Core Vocabulary of the SAT - 4th Edition

These flashcards encompass the core vocabulary words from the SAT, along with their definitions, to assist students in preparing for their exams.

AMBIVALENT

Having mixed or opposing feelings at the same time.

ANOMALY

Deviation from the norm or what is expected.

SARCASTIC

Mocking, derisive, taunting, and stinging.

DEARTH

A scarcity or shortage of something.

PRATTLE

To speak in a foolish manner; to babble incessantly.

WRY

Dry; humorous with a clever twist and a touch of irony.

UNCONVENTIONAL

Not ordinary or typical; characterized by avoiding customary conventions.

METICULOUS

Extremely careful; very exacting.

AUDACIOUS

Fearlessly, often recklessly daring; very bold.

INDIFFERENT

Marked by a lack of interest or concern.

DIFFIDENT

Hesitant due to a lack of self-confidence; unassertive.

PRAGMATIC

Practical; sensible; not idealistic or romantic.

EVOCATION

An imaginative re-creation of something; a calling forth.

PRESUMPTUOUS

Taking liberties; brashly overstepping one’s place.

RECALCITRANT

Stubbornly resistant and defiant.

BOON

A timely benefit; blessing.

CLANDESTINE

Secret; covert; not open.

AFFABLE

Agreeable; marked by a pleasing personality; warm and friendly.

AUSTERE

Having no adornment or ornamentation; bare; not ornate.

ALTRUISM

Unselfish concern for the welfare of others.

AMBIGUITY

The quality or state of having more than one possible meaning.

UPBRAID

To express disapproval; scold; rebuke.

NOSTALGIA

A wistful sentimental longing for a place or time in the past.

CONJECTURE

An inference based upon guesswork; a supposition.

OBSOLETE

No longer in use; outmoded in design or style.

AUSPICIOUS

Very favorable.

MOROSE

Very depressed; mournful.

IMPASSE

A deadlock; stalemate; failure to reach an agreement.

ANACHRONISM

The false assignment of an event, person, scene, or language to a time when it did not exist.

BELIE

To contradict; to misrepresent.

MITIGATE

To relieve; to lessen; to ease.

COVET

To strongly desire; to crave.

ANTITHESIS

The direct or exact opposite; extreme contrast.

PROTOTYPE

An original model; an initial design.

ALOOF

Detached; distant physically or emotionally.

TRITE

Unoriginal; commonplace; overused.

ANTECDENT

A preceding event; a forerunner.

PLAUSIBLE

Believable; credible.

PRUDENT

Careful; cautious; sensible.

AESTHETIC

Relating to the nature of beauty, art, and taste.

PARADOX

A seemingly contradictory statement that nonetheless expresses a truth.

ENIGMATIC

Mysterious; puzzling.

ACQUIESCE

To comply; agree.

NAÏVE

Unaffectedly simple; lacking worldly expertise.

AUTONOMY

Independent; not controlled by others.

FUTILE

Completely useless; doomed to failure.

INDIGENOUS

Native to an area.

UBIQUITOUS

Characterized by being everywhere; pervasive.

PANDEMIC

An epidemic that is geographically widespread.

FORTITUDE

Strength of mind that allows one to endure pain.

DIMINUTIVE

Very small.

TRIVIAL

Trifling; unimportant.

EXHORT

To encourage; urge.

ANTIPATHY

Strong dislike; ill will.

DIGRESS

To depart from a subject; wander.

TENACIOUS

Characterized by holding fast; showing great determination.

INDULGENT

Characterized by excessive generosity.

POLARIZE

To create disunity or dissension.

NEBULOUS

Vague; cloudy; misty.

ANALOGY

A similarity or likeness between things.

EPHEMERAL

Very brief; lasting for a short time.

PENCHANT

A liking or preference for something.

CAPRICIOUS

Very changeable; fickle.

BOORISH

Vulgar; crude behavior.

INDIGNANT

Characterized by outrage at something perceived as unjust.

INNUENDO

A veiled reference.

THWART

To stop; frustrate.

ADROIT

Having or showing great skill.

ADMONISH

To earnestly caution.

INCONTROVERTIBLE

Indisputable; beyond doubt.

VORACIOUS

Having a huge appetite.

CALLOUS

Emotionally hardened.

INTREPID

Courageous; fearless.

NONCHALANT

Having an air of casual indifference.

CONVOLUTED

Winding and twisting; complex.

ITINERANT

Migrating from place to place.

POIGNANT

Moving; touching.

IMPETUS

A stimulus or encouragement.

BUCOLIC

Characteristic of charming countryside.

EQUANIMITY

Calmness; composure.

PANACHE

Great vigor and energy.

PROVOCATIVE

Provoking discussion.

PLACID

Calm or quiet.

FORTUITOUS

Accidental but fortunate occurrence.

DISPEL

To drive away; scatter.

AMALGAM

A mixture; blend.

VIABLE

Capable of being accomplished.

ANGUISH

Agonizing physical or mental pain.

INTEMPERATE

Lacking restraint; excessive.

SUPERFICIAL

Shallow; lacking depth.

LAUD

To praise.

DISMISSIVE

Showing indifference.

DISPARAGE

To speak of in a slighting way.

POMPOUS

Filled with excessive self-importance.

CRYPTIC

Having a hidden meaning.

SUBTLE

Difficult to detect; faint.

DISPARITY

An inequality; gap.

CURTAIL

To cut short or reduce.

INNOCUOUS

Harmless.

DIATRIBE

A bitter abusive denunciation.