SAT Master Word List #14

deviate

V. turn away from (a principle, norm); depart; diverge.

devious

ADJ. roundabout; erratic; not straightforward.

devise

V. think up; invent; plan.

devoid

ADJ. lacking.

devout

ADJ. pious.

dexterous

ADJ. skillful.

diabolical

ADJ. devilish.

diagnosis

N. art of identifying a disease; analysis of a condition.

dichotomy

N. split; branching into two parts (especially contradictory ones).

dictum

N. authoritative and weighty statement; saying; maxim.

didactic

ADJ. teaching; instructional.

differentiate

V. distinguish; perceive a difference between.

diffidence

N. shyness.

diffuse

ADJ. (1) both wordy and poorly organized; (2) spread out (as opposed to concentrated).

digression

N. wandering away from the subject.

dilapidated

ADJ. ruined because of neglect.

dilatory

ADJ. delaying.

dilemma

N. problem; choice of two unsatisfactory alternatives.

dilettante

N. aimless follower of the arts; amateur; dabbler.

diligence

N. steadiness of effort; persistent hard work.

dilute

V. make less concentrated; reduce in strength.

diminution

N. lessening; reduction in size.

din

N. continued loud noise.

dint

N. means; effort.

dire

ADJ. disastrous.

disabuse

V. correct a false impression; undeceive.

disaffected

ADJ. discontented with those in authority.

disapprobation

N. disapproval; condemnation.

disarray

N. a disorderly or untidy state.

disavowal

N. denial; disclaiming.

disband

V. dissolve; disperse.

discernible

ADJ. distinguishable; perceivable.

discerning

ADJ. mentally quick and observant; having insight.

disclose

V. reveal.

discombobulated

ADJ. confused; discomposed.

discomposure

N. agitation; loss of poise.

disconcert

V. confuse; upset; embarrass.

disconsolate

ADJ. sad.

discord

N. conflict; lack of harmony.

discordant

ADJ. (1) disagreeable to the ear; (2) not in harmony.

discount

V. (1) minimize the significance of; (2) reduce in price.

discourse

N. formal discussion; conversation.

discredit

V. defame; destroy confidence in; disbelieve.

discrepancy

N. lack of consistency; difference.

discrete

ADJ. separate; unconnected.

discretion

N. prudence; ability to adjust actions to circumstances.

discriminating

ADJ. (1) treating people of different classes unequally; (2) able to see subtle
differences.

disdain

V. view with scorn or contempt.

disenfranchise

V. deprive of a civil right.

disengage

V. uncouple; separate; disconnect.