SAT Vocabulary

cordially

In a polite and respectful way, often used to describe formal interactions or greetings.

arduous

Requiring a lot of effort and endurance; challenging or strenuous.

judicious

Showing good judgment, especially when weighing options or making decisions.

pragmatic

Focused on practical solutions rather than idealistic ones; results-oriented.

resolute

Firmly committed or determined, even in the face of challenges.

scrupulous

Extremely careful to do what is right or morally proper; also very precise.

dismayed

Upset or discouraged by something unexpected or disappointing.

disparaged

Criticized or spoken of as less valuable or important than it really is.

revitalized

Brought back to life or energy, often used for communities, programs, or ideas.

scrutinized

Examined very closely and critically, especially to find flaws or understand deeply.

substantiated

Supported with solid evidence or reasoning, often to prove a claim.

surmised

Guessed something based on limited information; an educated guess.

verified

Confirmed as true or accurate, often through evidence or checking.

equivocal

Open to more than one interpretation; often deliberately ambiguous.

obsequious

Overly eager to help or obey someone important; submissively flattering.

capricious

Unpredictable or subject to sudden changes in mood or behavior.

anomaly

Something unusual or unexpected that deviates from the norm.

esoteric

Understood by only a small, specialized group; obscure.

didactic

Intended to teach, often in a way that is overly moralistic or lecture-y.

acquiesce

To accept something reluctantly but without protest.

reticent

Reserved; not revealing one's thoughts or feelings easily.

belie

To contradict or give a false impression.

enervate

To weaken or drain of energy.

magnanimous

Generous or forgiving, especially toward a rival or someone less powerful.

intransigent

Unwilling to compromise or change one’s views.

zealous

Passionately devoted to a cause or belief.

tenuous

Very weak or slight (often referring to an argument or connection).

vociferous

Loud and forceful in expressing opinions.

laconic

Using very few words; concise to the point of seeming rude or mysterious.

recalcitrant

Stubbornly resisting authority or control.

perfunctory

Done with little interest or effort; superficial.

apocryphal

Of doubtful authenticity, though widely believed.

tantamount

Equivalent in seriousness or effect.

indefatigable

Persisting tirelessly.

polemic

A strong verbal or written attack on someone or something.

spurious

Not genuine or true; false or fake.

veracity

Conformity to facts; truthfulness.

mitigate

To make less severe or painful; to alleviate.

ubiquitous

Present, appearing, or found everywhere; omnipresent.

caveat

A warning or proviso of specific stipulations, conditions, or limitations.

juxtapose

To place different things side by side for comparison or contrast.

egregious

Outstandingly bad; shocking.

quintessential

Representing the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class.

cognizant

Having knowledge or being aware of something.

ostensible

Stated or appearing to be true, but not necessarily so.

sycophant

A person who acts obsequiously toward someone important to gain advantage; a servile flatterer.

stymie

To prevent or hinder the progress of something; to obstruct.

outstrip

To exceed or surpass in performance, quality, or achievement.

sanguine

Optimistic or positive, especially in a difficult situation.