SAT set 1

peruse

read over something attentively

euphemism

a mild or indirect word or expression used in place of one that may be considered harsh or unpleasant.

facetious

treating serious issues with deliberately inappropriate humor.

bilk

to cheat or defraud someone, usually to gain money.

mellifluous

having a smooth, sweet sound or flow

dilatory

intending to causing delay

conflagration

a large destructive fire that causes widespread damage.

flounder

to struggle or move in a clumsy way

fortuitous

occurring by chance

diffidence

a lack of self-confidence or shyness in social situations.

surreptitious

acquired by stealth

myopic

lack of foresight or discernment

verisimilitude

the appearance of being true or real

prosaic

dull

partisan

prejudiced in favor of a particular cause or group

chide

to speak out angry or displeased

incorrigible

incapable of being corrected

pugnacious

combative nature

banality

lacking originality

tact

sensitivity in dealing with others.

verbose

contains more words than necessary

toady

a person who flatters or ingratiates themselves to someone for personal gain.

inchoate

only partly in operation or existence

obsequious

showing excessive willingness to serve or please others.

elocutionist

a person who is skilled in public speaking and the art of delivering speeches.

histronic

excessively theatrical or dramatic in character or style.

maudlin

overly sentimental or emotional, often in a self-pitying manner.

poignant

evoking a strong sense of sadness or regret.

temporize

to delay making a decision to gain time

demagogue

a political leader who seeks support by appealing to popular desires and prejudices rather than using rational argument.

gallantry

an act of courtesy

obdurate

persistent in wrongdoing

officious

meddlesome

banal

lacking originality

expropriate

deprive of possession

deferment

delay

incubate

to cause

empirical

based on observation or experience

lucrative

producing wealth

ostentatious

pretentious

wistful

nostalgical desire

puerile

childish

surly

bad-tempered

transient

quickly into and out of existence

compendious

concise

lassitude

fatigue

dichotomy

a division into two contrasting parts or groups.

aberration

a departure from what is normal or expected.

denude

to strip something of its covering or possessions.

impugn

to challenge or question the truthfulness or validity of something.

disparager

one who belittles or criticizes someone or something.

ungainly

awkward or clumsy in movement or appearance.

dilettante

a person who takes up an art or activity for amusement rather than serious study.

locution

a particular form of expression or phrase.

propitious

benevolent

odoriferous

odorous