'.

To admit or yield.

What does 'Conflated' mean?

Combined in a misleading way.

What does 'Conspicuous' mean?

Easily noticed or standing out.

What does 'Contentious' refer to?

Causing disagreement or debate.

Define 'Contingent'.

Dependent on something else.

What does 'Contrived' mean?

Artificial or overly planned.

What does 'Controversial' describe?

Causing public disagreement.

What does 'Cordially' mean?

In a warm or friendly manner.

What does 'Corroborate' mean?

To provide evidence for; to back up (a claim).

Define 'Deliberation'.

Careful consideration or discussion.

What does it mean to 'Demarcate'?

To set boundaries or distinguish.

What is 'Desultory'?

Lacking a clear plan or enthusiasm.

What does 'Deviate' mean?

To move away from a set path or norm.

Define 'Disconcerting'.

Causing discomfort or confusion.

What does 'Disparage' mean?

To belittle or speak negatively about.

What does 'Dynamic' mean?

Constantly changing or energetic.

How is 'Earnest' described?

Serious and sincere.

What does the verb 'Eclipse' mean?

To overshadow or surpass.

Define 'Eloquent'.

Having refined or expressive communication skills (in speaking or writing).

What does 'Elusive' mean?

Hard to find or understand.

What does 'Exacerbate' mean?

To make a problem worse.

What is 'Exactitude'?

The quality of being precise or accurate.

What does it mean if something is 'Explicable'?

Able to be explained.

What does 'Fruitless' refer to?

Failing to achieve desired results.

Define 'Grapple'.

To struggle or wrestle with something.

What does 'Haphazard' mean?

Lacking organization or planning.

What does 'Imperceptible' mean?

Very slight or difficult to notice.

What does 'Inadequate' mean?

Insufficient or lacking.

How can 'Inadvertently' be described?

Unintentionally or by accident.

What does 'Incite' mean?

To encourage or stir up.

What does 'Inconspicuous' mean?

Not being easily seen or noticed.

Define 'Indecipherable'.

Impossible to understand or read.

What does 'Ineffectual' describe?

Not producing the desired effect.

What does it mean to be 'Inexplicable'?

Unable to be explained.

Define 'Innocuous'.

Harmless or inoffensive.

What does 'Insensible' mean?

Unaware or indifferent.

What is 'Latent'?

Present but not active.

What does 'Misanthropic' mean?

Disliking people or society.

What does 'Notional' mean?

Existing only in theory.

What does 'Novel' mean?

New or original.

Define 'Nuanced'.

Having subtle differences.

What does 'Obligate' mean?

To compel or require.

What does 'Offhand' mean?

Done without preparation or thought.

Define 'Omnipotent'.

Almighty and all powerful.

What does 'Onset' refer to?

The beginning or early stages.

What does 'Ornamental' mean?

Decorative rather than functional.

What does 'Oust' mean?

To remove or force out of (usually a position or office).

What does 'Outstrip' mean?

To surpass or exceed.

How is 'Overtly' described?

Openly and clearly.

What does 'Paramount' mean?

Predominant, superior, most important.

Define 'Paucity'.

A scarcity or lack.

What does 'Peripheral' refer to?

On the edge or outer part of something.

What does 'Perpetual' mean?

Continuing forever or indefinitely.

What does 'Postulate' mean?

To assume or propose a theory.

Describe 'Pragmatic'.

Practical and realistic.

What does 'Precarious' mean?

Uncertain or unstable.

What does 'Preclude' mean?

To prevent from happening.

Define 'Profusion'.

A large quantity of something.

What does 'Prudently' mean?

In a wise or careful manner.

What does 'Ramify' mean?

To split into two or more branches.

What does 'Recalcitrant' mean?

Stubbornly resistant to authority.

What does 'Recant' mean?

To take back a previous statement.

How is 'Rectify' defined?

To correct or fix something.

What is a 'Reprieve'?

A temporary relief or delay.

What does 'Repudiate' mean?

To reject or disown.

Define 'Reticent'.

Reluctant to share one's thoughts or feelings; reserved.

What does 'Rousing' mean?

Exciting or stirring.

How can 'Rudimentary' be defined?

Basic or simple.

What does 'Sanguine' mean?

Optimistic or hopeful.

What does 'Scorn' mean?

To look down on with disdain.

What does 'Spurious' mean?

False or deceptive.

Define 'Stark'.

Very plain; devoid of any details or features.

What does 'Stymie' mean?

To hinder or block.

What does 'Superficial' refer to?

Shallow or lacking depth.

How is 'Surmise' defined?

To infer or guess.

What does 'Tentative' mean?

Uncertain or not fully decided.

What is 'Tenuous'?

Weak or insubstantial.

Define 'Ubiquitous'.

Present everywhere.

What does 'Underscore' mean?

To emphasize.

What does 'Unmistakable' mean?

Clearly recognizable.

What does 'Unobtrusive' mean?

Not attracting attention.

Define 'Verisimilitude'.

The appearance of being true or real.

What does 'Veritable' mean?

Used to emphasize truth.

How can 'Volatile' be described?

Liable to change rapidly and unpredictably; easily evaporated (in scientific contexts).