SSAT WORD LIST

Abate

To lessen in intensity or degree.

Benevolent

Well-meaning and kindly.

Candid

Truthful and straightforward; frank.

Diligent

Showing care and effort in one's work or duties.

Eloquent

Fluent or persuasive in speaking or writing.

Frugal

Sparing or economical with regard to money or food.

Gregarious

Fond of company; sociable.

Haphazard

Lacking any obvious principle of organization.

Imperative

Of vital importance; crucial.

Jovial

Cheerful and friendly.

Kinetic

Relating to or resulting from motion.

Lucid

Clear and easy to understand.

Meticulous

Showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise.

Nonchalant

Feeling or appearing casually calm and relaxed.

Opulent

Ostentatiously rich and luxurious or lavish.

Pernicious

Having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way.

Quixotic

Exceedingly idealistic; unrealistic and impractical.

Resilient

Able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions.

Surreptitious

Kept secret, especially because it would not be approved of.

Tenacious

Tending to keep a firm hold of something; persistent.

Ubiquitous

Present, appearing, or found everywhere.

Verbose

Using more words than are needed; wordy.

Wary

Feeling or showing caution about possible dangers or problems.

Xenophobia

Dislike of or prejudice against people from other countries.

Yield

To produce or provide; to give way to arguments, demands, or pressure.

Zeal

Great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or objective.

Ambiguous

Open to more than one interpretation; not having one obvious meaning.

Benign

Gentle and kindly; not harmful.

Capricious

Given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior.

Dexterous

Demonstrating skill, especially with the hands.

Ephemeral

Lasting for a very short time.

Fickle

Changing frequently, especially as regards one's loyalties or affections.

Gullible

Easily persuaded to believe something; credulous.

Harangue

A lengthy and aggressive speech.

Impetuous

Acting or done quickly and without thought or care.

Jeopardize

To put at risk of loss or injury.

Kindle

To light or set on fire; to arouse or inspire.

Lethargic

Affected by lethargy; sluggish and apathetic.

Mundane

Lacking interest or excitement; dull.

Nostalgia

A sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past.