English 2 Unit 4 Vocab: SAT Words to Know

analogous

adjective

comparable in certain respects, typically in a way which makes clearer the nature of the things compared

ex: All of the actors reading for the role were analogous to each other in appearance

brevity

noun

concise and exact use of words in writing or speech

ex: This interview has been lightly edited for clarity and brevity.

capitalize

verb

take the chance to gain advantage from

ex: While the social network remains focused on keeping its ad revenue intact as the crisis unfolds, it is also trying to capitalize on the surge in online shopping that’s currently taking place in the midst of it.

culmination

verb

the highest or climactic point of something, especially attained after a long time

ex: The decision for the state takeover of Houston ISD is the culmination of a tumultuous year.

empirical

adjective

based on, concerned with, or verifiable by observation or experience rather than theory or pure logic

ex: There is little empirical data on how tracking tardies improves a school’s culture.

endow

verb

provide with a quality, ability, or asset

ex: Just this year the trustees from Michigan pledged $22 million to endow an art management program

entrenched

adjective

(of an attitude, habit, or belief) firmly established and difficult or unlikely to change; ingrained

ex: A few days ago, he criticized his home state of Alabama for its entrenched prejudice.

pragmatic

adjective

dealing with things sensibly and realisticcally in a way that is based on practical rather than theoretical considerations

ex: Instead of trying to convince yourself that this time might be different, be pragmatic about what might happen based on past patters.

postulate

verb

suggest or assume the existence, fact, or truth of (something) as a basis for reasoning, discussion, or belief

ex: So there is no reason to postulate on a Pat Riley- Lebron James reunion, because there has been no indication of that as a possibility.

substantiate

verb

provide evidence to support or prove the truth of

ex: Mr. MacGregor couldn’t substantiate that it was Peter, and not some other rabbit, in the cabbage patch.

underscore

verb

to make evident; emphasize, stress

ex: The president’s visit underscores the administration’s commitment to free trade.

subsequent

adjective

coming after something in time; following

ex: His case was reopened in 2021 as evidence was collected during subsequent investigation into the deaths of Maggie and Paul at the Murdaugh family estate.