SSAT and ISEE vocab

abduct

To take away by force or deception.

accentuate

To make something more noticeable or prominent.

acclaim

Public Praise

accord

An agreement or harmony between parties.

acumen

The ability to make good judgments and quick decisions.

adamant

Possessing an unshakable resolve; not willing to change one’s mind.

adorn

to decorate or beautify

aggrandize

to make something seem bigger, greater of more impressive

aggravate

to annoy; to make something worse

agile

physically or mentally quick and nimble

aloof

cool and reserved

ambiguous

having several different interpretations or meanings

amble

a leisurely walk

anguish

extreme pain of suffering

animated

full of energy, life, or spirit

annihilate

to utterly destroy or defeat

annul

to revoke the legal status of a law, agreement or marriage

anomaly

something or someone that is different from what is normal, expected, or common.

apex

the highest point of an object; the highest point of achievement

aplomb

unshakeable self-assurance especially in a challenging situation

applause

showing approval or praise by clapping one’s hands

arduous

requiring great effort and extertion

assail

to attack violently; to criticize heavily

assemble

to gather into one place or unit

astonish

to surprise or impress greatly; to amaze

astute

having keen judgement

atone

to make amends for one’s offenses or mistakes

attire

clothing usually for formal events

audible

loud enough to be heard

banquet

a lavish formal meal for many guests

barrage

heavy artillery fire; an overwhelming number of questions aimed at someone all at once

bask

to lie in the warm light(usually the sun) for pleasure and relaxation

bastion

the projecting part of a fortification that is built at an angle to all for defensive fire

bedraggled

having a disheveled appearance

benefactor

someone who invests money or other resources in a person or cause