SAT Vocab List 3

oblique

indirect or not stated openly; also, slanting.

accentuate

to make more noticeable or emphasize.

iconoclasm

the act of attacking or rejecting traditional beliefs.

self-effacing

extremely modest, humble, inconspicuous, or unobtrusive.

incredulity

an inability or unwillingness to believe something.

foreground

to place special attention on something.

gratification

pleasure or satisfaction.

contrived

artificial or too obviously planned.

archetypal

being a very typical example of something.

to typify

to be a typical example, to be a representative example.

prescient

knowing or correctly anticipating something in advance.

Abound

Existing in large numbers

caricature

an exaggerated depiction, usually negative; as a verb, to portray something in an exaggerated way.

sagacity

wisdom, especially wisdom gained through age and experience.

copious

abundant or existing in large quantities.

attrition

a gradual reduction in number or strength through repeated losses.

pervade

to spread throughout every part of something.

partitioned

divided into separate parts or sections.

epitome

a perfect or typical example of something.

circumspection

careful consideration of the possible consequences of an action.

manifest

to become apparent, evident, or clearly visible.

indices

signs, indicators, or numerical measures of something.

foment

to encourage or stir up conflict, trouble, or strong feelings.

inure

to accustom someone to something unpleasant so that it affects them less.

hallmark

a distinguishing feature or characteristic.

embellished

decorated or enhanced with additional details.

extemporaneous

spoken or performed without advance preparation.

resolute

firmly determined and unwavering.

culled

selected or gathered from a larger group.

renounce

to formally give up, reject, or abandon something.

denotes

indicates, represents, or means.

subjugate

to bring someone or something under control or domination.

underpinned

supported or provided a foundation for.

surmount

to overcome a difficulty or obstacle.

utilitarian

designed to be practical or useful rather than attractive.

appraise

to evaluate the value, quality, or condition of something.

circumspect

fecund

immoderate

multifarious

inviolable

laudable

patina

obstreperous

prosaic

sanctimonious

shrewd

quotidian

promulgate

penitent

unscrupulous

aberrate

assuage

infallible

Delineate

partisan

austere

lucid

clear and liquid

admonish

promulgate

Abject

entirely without pride or dignity

Beguile

charm or enchant

Berate

scold or criticize

Bereft

deprived or lacking

Blandishment

a flattering statement used to persuade someone

Bombastic

inflated

Bovine

cow-like

Braggart

a person who boasts about achievements

Cavort

dance around excitedly

Censorious

critical of others

Circumlocution

using many words, particularly in an evasive way

Circumscribe

restrict within limits

Clamor

a loud and confused noise

Clout

influence or power

Demur

show reluctance; raise objections

Despot

a tyrant

Diaphanous

light and translucent

Dirge

song of lament for the dead

Discomfit

make someone uncomfortable

Disrepute

state of disgrace

Edict

an official order

Ebullient

cheerful and lively

Epicureanism

pleasure is the most important aspect of life

Effluvia

unpleasant odor

Fortuitous

happening by chance

Fractious

irritable and difficult to control

Garrulous

talkative

Grandiloquent

pompous or extravagant in language, style, or manner

Gratuitous

uncalled for; unnecessary

Grotto

a small cave or cave-like structure

Hapless

unfortunate

Injunction

a court-ordered command

Inoculate

to vaccinate against a disease

Instigate

to provoke action

Insurgent

a rebel against authority

Interlocutor

a conversation participant

Illusion

magic tricks performed for entertainment

Litigant

a person involved in a lawsuit

Maelstrom

a powerful storm or chaotic situation