ACT Vocab Words

adhere(verb)

Stick completely to a surface or substance[or] believe in and follow the practices of.

aloof(adjective)

not friendly or forthcoming; cool and distant

ambiguous(adjective)

open to more than one interpretation; having a double meaning

analyze(verb)

examine in detail, typically for purposes of explanation and interpretation.

anecdote(noun)

a short and amusing or interesting story about a real incident or person

antagonize(verb)

cause someone to become hostile

anticipate(verb)

regard as probable; expect or predict

apprehensive(adjective)

anxious or fearful that something bad will happen

arcane(adjective)

mysterious or secret

assert(verb)

state a fact or belief confidently and forcefully

assess(verb)

evaluate or estimate the nature, ability, or quality of

attribute(verb)

regard something as being caused by someone or something

bear(verb)

endure an ordeal or difficulty

befall(verb)

(of something bad) happen to someone

burgeon(verb)

begin to grow or increase rapidly; flourish

coherent(adjective)

logical and consistent

compassion(noun)

concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others

compensate(verb)

make up for something unwelcome or unpleasant by exerting an opposite force or effect

complement(noun)

a thing that completes or brings to perfection a larger whole

compose(verb)

1. write or create

2. constitute, make up

condescending(adjective)

having or showing a feeling of superiority

consecutive(adjective)

following continuously; in unbroken or logical sequence

contour(noun)

an outline, especially one representing or bounding the shape or form of something.

contract(verb)

decrease in size, number or range

contradict(verb)

be in conflict with

correlate(verb)

have a mutual relationship or connection

corollary(noun)

a direct or natural consequence or result

critical(adjective)

1. expressing adverse or disapproving comments or judgements.

2. expressing or involving an analysis of the merits and faults of a work of literature, music, or art.

3. involving the objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgement.

4. (of a situation or problem) having the potential to become disastrous; at a point of crisis.

cumbersome(adjective)

1. large or heavy and therefore difficult to carry or use.

2. slow or complicated and therefore inefficient.

deficit(noun)

the amount by which something is too small.

demean(verb)

cause a severe loss in the dignity of an respect for someone or something

depict(verb)

show or represent

determine(verb)

1. cause(something) to occur in a particular way; be the decisive factor in

2. ascertain or establish exactly, typically as a result of research or calculation

devoid(adjective)

entirely lacking or free from

differentiate(verb)

1. recognize or ascertain what makes(someone or something) different

2. identify differences between(two or more things or people)

3. make(someone or something) appear different or distinct

4. make or become different in the process of growth or development

diffuse(adjective)

spread out over a large area; not concentrated

digress(verb)

leave the main subject temporarily in speech or writing

diminish(verb)

make or become less

discrepancy(noun)

a lack of compatibility or similarity between two or more facts

(dis)inclined(verb)

willing or positive about an action, belief, or attitude(disinclined: unwilling or negative about something)

dismay(verb)

consternation and distress, typically that caused by something unexpected

disposition(noun)

1. a person’s inherent qualities of mind and character

2. an inclination or tendency

dynamic(adjective)

characterized by constant change, activity, or progress

eclipse(noun)

a loss of significance, power, or prominence in relation to another person or thing

emerge(verb)

become apparent, important, or prominent

eminent(adjective)

famous and respected within a particular sphere or profession

engage(verb)

1. occupy, attract, or involve(someone’s interest or attention)

2. (engage someone in) cause someone to become involved in(a conversation or discussion)

3. participate or become involved in

engross(verb)

absorb all the attention or interest of

ethereal(adjective)

extremely delicate and light in a way that seems too perfect for this world

evolve(verb)

develop gradually, especially from a simple to a more complex form

exploit(verb)

1. make full use of and derive benefit from

2. use a situation or person in an unfair or selfish way

facilitate(verb)

make an action or process easy or easier

feign(verb)

pretend to be affected by a feeling, state, or injury

fleeting(adjective)

lasting for a very short time

glaring(adjective)

extremely obvious or conspicuous

hardship(noun)

severe suffering or deprivation

hurtle(verb)

move or cause to move at a great speed, typically in an uncontrolled manner

immerse(verb)

involve oneself deeply in a particular activity or interest; dip or submerge in a liquid

imminent(adjective)

about to happen

(im)mobile(adjective)

able to move or be moved freely or easily(immobile: not able to be moved)